By Dair McNinch, Staff Writer
Marley at the Lyceum Theatre, Hendrix at the Monterey Pop Festival, Brown at Boston Garden — there have been all kinds of musical performances throughout the years that leave the world in a different place than it was when the artist first took the stage. Now, famous hip hop artist 2 Chainz is expected to do just that, in Rodanthe.
The rapper was booked by REAL Watersports to play the Triple S Invitational, a weeklong wakestyle kiting competition. News of 2 Chainz’s June 6 concert date spread through the community like wildfire.
“My god, it was hectic,” junior Shane McKenna said about the day the news first hit First Flight. “I’ve never seen more people all talking about the same thing.”
Having grown up in an area where the biggest venue is the Waterside Theatre in Manteo, many locals expressed utter disbelief when they were told a star of 2 Chainz’s magnitude was coming to Rodanthe of all places.
“I thought it had to just be a rumor,” sophomore Luke Ash said. “He’s always in Cali doing big shows. I couldn’t believe it at all.”
The event’s coveted free tickets were sold out within a matter of days as word got around and local fans of the rapper all scrambled to seize the opportunity.
“I’ve been listening to dual Chainz since I was probably 10. I love him, I just think he’s an OG,” McKenna said.
Ash agreed: “I’m a huge 2 Chainz fan. He’s collaborated with a bunch of different rappers and you hear his music in many different songs.”
Not only is the event attracting the rapper’s fans, it’s intriguing other locals as well.
“I don’t even really listen to much of his music,” junior Cecilia Cortez said. “But it’s a free concert, and you can’t just pass up a free concert.”
As the event draws closer, fans are beginning to guess just what 2 Chainz will decide to bring to people on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
“I can expect a lot of stuff from his new album, for sure, but I’m definitely expecting some classics,” McKenna said. “You know he’s gotta throw some bangers in there. He’s the GOAT.”
Whether those attending the event are die hard 2 Chainz fans, love hip hop, or are just looking for a good time, they all know anything can happen once 2 Chainz takes the stage. Senior Nathan Aldea, however, spoke of certain aspects that can almost be guaranteed at a rap concert.
“I expect a whole bunch of jumping and yelling and a whole lot of people under the influence of certain things,” he said.
That, of course, is covered on the list of prohibited items per the concert venue:
- Backpacks & Oversized Bags
- Bottles, Cans, Coolers & Liquid Containers
- Food & Beverage (Including Alcohol)
- Illegal Substances
- Fireworks & Other Projectiles
- Recording Devices, Video Equipment and GoPros
- Electronic Devices – IPads and other tablets.
- Weapons of any type (Including Pocketknives & Firearms)
- Large Chains & Studded Bracelets
- Laser Pointers & Aerosol Cans
- Noise-making devices (i.e. horns, whistles, air horns, cymbals, bugles, thunder sticks, etc.)
- Large Banners, Signs, Sticks & Stickers
- Motorized Devices
Another interesting aspect of the free show is that those who signed up online to get tickets had to agree to the following release:
Filming of a motion picture will take place at this event. By attending the event, you hereby grant Send It Now! Ltd Company the right, but not the obligation, to photograph you and exploit your likeness, voice and other sound effects in and in connection with the production, exhibition, distribution, promotion, exploitation, publicity and advertising of a motion picture without compensation in all media throughout the universe in perpetuity. If you do not agree to the above, don’t attend this event.
Junior Dair McNinch can be reached at mcninchle1121@daretolearn.org.
