By Ryan Menard
With rapper Mos Def set to appear at this year’s Springfest, alongside ska-punkers Less Than Jake, the annual event has taken an unexpected turn as another rap-fronted event, and has disappointed some students hoping for a higher-profile act.
The rapper’s slot comes as a surprise, as Counci l for University Programs (CUP) had been planning an all-rock show to contrast the rap lineup from Fallfest championed by Method Man after Wyclef Jean backed out and last year’s Springfest was canceled. Many students hoped for the high-profile act CUP had promised since last year.
“So they’re doing a ’90s rap artist with Less Than Jake?” asked middler English major Christopher Yarsawich. “Did they have trouble finding bands this year?”
The University of Massachusetts will host concerts from Grammy-winners Maroon5 and Green Day in April, Boston University is celebrating its new arena with performances from Duran Duran, Maroon5, Of A Revolution and Sting and Harvard University hosted folk-legend Bob Dylan in November.
The results of this year’s promising Springfest budget, however, fell short of some students’ expectations.
“It’s kind of disappointing they bumped up the activities fee and can’t even get a decent act,” said senior computer engineering major Ryan Godfrey. “They should have been planning the event further ahead to secure a better act.”
And while many students may have long-awaited a rock show, will likely be disappoinhted, this year’s concert may appeal to fans of rap music who may have been turned off by more alternative acts.
Junior nursing major David Cadet said that Mos Def is a relevant artist and will make for a good show.
“I think Mos Def will make a good mix. The different bands appeal to both crowds, it will be a good event,” he said. “I just hope that there’s good promotion, then they have my vote.”
Mos Def, heralded as a promising rapper in the late ’90s for deviating from gangster rap with his honest, literary style, recently returned to the music scene after a five-year break. His recently released album, “The New Danger” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, despite lackluster promotion.
Also on the bill is the six-piece ska-punk band Less Than Jake, veterans of the ska-revival of the mid-’90s and Warped Tour staples. Their brand of high-energy punk infused with reggae and a whimsical horn section is a live favorite for their danceable songs and amusing covers – including ’80s one-hit-wonder “Jenny (867-5309)” and several numbers from the musical “Grease.”
The band released a rarities collection, “B is for B-Sides,” and a retrospective DVD, “The People’s History of Less Than Jake,” in 2004, following their last full-length, “Anthem,” in 2003.
