Grammy-nominated rapper J. Cole and special guests Tyga and Big K.R.I.T. will take the stage at the WVU Coliseum on Friday, April 27th. Tickets will go on sale Friday, March 16th at 10 a.m. at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices and on ticketmaster.com or by phone at 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.
J. Cole’s show at WVU is part of his first U.S. tour since striking gold with his debut album. Cole is headlining Reverb’s Campus Consciousness Spring 2012 tour. The 24-year-old North Carolina native was the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s new Roc Nation label. Rolling Stone calls him a “technically superb rapper,” who packs his album with “sleek, snappy, mostly self-produced tracks with dozens of great punch lines.” Cole has also released a mixtape, “The Warm Up” and he was featured in a coveted guest verse on JAY-Z’s Blueprint 3 with “A Star is Born.” Soulful and strong, J. Cole’s lyrics touch on everything from his upbringing in North Carolina to the poverty and hopelessness that affect his community. J. Cole currently features two songs, “Work Out” and “Can’t Get Enough” featuring Trey Songz, on the Billboard Hot 100.
Cole will be joined at WVU by Young Money artist Tyga who is quickly gaining notoriety through collaborations with some of rap and hip-hop’s biggest names. An acronym for “Thank You God Always,” Tyga began his rise after impressing Gym Class Heroes’ Travie McCoy and joining the band on tour. Soon after, Tyga independently released his “No Introduction” album. He appeared in a coveted slot on Lil Wayne’s hit 2008 release “Tha Carter III.” In 2011, Tyga received his first Grammy nomination for his collaboration with Chris Brown on the track “Deuces.” Tyga recently released his second album, “Careless World: Rise of the Last King.” The album includes the debut single “Far Away” featuring Cash Money artist Chris Richardson. Tyga’s latest release, “Rack City,” is currently on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Big K.R.I.T. has been rapping since he was 12 years old and producing since he was 14. Influenced by soul music, he uses a fluid and personable flow with his lyrics, complete with entertaining quips, steely confidence and food for thought. In 2005, Big K.R.I.T. got his break when an Atlanta DJ placed his song “We Gon’ Hate” on a mixtape without request. His street album “Wuz Here” earned him the respect of many labels including Def Jam. His debut studio album, “Live from the Underground,” will be released this year.
The Campus Consciousness Tour is half music, half environmental/social consciousness campaign aimed to inspire and activate students in a fun and exciting atmosphere while leaving a positive impact on each community and college that the tour reaches. It was created in 2006 by the non-profit Reverb.
Tickets prices range from $28 to $48, depending on seat location. Floor tickets are general admission, standing room only. WVU students will receive $10 off the price of each seating level with a valid WVU I.D. (One discounted ticket per I.D.) Tickets go on sale Friday, March 16 at 10 a.m. at the Mountainlair and CAC box offices, ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.
This event is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit events.wvu.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.
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CONTACT: David Ryan, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304.293.8222; David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu
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