February 11th 2024.
The sound of the Sonic Boom of the South will be filling stadiums all across North America as members of Jackson State University's renowned marching band join forces with rap superstars Drake and J. Cole for their latest tour. This exciting leg of the "It's All A Blur - Big as the What?" tour kicked off on February 2nd in Tampa, and features the exceptional talents and showmanship of a 24-member ensemble of Sonic Boom alumni. The idea to include a marching band in the tour originated from Drake himself, who envisioned a sports-themed show. According to Christopher CJ Gibson, Drake's road manager and former member of the Sonic Boom, the decision to use a marching band from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) was a no-brainer.
"As a proud graduate of Jackson State University and former member of the Sonic Boom, I was thrilled when Drake reached out to me and asked for my help in putting together this incredible collaboration," Gibson shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. "It was important to me that we showcase an HBCU, and specifically, my alma mater's marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South."
Gibson enlisted the help of his cousin, Maurice Gibson, who was also a member of the Sonic Boom and a JSU graduate. Together, they approached the current director of bands, Dr. Roderick Little, who suggested utilizing recent Boom graduates for the tour. As a result, the touring band is comprised of JSU alumni from the classes of 2022 and 2023.
Some initial skepticism arose among potential participants when Maurice Gibson began making calls to recruit members for the tour. "They were thinking it was a scam," he shared. "When they hear 'Drake and J. Cole, all expenses paid, plus compensation,' they are like, 'Who is this guy calling me? I don't know him.'" In fact, some even reached out to Dr. Little to verify the legitimacy of the opportunity.
Unfortunately, not all of the Boom alumni were able to join the tour due to scheduling conflicts and other obligations. However, for those who are embarking on the 18-city tour that will last through mid-April, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Nathaniel Kenner, who served as head drum major for the Sonic Boom's iconic J5 and graduated with a civil engineering degree in May 2022, is currently juggling his virtual work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers while also touring with the band.
"The first night of the tour was filled with joy and excitement," Kenner shared. "I was also a bit nervous, but it was an incredible feeling. I wanted to make sure that we represented the Sonic Boom and ourselves in the best possible light."
The Sonic Boom is proudly displaying their HBCU pride for thousands of fans to see and hear. CJ Gibson revealed that the band opens their performance with Drake's hit song "Trophies," known for its signature blaring horns. They also play a few other popular tunes, including "Search & Rescue," "Draft Day," and their own rendition of Doug E. Fresh's "The Show."
"I have a deep love for my HBCU," CJ Gibson expressed. "It's where I was raised and where the Sonic Boom taught me valuable life and disciplinary lessons. It's a huge part of who I am today, and I'm honored to represent Jackson State University, especially in this incredible opportunity with Drake and J. Cole."
In related news, Drake has recently expanded his candle line to include body oils that smell just like him. This exciting collaboration is just another way for Drake to showcase his love and support for HBCUs. The post by Black Enterprise highlights the iconic HBCU marching band, Sonic Boom, joining forces with Drake and J. Cole for their tour. The post celebrates the partnership and showcases the immense talent and HBCU pride displayed by the Sonic Boom.
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