Mountain America Stadium was packed with students Tuesday night for InfernoFest — an annual fall concert hosted by the Programming and Activities Board with help from the Resident Hall Association. This year, students watched Canadian rapper and singer Alexander Gumuchian, known as bbno$ or "baby, no money," take the stage.
In the past years, InfernoFest has had other iconic artists to perform, such as Flo Milli, A$AP Ferg and Jack Harlow.
READ MORE: Burning up: Flo Milli headlines InfernoFest
The free event for ASU students brought in people waiting to hear hit songs such as "Edamame" and his recently released song "1-800." bbno$ sported an ASU jersey paired with the classic ASU striped overalls during his performance.
Ahnica Heptinstall, a freshman studying forensic psychology, said although she does not know much of his music, it was his social media presence that had her attention. Some of his recent Instagram videos include him dressing up in colonial clothing — a recent social media trend of lip syncing to Broadway musical Hamilton — and even collaborating with popular streamer and YouTuber Vanillamace.
"I haven't really heard a lot of his music, but I've seen a lot of the things he does on Instagram, and I think he's funny," Heptinstall said. "It'll be cool to see him in person."
During his performance, bbno$ spent most of his time on the field engaging with the audience. One lucky student received a cookbook, which is a signature gesture at his concerts.
Murasaki Ki, a freshman studying medical studies, said although she was not familiar with the artist, his stage presence made the experience.
"I honestly really loved that he was so engaging toward the crowd. I just loved the energy that he gave off," Ki said. "We didn't know any of his songs, but his energy literally mesmerized us ... we were totally vibing."
For the incoming freshman class, InfernoFest serves as the final and biggest event for Welcome Week. Manuel Pesqueira, a freshman studying community health, said the welcome events were more than just a free concert and gave him a chance to connect with the other freshmen in his class.
"In the assembly, I met a couple of new people and I went with them to the event," he said. "Even though I didn't really know the artist, I still had a bunch of fun."
InfernoFest also serves as a way for students from different campuses to explore ASU's main and largest campus in Tempe.
Erin Coleman, a freshman studying forensic psychology, said she was wanting to get out of the West Valley campus and see what the event had in store.
"I'm excited just for the energy that I've and all this stuff I've heard about it," Erin said. "I'm just excited to do something that's not here."
For students online or attending a campus outside of Arizona, ASU provided a free livestream for students to still take part in the tradition.
Pesqueira said not only does live streaming the event bring in out-of-state students or students who could not attend, but it also serves as a way for others to see and experience the tradition.
"There are some people that I know personally that couldn't go watch the live stream," Pesqueira said. "It gives the incoming people an idea of what InfernoFest could be like."
Edited by Jack McCarthy, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at alillest@asu.edu and follow @allylillestol on X.
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Allison Lillestol is a reporter for the community and culture desk. She is in her 3rd semester with the State Press. She also works for the Arizona PBS.
