Auburn University’s University Program Council (UPC) held its annual Auburn Airwaves concert last Monday, September 18, in the Auburn Arena. The largely anticipated main act was 2 Chainz, and The Score and We the Kings performed as openers. Auburn University students could buy tickets for $16, while the concert was also open to the public at $43 per ticket. Upon arrival, each concert goer was given a wristband that illuminated various colors in synch with the beats of the music, which added a unique and fun element. The concert was not nearly as crowded as I expected, but nonetheless the crowd was incredibly energetic and enthusiastic by the time 2 Chainz, who sported a wheelchair due to a broken leg, arrived on stage. I reached out to Auburn students to hear their opinions regarding the concert, their favorite 2 Chainz songs, and their overall experiences.
Jordan, an avid 2 Chainz fan, said, “It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite song because they’re all wonderful, but if I had to it would be ‘Riverdale’ from the Pretty Girls Love Trap Music album. The concert was absolutely AMAZING! I honestly felt like I already knew 2 Chainz before he got on stage. His music speaks volumes and accurately portrays not only who he is as an artist, but better yet, as a person! There aren’t many words to describe his relaxed, genuine, and authentic nature. And let’s not forget how LIT he is.”
Connely, a junior said, “It was a really good concert. I loved the songs from his new album, but I feel like the concert could’ve been advertised more, because there was not a lot of people there.”
Sydney, a sophomore who was drawn in by the affordable tickets and the chance to see 2 Chainz, said, “He put on a great show even in a wheel chair and he killed ‘It’s a Vibe’.”
Hannah, a junior said, “He put on an amazing performance and really got the crowd excited.”
Allison, a sophomore whom I met at the concert said, “I literally had so much fun at the concert! I almost didn’t go because I had a big project due the next morning at 8 a.m. that still wasn’t finished, but I realized seeing 2 Chainz would probably not be an opportunity that would come around again anytime soon. So, I had to go and it was totally worth it!”
Claire, a junior said, “It was seriously so much fun! He was in a wheelchair so I didn’t expect him to be so involved with the crowd, but he had so much energy and didn’t let it stop him! I think my favorite part was when he sang ‘It’s a Vibe’ and he had a church choir on stage with him. I also got to meet him after and he was super friendly.”
At the end of the concert, 2 Chainz left the audience with parting words of wisdom. He stated that if he can perform a concert while in a wheelchair, that we can get out of bed and go to work, attend class, and study to achieve our goals, graduate, and become successful. In the words of 2 Chainz, “Truuuuuu.”