Published: 07:00 AM, Fri Jul 17, 2009
Soulja Boy & Bow Wow headline Foxy Summer Jam
By Jessica De Vault
Staff writer
Rapper and Grammy-nominated artist Soulja Boy Tell'Em and multi-platinum rapper Bow Wow will be the headlining acts for the 23rd annual Foxy 99 Summer Jam this Saturday.
Mike Tech, programming director for Foxy 99, said the two acts will surely draw a huge crowd. This year's Summer Jam will definitely be the biggest one yet, Tech said.
"I'm excited as I could possibly be. I'm glad we could pull this great show together," he said. "We got some heavy weight performers this year and some newcomers."
Soulja Boy is well-known for his song and dance, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," from his 2007 album, "Souljaboytellem.com." The single landed the teenager in the middle of controversy, when parents voiced concerns over what some said were misogynistic and degrading lyrics.
But Soulja Boy prevailed, and his brand of fun, party hip-hop kept him on top of the charts. His most recent single, "Kiss Me Thru The Phone" with R&B crooner, Sammie, has already peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard charts.
Bow Wow is known as the co-headliner for the Scream Tours with Omarion and other boy-band acts. He became a professional rapper at the age of 11, when he was discovered by producer Jermaine Dupri and the So So Def label. At the beginning of his career he was known as Lil Bow Wow.
As he grew older, he dropped the "Lil."
The 22-year-old has released seven albums since then and boasts numerous hits including, "Shawty Like Mine," featuring Chris Brown, and "Let Me Hold You," featuring Omarion.
Soulja Boy Tell'Em and Bow Wow won't be the only performers at the event. He will be performing with 10 other acts, including R&B sensation Jazmine Sullivan and rapper Gucci Mane.
Tech said he expects about 10,000 to 12,000 attendees for the show, despite the state of the economy.
"A lot of people may want to come, but right now it's tight on everybody," he said. "It's really bad, but we're glad we could still get great artists and make it affordable to the people."
Last year, the outdoor event drew over 14,500 people.
Before the event kicks off, Tech said, there will be a dance segment of the show that will pay tribute to the late Michael Jackson.
"We want to spark that memory for people and make people think about where they were when they saw the moonwalk or heard his songs," Tech said. "We'll take the time to have a moment together and pay homage."
The Foxy Jam Lineup
Here is what you need to know about Saturday's lineup:
Soulja Boy is the creator of the popular "Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)" dance, which initially became popular on his MySpace page. His sophomore album, "isouljaboytellem" peaked at No. 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-hop Album charts.
Bow Wow , one of the biggest heartthrobs in the hip-hop industry, entered the rap game at the age of 11. He has produced numerous singles that appeal to the teen sect, including "Let Me Hold You," featuring R&B singer Omarion. His current record, "New Jack City II," has spawned the recent single, "You Can Get It All."
Jazmine Sullivan is an R&B songstress on the rise. Her singles, "Need U Bad," "Bust Your Windows" and "Lions, Tigers & Bears" have received ample airplay, and her bluesy voice landed her on the recent round of Cotton commercials.
Pleasure P is formerly a member of the R&B boy group, Pretty Ricky. The singer has released a few songs but is currently known for his catchy tune, "Boyfriend #2" from his debut album, "The Introduction of Marcus Cooper."
Gucci Mane is the rapper behind songs like "Go Ahead," "Freaky Gurl" and the radio hits, "Break Up," featuring singer Mario, and "Obsessed," with Mariah Carey. He is also featured on the remix of the Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow."
Lil-Ru is a crunk rapper from South Carolina. His single "Don't I Look Good" has been climbing the charts.
Yo Gotti has shared a track with the likes of Lil' Jon and Gucci Mane. His debut album, "Back 2 Da Basics" topped the Top Independent Albums charts at No. 2. And the song, "Full Time," was featured in the movie "Hustle & Flow." Yo Gotti is now promoting his album, "CM2."
TK @ Cash are the newest artists to be signed to the Disturbing Tha Peace label that is associated with the rapper Ludacris.
Fast Life Yungstaz (F.L.Y.) are a trio of rappers based out Atlanta. The hip-hop outfit has been signed to Def Jam Records and their single, "Swag Surfin'," peaked at No. 8 on the Top Rap Tracks charts.
State House are the newest additions to rapper T.I.'s record label, Grand Hustle Records. The group has a mixtape coming out with DJ Chuck T, but is most commonly known for their song, "Crank Dat Roy."
Huey is a St. Louis rapper who is best known for his club-banging single, "Pop, Lock and Drop It" in 2007 and his most recent hit, "PaYOW," featuring R&B singer, Ne-Yo.
Summer Jam
Who: Soulja Boy, Jazmine Sullivan, Bow Wow, Pleasure P, Gucci Mane, Lil-Ru, Yo Gotti, TK-N-Cash, Fast Life Yungstaz, State House and Huey
When: Saturday. Gates open at 5 p.m. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Fort Bragg Fairgrounds
Tickets: $25 to $30 at Foxy 99 ticket stops and the Beasley Fayetteville offices at 508 Person St.
Information: Call 486-4991 or go to www.foxy99.com for ticket stop locations.
Summer Jam Survival Tips
Having been to the Summer Jam several times, we can tell you it's quite an event. But it can be a little overwhelming, too. Here are some key things to know to make the most of your Summer Jam experience.
It's going to be hot. Drink lots of water. You can't bring in outside food or drink, but you can make sure you're hydrated before you arrive. Also, you may want to spring for a bottle of water at the concert, which you can refill if you find a water fountain.
There's no shade. So dress comfortably and use sunscreen.
There are no seats. But, you can bring your own lawn chairs, which is highly recommended.
Arrive early. Finding a parking spot and battling the bumper-to-bumper traffic on Bragg Boulevard can take a lot of time and be a frustrating experience. Arrive early to get a good spot for your car, as well as a good spot for the concert.
Be smart. Leave the backpacks, pets, coolers, recording devices and outside food and drink at home - or in the car. You can't bring them in.
Be cool. Security is always in high gear for Summer Jam concerts. Everyone gets searched, so don't take it personally, and don't try to pet the police dogs.
Staff writer Jessica De Vault can be reached at devaultj@fayobserver.com or 609-0649.