R&B group rocks Winthrop

By Joshua Johnson
johnson@mytjnow.com

Nappy Roots performed last Friday as part of Winthrop’s Welcome Week events. The performance began at 9 p.m. in Bynres Auditorium. The group performed after comedian Dean Edwards. Photos by Claire VanOstenbridge • vanostenbridgec@mytjnow.comNappy Roots, the R&B quintet who had the best selling hip-hop album of 2002, “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz,” which featured many popular hits including “Awnaw” and “Po’ Folks,” brought their urban, soulful act to Winthrop on Friday, Aug. 26.  

According to Callie Boyer, Contemporary Music Chair for the DiGiorgio Student Union (DSU), the organization responsible for bringing Nappy Roots to campus, the show was slated to begin at 8 pm but was slightly delayed because of the steady flow of people trying to get in.

The show opened up with comedian Dean Edwards doing just over an hour of comedy.  “He was hilarious and everyone loved him,” said Boyer.

Around 9:05 pm, Nappy Roots’ manager, Dre’ Jackson, came out to get everyone hyped, and the

crowd really excited.  The curtain was pulled back, and the sounds that made the group multi-platinum record sellers covered Byrnes Auditorium to the noticeable pleasure of an engaged audience.

The evening consisted of several medleys of the group’s original songs as well as covers of songs made popular by other artists.

After over an hour of music, the band wrapped it up.  Giana Jenkins, a member of DSU’s movie committee enjoyed the way that the band connected with the audience, “They got the crowd really pumped and were receptive to meeting their fans and taking pictures after the show.”

Nappy Roots has stepped away from the mainstream they once basked in to focus on building themselves independently.  Among other things, they showcase themselves at the National Association of Campus Activities convention which is where Raven Gadsen, DSU chair of performing arts, first saw them.  “I knew that they would be recognizable and have audience appeal.  I think DSU made a great decision in bringing them,” said Gadsen.

DSU has been committed to bringing acts that appeal to Winthrop’s diverse student body for many years.