By Rachel James-Terry
When Drake and J.Cole launched the “It’s All A Blur – Big as the What?” tour on Feb. 2 in Tampa, Florida, social media was in a tizzy. Yes, the world had been anticipating the megastars’ link-up, but fans were further sent aflutter when Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South Alumni Marching Band high-stepped into Amalie Arena with their signature sound and showmanship.
While people debated if it was indeed the Boom, Christopher “CJ” Gibson, who is Drake’s road manager, a graduate of Jackson State, and a former member of the Boom, confirmed that an extension of the Summa Cum Laude of bands is indeed touring with the superstar.
“The first ‘It’s All a Blur Tour’ featured 21 Savage as a co-headliner. As we were planning the tour’s second leg, we changed the artist. This new tour is with J. Cole as a headliner, so they just wanted to add a different aspect from the old tour,” Gibson explained. “Drake came up with the idea to make it a sports theme show, and he wanted to add a marching band. Now, everybody we work with knows that I was in the marching band.”
Gibson was determined that the spot would not go to any band but the Sonic Boom. “I had to vouch for my home and alumni band. I knew it had to be Jackson State. There was no question. I would not let them get anybody else,” explained the Jackson, Mississippi, native, who began his foray into the entertainment industry as an assistant to Cortez Bryant, Lil Wayne’s best friend, one-time manager, and a JSU and Sonic Boom alum.
Putting the tour plan into action, Gibson reached out to his cousin Maurice Gibson, an ’08 JSU grad and former snare drum player in the Boom. Together, they spoke with Roderick Little, Ph.D., director of bands at Jackson State. Little gave his blessing and suggested they tap Boom members who recently graduated.
Courtney Lett, administrative assistant for the Boom, then sent Maurice a list of potential participants, whom he began to call with the news. He admitted that some were skeptical of the opportunity.
“They were thinking it was a scam. When they hear Drake and J. Cole, all expenses paid, plus compensation, they are like, ‘Who is this guy calling me? I don’t know him.’ Once I gave them all the information, some contacted Dr. Little to verify if it was true,” Maurice shared. “Some people could not do it due to scheduling conflicts and other obligations.”
Their collaborative efforts resulted in a 24-person Sonic Boom Alumni Band from classes 2022-2023. For a week, the alums rehearsed several songs belonging to the “Slime You Out” rapper. Their practice hall was the former home arena of the New Jersey Nets. Then, it was time for the Boom to make its debut.
Nathaniel Kenner served as head drum major for the Sonic Boom’s iconic J5. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering in May 2022.
Standing in the Tampa arena, preparing to march Drake through the crowd, Kenner shared that he was overwhelmed but in a “good way.”
“There was joy and excitement. I was also nervous at the same time, but it was all a good feeling. I was a little anxious because I wanted to make sure we represented the Boom and ourselves in the best light,” says the New Orleans native, who works as an engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, a virtual component allows him to work and tour.
Maurice, who manages the alumni band, explained that they all had to sign non-disclosure agreements before the tour opened to ensure nothing was leaked. So, he enjoyed watching the news spread once the word was out. While the flashing lights can be enticing, Maurice, a husband and father of three, said the tour is big business for him.
“I have a family to take care of, so I take this opportunity seriously and do not want to do anything to jeopardize it,” said Maurice, who has worked in IT for the past 15 years.
Kenner reflected on his time at JSU and credited his experiences at the HBCU for helping to develop his character and accountability.
“Coming from Jackson State University taught us how to adapt to certain situations, especially being in the Boom. It taught us discipline and how to react to certain crowds and make sure that we understand our responsibility and handle the tasks that need to be handled. Being at Jackson State taught me how to become a better young man,” he said.
“It’s All A Blur” represents a full-circle moment characterized by the connections and bonds established at Jackson State University.
“After that first show, I had to call Cortez when I woke up Saturday morning. I told him it is just a totally different feeling when you can pay it forward and help out in a positive way. Jackson, Mississippi, is being talked about for something positive. When you can participate or be a part of something that puts the city in such great light, it is probably one of the most rewarding feelings I’ve had,” said Gibson.
