The idea to include a marching band spawned from Drake’s vision to create a sports-themed show.
The roaring sound of the Sonic Boom of the South will be heard in stadiums across North America, as alumni members of Jackson State University’s (JSU) signature marching band tour with rap superstars Drake and J. Cole.
Gibson insisted the band should be from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
“They know I played in the marching band during my college years, so they reached out to me and asked me if I could I help put this thing together,” Gibson told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “To me, it was important that I got an HBCU, but specifically it had to be my alma mater, Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South.”
When Maurice Gibson began making calls to potential participants, some were a bit skeptical of the opportunity.
“They were thinking it was a scam. 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,’” Gibson said, noting some called Dr. Little to verify if it was true.
Some Boom alumni could not tour due to scheduling conflicts and other obligations. For those that are embarking on the 18-city tour which lasts through mid-April, it has been the opportunity of a lifetime.
“There was joy and excitement,” Kenner said of the first night of the tour. “I was also nervous at the same time, but it was all a good feeling…I wanted to make sure we represented the Boom and ourselves in the best light.”
The Sonic Boom has HBCU pride on full display for tens of thousands to hear and see.
CJ Gibson said the band opens up to Drake’s song “Trophies, known for its signature blaring horns. They also play a few other hits including “Search & Rescue,” “Draft Day,” and their own rendition of Doug E. Fresh’s “The Show.”
“I love my HBCU,” CJ Gibson told BE. “That’s what raised me. And the Sonic Boom taught me life lessons and disciplinary lessons. It made me the man I am today, Jackson State, especially.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
