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Show BY KEITH MCDONALD /STAFF WRITER PHOTOSIFY CHRIS AYERS &A WITH B.o.B. After B.o.B took pictures with U students and staff, the Daily Utah Chronicle and K-UTE Internet Radio caught up with him outside of his green room in the Union building — minutes before he hit the stage. Q: Underground Luxury dropped December 2013. When is your fourth album coming out? A: It's almost done ... date and title to be determined. Q: Explain what you mean by "No Genre" (his new label, tour and the title of previous mixtapes)? A: "No Genre" defines my music, which is genre-less. You can't fit it into one specific categora Q: As someone who plays an instrument and raps, what do you think about technology in music? A: I feel like a balance is needed ... if the Beatles were alive, they'd still use logic. Q: Who will be the first artist released on the label? A: Jake Lambo. He's 16 years old ... he's way better than me at that age. Q: How did [label mate] Doe B's recent death affect you? A: It was a tragic moment — unbelievable. He was going to explode. [Doe B] was a hard worker, quick-witted ... Q: Is this your first time in Utah? A: This is my second, maybe third time. I was on tour here with Kid Cudi and Asher Roth, but my memory is fleeting at the moment. Q: Do you have a favorite band? A: Coldplay. semester is in full swing, bringing about the 39th edition of Redfest which started out as Mayfest, way back when the U had trimesters) on the (which Union lawn. ASUU's 2014 Redfest concert featured Decatur, Ga.'s very own Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. (better known as B.o.B in the music business). Preceding him was an assortment of acts from Utah and abroad. The Beehive State's very own A-Rodge, New Truth (featuring Milo Green & HQ), the Better Taste Bureau, as well as Pigeon John from Los Angeles, the Monstas (who are based out of Vegas) and Chicago's Vic Mensa rocked the microphone for U students, staff and guests. "It went great from an organizational standpoint ... two stages kills it because there is no dead time, there's constant energy," said Devin Price, a junior in political science and marketing as well as the concerts manager for ASUU. "Eight thousand plus people attended, which is usually a sellout, but with this concert we gave students one ticket free and the second for five dollars — we usually give two free tickets" The Union was bustling well into the night with people wanting to hear the ( sounds of the Teen Choice Award-winning, Grammy Award-nominated artist. "At 8:45 p.m. 200 people were still in the Union getting tickets. B.o.B. put on a great show," Price said. B.o.B. hit the stage at approximately 9 p.m., well after the sun sank below the Utah horizon. He performed his well-known hits, such as "Airplanes" "Magic" and "Strange Clouds" along with mixtape cuts like "E.PI.C." and "Lean on Me" and singles from his current album, such as "Headband" "Ready" and "We Still in This B****" "I think the crowd loved him, they knew a lot of the lyrics, they were cheering for him and jamming with the songs" said Ashton Mata, a senior in computer science. Mata has been a B.o.B fan since his debut in 2007, but Redfest was Mata's first time seeing him live. As a host at K-UTE Internet Radio, a function of the Student Media Council, he was afforded the opportunity to interview his favorite artist, get his autograph and record a spot for his radio show. "[B.o.B] separates himself from the idea that all rappers are the same" Mata said. Although Mata and many other spectators may have been pleased with the selection of B.o.B and other hip-hop acts, some people are bound to be less than enamored with the 808 drums and beat breaks. But music really isn't the point of the gathering. "More than the music, Redfest has become a symbol of community on a campus that struggles to create a consistent campus community because of the commuter nature of the university. Redfest reminds us that we are a part of a university community even if we are not staff, student or faculty" said Erik O'Brien, a graduate student in the communication department and assistant general manager of K-UTE. Even if you don't like the act that performs in Redfest, there's always the Grand Kerfuffle in the spring. The most important thing is that it is an opportunity to create solidarity at the U. "The University creates knowledge, opportunity and a culture that is inclusive of everyone in the valley. I may be older and stuffier since the days of `Girl Talk' and `Matisyahu: but I still believe in Redfest, and you should too" O'Brien said. k.mcdonald@chronicle.utah.edu @ChronyArts |