Hip-hop returns to W.I.L.D. this fall as Lupe Fiasco headlines at the biannual outdoor concert. The rap artist received three Grammy nominations for his debut album, “Food & Liquor” and is well known for his hit single, “Kick, Push,” which references skateboarding.

“Lupe Fiasco is a big name. He’s decently respected in hip-hop circles and because his music isn’t hard-core and really dirty, he’s made waves with people who don’t listen to hip-hop as their main genre,” said Team 31 Co-chair Pehr Hovey, a senior.
Opening for Lupe Fiasco will be Kid Beyond and DJ Unk.

Kid Beyond is touted as a one-man band-a singer and beat boxer who live-loops his vocals.

“It’s been a while since [Kid Beyond] has played in St. Louis. He’s excited and loves doing college gigs,” said Kid Beyond’s manager, Joyce Williams.

DJ Unk entered the music spotlight in 2006 with his hit single “Walk it Out.” He started out as a DJ and then started writing raps, with music characterized by energy and heavy bass lines.

“In the past we’ve had a strong demand for hip-hop. We’re really happy to be able to deliver high-quality hip-hop acts to students this year,” said Team 31 Co-chair Randy Lubin. “The primary focus for us is shows that are high energy and interesting and we definitely have that.”

W.I.L.D., or Walk In Lay Down, has stood as a Washington University tradition since 1973. Each semester, the student group Team 31 brings in several artists for a school-wide concert in the Brookings Quad, complete with pizza and soda. Students can register to bring couches to the Quad and those who are of age can bring in six-packs of beer with an ID.

Students can get involved in W.I.L.D. by becoming roadies and helping out with the show, sometimes even getting a chance to meet the bands.

“W.I.L.D. really shows the less serious side of Wash. U. students and I look forward to a fun and safe W.I.L.D.,” said Student Union President Neil Patel.”

Last spring, Team 31 faced some student opposition with their choices of OK Go and Reel Big Fish, particularly after a fall W.I.L.D. featuring Guster, when traditionally fall W.I.L.D. features a hip-hop artist.
“My co-chair Randy had the idea back then that we should look into it. [Lupe Fiasco] wasn’t available because he was playing Coachella [a music festival in Indio, California]. So from the get-go this year we wanted it to be hip-hop as well and that’s very evident in the line-up that we have,” said Hovey.
W.I.L.D. will be Saturday, September 29, a date set to accommodate Lupe Fiasco. The Quad opens at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a free barbeque for students. The first act starts at 5 p.m. and pizza will be served starting at 5:30 p.m.
“It’s going to be an exciting show from start to finish,” said junior and SU Vice President Brittany Perez.

W.I.L.D. is one of SU’s premiere events. Team 31 has an annual budget of over $200,000 to pay for both the fall and spring shows.

“There are a lot of opportunities to get involved in W.I.L.D. and people have great stories to tell. It all comes down to showing up and being involved,” said Hovey.

Students can bring their non-Wash. U. friends to the show, but must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale in September.

For more information on the bands or how to get involved with W.I.L.D., visit team31.wustl.edu.

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