By Anthony Howard
Jackson State University “THEE Legacy Continues…” Homecoming 2023 is October 8–14, featuring the highly anticipated homecoming concert with exciting performances from four hip-hop and R&B stars.
On Thursday, Oct. 12, Toosii, Big Boogie, Mariah the Scientist, and Rob49 will take the stage in the Lee E. Williams Athletic & Assembly Center for an epic night of musical magic.
The Center for Student Engagement & Leadership (CSEL), Campus Activities Board, and Homecoming Committee developed a dynamic concert line-up that caters to the majority and demographic of the JSU campus.
“Jackson, Mississippi, is not a traditional major city [like Los Angeles or New York] where large-scale concerts are routinely routed, so it is important that we create experiences for our students who are more than deserving to see some of their favorite artists,” said Cateatra Mallard, CSEL director.
The concert headliner is New York-bred, North Carolina-raised rapper Toosii. The Capitol Records artist recently landed his first Top 10 Single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for his rap ballad “Favorite Song.”
Louisiana rapper Big Boogie signed to Yo Gotti’s Collective Music Group label in 2018. He started his music career in 2017 while living in Memphis and captured Yo Gotti’s attention with his song “See No Evil.” Big Boogie is most notably known for his songs “Pop Out” and “Mental Healing.”
Originally from Atlanta, R&B artist Mariah the Scientist launched her music career after moving to New York City. In early 2019, she signed to RCA Records and dropped her solo album, “Master.” The “Beetlejuice” singer is also signed by One Umbrella Records.
New Orleans rapper Rob49 is a new artist making a name for himself in the first year of his music career. Signed to Geffen Records, the “Vulture Island” rapper is a 2023 XXL Freshman and has worked with seasoned rappers like Lil Durk, Kevin Gates, and Trippie Redd.
This year’s homecoming theme displays the lasting and prolific legacy of Jackson State University. The university is a beacon of higher education, challenging minds and changing students’ lives for generations. Homecoming represents a time for all the members of the JSU tiger family to visit the transformative institution at 1400 J. R. Lynch Street.
“Homecoming is an opportunity to remember what is special about our ‘dear old college home.’ It is the time we reminisce and reflect on our time at JSU,” explained Fran’Cee Brown-McClure, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and a JSU alumna. “It’s also an opportunity to see how far JSU has progressed and to support the place that has supported us in our educational journey.”
The JSU Tigers will take on Alabama State University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Homecoming week will be filled with exciting activities, including Street Jam, Yard Fest, Thee Vendor Fair, the return of Thee Gospel Explosion, and much more.
Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show starts at 6 p.m. Concert tickets are on sale now. All residential and non-residential students can purchase concert tickets for $45 at Impact Tickets. Student identification and the student ticket will be needed for entry.
Non-students must be 18-years or older to enter and can purchase tickets at the early-bird rate of $61 at Impact Tickets. Ticket prices will increase at the door on concert day.
For a detailed list of homecoming events, visit the Homecoming website at www.jsums.edu/homecoming and follow JSU on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Remember to use the official homecoming hashtags #THEELegacyContinues and #JSUHomecoming.