Southern University’s 2003 Spring Fest was definitely taken over by outsiders….everyone knew it was coming, but no one knew it would be like this…MTV’s Campus Invasion Tour 2003 hit “The Bluff” with full force.
At noon on Saturday April 26, students were able to come out and enjoy the interactive music expo MTV set up on the lawn in front of Mayberry Dining Hall.
This year, students got to enjoy singing karaoke songs to the tunes of their favorite artists, MTV’s “The Leak” set up computers that played unreleased music, an MC booth let aspiring rappers battle each other and a booth let students interview top artists via the latest technology. The main event was highlighted by a motivational speech by actor/rapper Ice-T and a performance by the F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S one!!
Although that was a lot…that was not all. Students also got the chance to win free CD’s, official Campus Invasion T-shirts, a MTV Karaoke machine, a Nintendo Gamecube and ate all the crawfish and barbecue they wanted.
“The events are better this year. There are more things to do than last year’s Spring Fest. The karaoke booth is my favorite because people are having more fun over there,” said Jennifer Larke, a sophomore business major from Los Angeles.
The students of Southern University were having fun, but the atmosphere changed when Ice-T came out to give his motivational speech. The actor/rapper spoke to the excited crowd about “keeping it real” and controlling yourself before trying to control things around you.
“Freedom of speech is not free after the words leave your mouth,” Ice-T said. “When you say something you have to be prepared to deal with the consequences.”
After Ice-T’s lecture, he opened the floor for questions. Students of SU were more interested in Ice-T’s entertainment and P.I.M.P careers than his words of wisdom.
One student wanted to know how to get into the entertainment business. Ice-T replied, “Find a good entertainment company and try to get an internship. It is the best way to learn the game for free.”
Another student asked him how he got into the game. Ice-T told the audience he got into the game while he was in Hawaii. A friend introduced him to a pimp and he got involved. “To be a pimp in the game, you got to be your biggest hoe,” Ice-T said.
Before leaving the stage he tied information the students wanted to know and a message together. “To be prosperous in the entertainment business, you have to learn the game. The entertainment business is just like the pimp game, don’t give a hoe more than she brings in,” T said.
Following the motivational speech the crowd was entertained by an upbeat routine performed by the SU Look Dancers.
“I am really excited to be a part of the festivities this year. The crowd is hype and that makes the dancers hype,” said Raven Howard, co-Captain of the Look Dancers.
After the dance performance students returned to the interactive music expo for the MC battle which showcased the talents of numerous SU students.
The crowd was in for a treat after the MC battle. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta and Kappa Alpha Psi took to the stage for a quick step-off. The energy brought by the Greek organizations got the crowd ready for the main event…
“I am anticipating the Fabolous performance. I know he will do his thing on stage,” said Ty’Shamika Fleming, a sophomore nursing major from Houma.
The “Fabolously” late Fabolous entertained the crowd with his one-of-a-kind throwback jersey, his “iced out” jewelry and his unique rhyming skills. F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S performed all of his hits including; “Can’t Let You Go,” “This is My Party,” “Can’t Deny,” “Holla Back” and “Trade it All.” Fabolous commanded the crowd until the end of his performance.
“This is the best Spring Fest since 1998’s festivities,” said Kyelani Saddiq, a senior mass communications major from New York.
MTV’s Campus Invasion Tour 2003 took Southern University by storm…things will never be the same.
