From opener Daniel Caesar to headliners A$AP Ferg and Ty Dolla $ign, Spring Fest features a mix of R&B and hip-hop on May 5.
Undergraduates shared their opinions concerning this year’s Spring Fest lineup with The Spectrum. Students commonly expressed delight with Ferg and Caesar, but noted disappointment with Dolla $ign.
Coming off the success of his mixtape “Still Striving” as well as the full-length LP with A$AP Mob “Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Still Cozy,” co-headliner Ferg boasts a collection of floor-thumping tracks to attract a heap of undergrads. Ferg previously performed at Fall Fest in 2013 alongside fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Rocky.
Co-headliner Dolla $ign has appeared in many popular hip-hop tracks and is currently on tour in support of his most recent release, “Beach House 3.” With a vast number of feature appearances to his name, Dolla $ign has worked with some of the biggest names in rap like Wiz Khalifa and A$AP Rocky, touring with both in 2012 after signing to Khalifa’s label Taylor Gang Records.
Arya Hajikandi, a junior computer science major, feels that the mix of R&B and hip-hop is attractive, although Dolla $ign leaves more to be desired.
“I’m a fan of the mix of hip-hop and R&B,” Hajikandi said. “I like Daniel Caesar, but I think we could’ve done better than Ty Dolla $ign. He’s known more for his features than his own songs.”
Austin Szczesniak, a sophomore accounting major, echoed the underwhelming feeling towards Dolla $ign.
“I’m afraid no one will recognize Ty Dolla $ign’s songs that are his own,” Szczesniak said. “His features are what is most popular and will probably drive the majority of his set.”
Caesar adds R&B to the affair, coming of his 2017 debut “Freudian” which garnered him two Grammy nominations.
Caesar emerged with two independent releases, the EPs “Praise Break” and “Pilgrim’s Paradise” in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
“Freudian” received widespread praise from critics upon release in 2017, supported by singles “Get You” and “We Find Love/Blessed.” Students found Caesar to be a welcome addition and a change of pace in comparison to Ferg and Dolla $ign. He has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the R&B genre and an artist to watch in 2018.
Still, Renzo Abaldonado, a junior health and human services student, sees this year’s Spring Fest as underwhelming.
“I feel like there is a better mix of artists that UB could’ve booked,” Abaldonado said. “It would be better to have students vote on the choices each year as they’ve done in the past.”
Students can register for tickets online as well as in person at the SBI ticket office located at 221 Student Union. Students can expect more information, including location and ticket details in April.
Brian Evans is the assistant arts editor and can be reached at brian.evans@ubspectrum.com and @BrianEvansSpec.
Brian Evans is a senior English major and The Spectrum's senior arts editor.
