As a general rule of thumb, you can assume that any rap act
coming to UCSD will leave pissed off. The reason? UCSD students suck at
listening to rap. That said, there are still high hopes for the Federation’s
upcoming performance at Rock ‘n’
might have the energy to get UCSD students riled up. These guys popularized —
for better or worse — the word “hyphy” with their appropriately titled hit
song, “Hyphy.” Unlike so many other Bay Area artists, the Feds haven’t
forgotten about hyphy music’s appeal, nor have they messed up the formula. They
stick to Rick Rock’s synth and bass-heavy tracks and drop surprisingly playful
lyrics about how hard they are, or alternately, how soft you and your friends
are. Perhaps my favorite example comes from “Playtime is Over”: “your homie
softer than the black dude from ‘Revenge of the Nerds.’” Aren’t you soft for
having watched “Revenge of the Nerds”?
At this point, the Feds are probably most known for their
Glasses at Night.” However, look forward to hearing them perform “College
Girl,” their failed second single off the latest album, It’s Whateva; they’d be
crazy not to. Imagine Too $hort’s “Freaky Tales” if it were school-specific,
complete with an amazing Tone Loc impression in the third verse. The main issue
with the song is that UCSD gets no shout-out, while UC Berkeley, UC Davis and
UC Riverside all get name-checked. Even lower-tier institutions like
mentions. I suppose I should direct this speech toward the ladies of UCSD,
because, guys, I’m not sure there’s much we can do (I suppose you could try, if
you aren’t afraid of getting mollywhopped by some third-rank rappers). Ladies,
I’m begging you, show these gentlemen a good time, and maybe — just maybe —
UCSD will finally get a rap-song mention. Not that we deserve it.
At the very least, UCSD, try to enjoy yourself. The
Federation goes really hard and you should too. Punch a girl in the face or
something, I don’t know. Just don’t stand there looking bored.
