Deadpan trap rapper 21 Savage is set to headline Brookfest 2018 on April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Island Federal Credit Union Arena. The Undergraduate Student Government announced the spring concert via Facebook on Feb. 14.
The Atlanta-based performer is best known for platinum singles “X” (2016) and “Bank Account” (2017), from his debut record “Issa Album” (2017). Since the album’s release, he’s been featured in Post Malone’s Billboard 100 hit “rockstar” and Cardi B’s “Bartier Cardi.”
This year, USG did not host a Brookfest release party or poll students. According to the Facebook post, USG only sends out names for students to vote on if there are “multiple options relatively close to each other in current popularity.”
“The only other serious inquiry was Travis Scott, who unfortunately did not pass a reference check due to his reputation for starting riots inside his concerts,” Jaliel Amador, vice president of student life, said.
Many students commented on USG’s Facebook announcement, frustrated with the artist choice.
“It’s a hard decision to come up with the artist,” Oscar Rodrigo Icochea, a Stony Brook graduate and former member of the Student Activities Board, said. “A lot of money goes into the show. You have to get someone with mainstream attraction because you have to fill the seats.”
The booking price for 21 Savage alone was $117,000. To curb “impossible suggestions,” USG decided to be transparent about other artist costs, including those of past performers Post Malone, DNCE, Fetty Wap and Future.
“Every year, USG has the same limitations in booking an artist,” USG stated on Facebook. “Kanye, The Who and Biggie were all booked before they rose exponentially in fame and price. We simply cannot afford ‘legends’ after they’ve already become legends.”
Last year’s Brookfest, which hosted performers DNCE, Joey Bada$$ and Alison Wonderland, was held in the Student Activities lot. After hearing student feedback, USG looked for another viable venue.
“Athletics can not let us use the stadium to preserve the life of the field, especially with the Women’s Lacrosse National Championship being held at SBU,” Amador said. “Given overall feedback from last year’s concert in the SAC lot, USG felt it would be best for the student experience to bring this year’s concert back to the IFCU Arena.”
Tickets for the spring concert in the 4,000-seat arena go on sale March 5. Prices should stay consistent with those of previous concerts, according to Amador.
