An email sent out by the Student Programming Board (SPB) Wednesday night, April 24, revealed that T-Pain will no longer be headlining WILD. Instead, Canadian rapper and singer Roy Woods will headline. As the students across campus erupted in shock at the announcement heard around the University, I began to do some research: who is Roy Woods?

Courtesy of Dragan Andic

Two days before WILD, SPB sent out an email announcing that T-Pain would no longer be headlining and that Roy Woods would take his place. Roy Woods is a Canadian rapper and hip-hop artist best known for his song “Drama” featuring Drake.

Roy Woods is signed to Drake’s music label, OVO Sound. His 2015 song “Drama” brought him into the public ear. Since then, he has released two EPs, five singles, one mixtape and a full length album, “Say Less.” “Say Less,” released in 2017, peaked at #38 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and his most recent single, “Worth It,” was released in February of this year.

Early fans of his are sure to be excited by this change in lineup. Now, what do I think of Roy Woods? I have listened to a few of his songs, and here are my thoughts on the WILD replacement.

“Drama” – feat. Drake

“Drama” is the song that got Roy Woods started. It begins with a kind of “walking through a forest under the moon” vibe, and I’m kind of here for it. However, it’s also somewhat repetitive, until Drake comes in. Honestly, Drake is the best part of this song, but it’s a good song nonetheless.

“Instinct” – feat. MadeinTYO

This is only the second song I’ve listened to of his, and he’s growing on me. I think I might enjoy this headliner.

“Worth It”

The moment this most recent single started to play, I began nodding my head. The lyrics are catchy, and I can see myself listening to this over and over again. I’d be excited if he performed this at WILD.

“Gwan Big Up Urself”

This song has a kind of calypso/reggae vibe to it, and I’m not mad about it. It’s less of a rap number and more of an R&B hit/hip-hop hit, and I found myself dancing immediately. There are a lot of moving pieces to this song, and, although you can’t quite call him a singer, the song really showcases his unique vocal quality.

Honestly, while I am a little upset about T-Pain, I’m not mad about this WILD artist replacement. I’m ready to see Roy Woods live. While I’m not a super fan of his and am just hopping on the bandwagon, I don’t think I’ll be getting off anytime soon.