A recent change in this year's Spring Fest lineup will turn the fest from an all hip-hop and rap concert to a more diverse show with reggae artist Elephant Man replacing rapper The Game, according to Student Association officials.
The Game, who originally agreed to an offer to perform, has dropped from the program, according to Dela Yador, SA vice president.
Yador confirmed the change and said it was due to a better offer at another location, along with other unresolved issues between a few of the rappers. According to music news television, it's rumored that 50 Cent, founder of The Game, has personal problems with Jadakiss, resulting in The Game being unable to perform alongside him.
Yador said Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss will still perform at the concert, and SA used the need for a replacement for The Game as an opportunity to mix up the sound of Spring Fest 2005.
"We really wanted to do a different genre that hasn't been seen before at UB," Yador said. "There is a large Caribbean community at UB and think they will be excited to see Elephant Man. They were very excited about the offer."
Elephant Man, a dancehall Jamaican artist is best known for his fun, authentic reggae style flow was chosen to replace The Game. His last CD, "Good 2 Go," was released in December 2003, and featured hit singles "Jook Gal," and "Pon de River Pon de Bank."
Troy Cameron, a senior business major who is part of UB's Caribbean community, said he is excited about the change in the lineup.
"I am Jamaican, and (Elephant Man) is one of the biggest dance hall reggae artists," Cameron said.
With Snoop Dogg still headlining Spring Fest, many students said they do not mind the change.
"Even though I am not going see The Game, I am still psyched for Snoop Dogg and I am excited that Elephant Man is able to join him onstage," said Becca Trager, a junior social science interdisciplinary major.
Although rap artists Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss are still on board, Yador said he knows some students will be disappointed with The Game pulling out.
"Spring Fest is looking pretty good," he said. "I am pleased with the lineup and concerned about students being happy about the new lineup."
Elisabeth Bartels, a senior communication and art history major, said she would have rather had seen the original lineup.
"I would have preferred to have The Game over Elephant Man," Bartels said. "I don't think that Elephant Man and Snoop Dogg go together."
Some students said a change in performers, especially for genre diversity, might attract more people.
"I think that it is cool," said Chris Fishburne, senior music and theater dance major. "I don't know who The Game is, but I have heard of Elephant Man and think it might bring in more of a crowd."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
