OutKast's Big Boi rocks UNC's Memorial Hall

UNC students who couldn't make it to Moogfest last fall got another chance at seeing one of its headliners this week when rap superstar Big Boi stopped by for a performance. CUAB, the committee responsible for booking on-campus events, had another hit on their hands with Wednesday night's show. While Memorial Hall's formal air made it seem like an odd choice of venue, the show delighted students looking for a great time on a weeknight.

Wichita native XV opened the show, playing to a small but very enthusiastic crowd. Few seemed to know who he was, but none of them cared. His songs were pretty refreshing in comparison to most of the Top 40 hip-hop out there, with samples ranging from The Pixies ("Hey") to dialogue from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ("Willy Wonkavator"). By the time Big Boi hit the stage, the theater was packed.



Big Boi needed no help pumping up the crowd, who cheered and danced throughout. Later in his set, he pulled several female audience members from the front few rows onstage to dance. He played mostly material from his debut solo album Sir Lucius Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty alongside a few new tracks. He even pulled in a few OutKast songs—hits including "Rosa Parks," "B.O.B.," "GhettoMusick" and "Ms. Jackson." These were the clear crowd favorites.

Big Boi's set lasted only about an hour, but it was nonetheless highly enthusiastic and entertaining. He seemed to run out of material before he ran out of energy.

This isn't the first great show CUAB has booked this school year. Earlier acts have included Passion Pit (check out a review and photos HERE) and local favorites Hammer No More The Fingers. With any luck, they'll keep up this excellent trend of booking great acts with low ticket prices.