The University of Idaho has made it a tradition to invite budding music artists on the cusp of a break-through to headline the annual Finals Fest celebration on campus.
In 2007, the institution snagged an appearance from a relatively unknown country music artist — who would later go on to become the 10-time Grammy winner known world-wide as Taylor Swift.
Six years later, the university welcomed an alternative rapper from Seattle whose claim to fame was a viral song endorsing a thrifty approach to shopping. Less than a year later, Vandal students watched as this very same artist (Macklemore) accepted a Grammy award and championed LGBTQ rights through his hit song “Same Love.”
But after a relative flop with Grouplove in 2014, Vandal Entertainment shied away from rock bands and alternative artists. Instead, the organization attempted to venture after hip-hop moguls, including Chance the Rapper and iLoveMakkonnen.
This same theme can be found in this year’s choice for the Finals Fest headliner, as Post Malone is scheduled to visit campus April 29 for a live performance to help students celebrate the end of another academic year.
The Texas rapper recently went platinum with his debut album “Stoney” and triple-platinum with his hit song “White Iverson,” as the music video surpassed more than 265 million views on YouTube.
Although the selection should be a popular one among students, there will inevitably be many wondering why other genres have been underrepresented in recent Finals Fest performances.
Hip-hop has served as a music staple for the last decade, but with three consecutive years of the same genre, many students may be wondering how Vandal Entertainment selects its artists and whether they might be able to provide input on the music choice.
There’s nothing wrong with the selection of Post Malone, as it highlights a recognition of his rising reputation and experimental flow. But for many students unfamiliar with the rap scene, the name might appear as foreign as a trigonometry formula on an English exam.
This is an opportunity to experience something new or to relish in something already loved.
No matter your music preference, all Vandals should make a genuine effort to enjoy the annual tradition that is Finals Fest. Even though hip-hop is traditionally associated with party-based music, a live performance always represents the opportunity for a quality experience, regardless of genre.
— JG