Author: Jeremy Candelas
After much delay and even greater anticipation, the Slope Day Programming Board finally announced this year’s performers. This has come with mixed responses throughout the Cornell community. While many are anticipating Chance’s arrival on campus, some have decried the selection of a rap artist as the headlining performer for the third year in a row. Others are simply unfamiliar with those performing.
Dissenting opinions aside, this year’s Slope Day is bound to be a fun-filled day featuring talented and entertaining artists. Magic!’s unique reggae-infused style is certain to be a lively opening act, while Chance’s talent will maintain that energy and propel it even further as the Cornell community gets down in the sunshine.
For those of you not in the know, here’s the low down on this year’s musical acts.
Opening Act: Magic!
This year’s opener will be Canadian reggae-fusion band Magic!. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, the quartet topped the charts in seven countries last year with their lead single, “Rude,” from their debut studio album Don’t Kill the Magic.
Although the band is just beginning to make their mark on the music scene, lead singer Nasri Atweh has already put his foot well inside the door. Atweh has written songs for several big names in the music industry – including Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Iggy Azalea, Pitbull, and Christina Aguilera. Needless to say, Atweh knows what he’s doing, and Magic! will likely be a band to keep an eye on in the months to come.
The group is currently in the midst of the Maroon 5 World Tour. Following the Slope Day concert, Magic! and Maroon 5 will soon begin the European leg of their tour.
Headlining Act: Chance the Rapper
Chicago-born rapper Chancelor Bennet (best known by his stage name “Chance the Rapper”) will be the headlining performer for this year’s Slope Day.
Chance the Rapper, still a rising artist at the young age of 21, has made great strides following the release of his second mixtape in 2013, dubbed “Acid Rap.” For those unfamiliar with his work, Chance has made both of his mixtapes available for free online.
Much of Chance’s appeal lies in his lyrical brilliance. His music covers everything from criticism to storytelling, combining several musical styles to create a unique and memorable sound (genres include blues, soul, jazz-funk, and, of course, hip-hop). Chance cites artists such as Common, Eminem, MC Hammer, James Brown, and Lil Wayne amongst his musical inspirations.
In late 2013, hoping to further expand his musical stylings, he began to include the band The Social Experiment in his live performances. He will also be releasing an album, “Surf,” under the band’s monger later this year. Like his mixtapes, the album will be available for free.
Beyond his musical endeavors, he has also expressed an interest in acting. Chance recently released a short film in conjunction with Vice, entitled “Mr. Happy.” (Perhaps we’ll be seeing Chance the Actor soon?)
It goes without saying that Chance the Rapper is quite a talented individual. His wide array of talents will surely help drive his future career in whichever artistic venture he chooses to embark upon. In the mean time, Chance the Rapper is bound to make Slope Day a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who attend.
Slope Day will be May 7th this year; tickets go on sale April 22nd.
