Rapper Big Sean drew Sun Devils to Mountain America Stadium Tuesday night for the annual free concert and preview into what student life at ASU has to offer.
InfernoFest is one of two free concerts ASU offers each year to students, put on by the Programming and Activities Board and the Residence Hall Association. There is also a livestream available for online students or those unable to attend.
Previous years featured artists such as bbno$, Flo Milli and Jack Harlow, making InfernoFest one of the most prominent ASU Welcome Week activities.
READ MORE: bbno$ turns up the heat at InfernoFest, making it more than a free concert
Immediately following ASU's welcome to first year Sun Devils, thousands of students rushed into the student section to hear hit songs such as "I Don't F--- With You" and "Beware."
Despite hot temperatures, new Sun Devils showed out in their DIY gold shirts ready to party.
The performance captivated students with a mix of new songs as well as satisfying throwbacks, including a song with Justin Bieber that the crowd sang along to every word.
Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, known as Big Sean, began making music in 2007 in collaboration with Kanye West. With over 22 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he has collaborated with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko.
"Everyone was super pumped up. I didn't really see a moment where the crowd was dead," Mason Chiu, a freshman studying digital strategy and audience engagement, said. "Even when the sound turned off during his performance, everyone was still super excited."
A momentary technical difficulty only engaged the crowd more, during which attendees chanted "Big Sean."
Despite his carefree persona, Big Sean was able to bring the energy down for moments of reflection.
"I hope this experience forms you into the human being you strive to be," Big Sean said. "It's gonna be ups and downs, lefts and rights. But I pray that you stay on the right path."
Midway through his set, he gave a speech about his late grandmother which resonated with all Sun Devils, who held up flashlights in respect. He dedicated his song "One Man Can Change The World" to her.
Chiu said it was unexpected to hear such a big artist talking vulnerably, but it made the performance even more special.
"That's super cool, because if one random person says it, people might not listen," Chiu said. "So I think that putting that message out can help other people."
Big Sean acknowledged ASU's party school reputation, but encouraged students to stay safe and responsible while chasing their dreams.
"He did a beautiful job," said Umar Bah, a freshman studying finance. "He was really good at energizing the crowd, and everyone seemed like they were playing along."
Big Sean took a moment to show off his new Sun Devil jersey, which the rapper said he plans to frame in his home.
"(My favorite part) was him being so laid back, like he didn't care," Bah said. "He let us cuss, he let us do our thing. That was really nice to see."
Genesis Lara Siqueiros, a freshman studying pre-dental biology, said it made her excited for college seeing students from all grades coming together to enjoy an artist everyone knows.
"It feels unreal. It feels amazing that we finally came up to this moment," Siqueiros said. "We were just high schoolers like three months ago."
Big Sean's performance consisted of high energy intermixed with moments of wisdom, which is what some would say is the epitome of ASU.
"To all my freshmen here at ASU, welcome, congratulations," Big Sean said. "This is one of the best places on Earth."
Edited by Sam Troester, Emilio Alvarado and Senna James.
Reach the reporter at ajanusee@asu.edu and follow @lexijanusee on X.
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Lexi Janusee is in her second semester with the State Press. She is a freshman studying Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Theatre. Lexi also works for Blaze Radio, and is an on-air host for Open Mic.
