Busta Busts Out of Fallfest Lineup

Friday's Fallfest may have gotten a little more illmatic.

That's because due to a scheduling conflict, Busta Rhymes will not be performing at the annual concert.

Taking his place will be Nas, perhaps best known for his single "If I Ruled the World," critically acclaimed album "Illmatic" or his lyrical acknowledgements to African-American culture struggles.

Lil' Kim and Godsmack will still be performing as scheduled.

"We worked very hard all week in order to fill the gap left by Busta Rhymes after his cancellation. We are thrilled to be able to add an artist of Nas' caliber. His is a name that has appeared frequently on student surveys, and we feel it's going to be a great show," stated John Haumesser, SA Entertainment assistant music director, in a prepared statement, the only response the division would provide The Spectrum.

In a fax to SA Entertainment dated Aug. 28, Dennis Ashley, Rhymes' agent, stated the rapper would not be appearing at Fallfest, and according to the statement by SA Entertainment, Rhymes' management company booked the artist in two shows at the same time.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause the university and we are working diligently to replace the artist," stated Ashley in the fax.

SA Entertainment declined further comment about the issue, but Ticketmaster listed Rhymes as performing on Saturday in Puyallup, Washington.

Students had mixed reactions about the change in lineup, mostly citing personal preference about performers.

"I was kind of looking forward to seeing Busta, because I'm a Busta fan," said Shauna Walsh, a sophomore English major.

Marquis Butler, a junior biotech major, said he was excited about the change in performers because of his respect for rapper Nas.

"I just like him because he has better lyrics than Busta Rhymes," said Butler.

Still others said the last minute change won't affect them at all.

"I'm so heartbroken about that," said sophomore biotech major Sean Keenan, with a laugh. "I'm really not a rap fan. I'm just going to see Godsmack."