Homecoming Week is upon us, and this year it is bigger than ever. The theme of Homecoming, “Falling for Carolina,” was created to inspire students and alumni to reignite their enthusiasm and love for their alma mater. Various student organizations usually host a multitude of events that keep students busy under normal circumstances, but Homecoming Week is particularly fun-filled. From activities such as banner painting and a field day that took place on Oct. 28 to a Homecoming RAVE on Greene Street Nov. 3, everyone is included and encouraged to show their school spirit.
The culmination of homecoming week will take place Friday. Cockstock is a Homecoming pep rally and concert organized by Carolina Productions, Student Government and the Homecoming Commission. Local artist DJ iAM, co-ed a capella group Cockapella and the Carolina Girls dance team will perform during the pep rally on the intramural fields, followed by a concert.
The concert’s premiere performer is Rae Sremmurd, a hip-hop duo consisting of brothers Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee. They are well known for song “Black Beatles,” a track that broke into Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart in October and features prominent rapper Gucci Mane. The opening artist for Rae Sremmurd is rapper Kamaiyah, recently featured in YG’s “Why You Always Hatin?” which also featured hip-hop artist Drake.
It’s not every day that prominent figures in the music industry land in Columbia. It’s especially rare that the entire student body is given a free ticket to their concert.
“We’ve really done our best to go all out for this event and try and make it as big in every aspect as we possibly could,” said Ian Morrison, fourth-year marine science student and Carolina Productions’ concert coordinator.
Morrison also described the pep rally and concert as “a unique event” that could bring the student body together to celebrate their school in an exciting way. He credited the ability of USC to secure as prominent of a performer as Rae Sremmurd to the collaboration of Carolina Productions, Student Government and the Homecoming Commission.
"It’s been a while since we’ve had [a concert] with potential to be as big as this one,” Morrison said.
Cockstock will take place on the Strom intramural fields Friday at 6 p.m. Students should bring their Carolina Cards in lieu of tickets.