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The Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center was definitely the place to be Thursday, Oct. 10, because Atlanta rappers, Lil Baby and LightSkinKeisha, brought their A-game to Jackson State University’s homecoming concert.
Before the headliners took the stage, Mike Styles, 29, a local rap artist, opened up the show. Later, Styles answered a few questions and shared that if he could change anything about the industry, he’d advised others to “have better management.” He also said he uses his music platform to encourage people to get mental health checks. “Nothing wrong with getting help and going to therapy. Also, check on your friends and loved ones you don’t know what an individual may be going through.”
Up next was LightSkinKeisha, who is signed to Hitco Entertainment. A social media personality known for shouting out a sassy “period” at the end of almost every sentence, the ladies in the audience started screaming the word “period” as soon as she walked out. Performing her hit singles “Weather,” “Treadmill,” and “Ride Good,” she even pulled ladies from the crowd for a good ol’ fashioned twerk fest.
Backstage, the bubbly and entertaining raptress suggested that the upcoming generation shouldn’t get caught up in the social media lifestyle. She also advised that what may seem realistic online may very well not be.
“I don’t want youth looking at us as if this is the only way out or not going to college. Go if you have the chance, but I chose my own route,” she said.
LightSkinKeisha also said that she loved the JSU crowd and performing for the HBCUs homecoming. “I feel colleges are the best.”
Lil Baby closed the show and did not disappoint. The artist climbed to stardom off his 2017 mixtape “Perfect Timing,” which features fellow artists such as Young Thug, Lil Yachty, and Young Scooter. He has said in interviews that the reason he named his mixtape “Perfect Timing” was in honor of his newfound career and fortune after being released from prison in early 2017 after serving two years.
The crowd sang along with Lil Baby’s latest hits like “Drip Too Hard,” “Baby,” “Yes Indeed,” and “Close Friends.” He interacted with the audience, asking, “How y’all feel JSU?” which appeared to energize listeners.
Later, he told the media that he was influenced to rap by a lot of groups but mainly Coach K, co-founder of music label Quality Control, and Atlanta rapper Marlo. The seemingly quiet rapper revealed that most people do not know that he’s heavily involved in his community, and when it comes to music, he doesn’t really have to think about, he just does it.
Alexis Gibson, a computer engineering major from Memphis, Tennessee, said she enjoyed this year’s homecoming concert once again. “My favorite part was when Lil Baby performed “Close Friends.” I love slower tempo music, and I was happy that he did his songs where everyone could sing along.”