The Kogod School of Business presented rapper Flo Milli as the headliner of this year’s Veloric Concert in Bender Arena on Oct. 24.
The annual concert, in its second year, allows students in the Kogod School of Business’s MGMT-403, or Representing Talent class, to organize the entire event. The class does everything from choosing the featured artist, setting ticket prices and coordinating openers.
After a successful Flo Rida concert last year, this semester’s class, led by Professor John Simson, brought the viral rapper Flo Milli to campus, who has performed at Arizona State University, Johns Hopkins University and Howard University.
Flo Milli released her first song “Beef FloMix” in 2019, launching her rap career. Since then, she released three albums and generated many viral moments. However, her popularity wasn’t reflected on the charts until “Never Lose Me” ranked in the Top 100 and Top 10 R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
With geometric visuals and synchronized strobe lights, Rayyan Al Romaih, a senior in the Kogod School of Business, better known as DJ Rayyan, was the first act to greet thousands of attendees.
Romaih’s personalized house beats with popular songs, including “Passionfruit” by Drake and Playboi Carti’s “Magnolia,” effectively established a fun and enthusiastic backdrop for the rest of the night.
After a 45-minute set and the resumption of a pre-show playlist, the University's ultra-talented dance groups took the stage.
AU Agni, the University’s fusion dance team, danced to a “Promiscuous Girl” remix. The group, known for their Hip-Hop and South Asian crossover choreography, woke up the crowd and transformed the arena’s energy.
AU in Motion, the University’s largest student-run dance club, followed with a passion-packed routine that encouraged everyone in the audience to move with them. Their power was infectious and left a lasting impression on Bender Arena.
Flo Milli then entered the stage, welcomed with a spirited wave of open arms and loud cheers.
“I’m so glad that they decided to bring her,” said Eilidh Pyle, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences. “I like how she doesn’t care what other people think of her.”
Flo Milli’s iconic performance style reached every part of the crowd, especially fans who knew her lyrics by heart.
From phone flashlights lighting up Bender Arena during “Conceited,” to Flo Milli rapping with a young fan, to leading the crowd through positive affirmations she encouraged the audience to repeat daily, her star quality made the night unforgettable.
Pink and purple lights accompanied 1990s aesthetic videos playing on a loop behind her, crafting the perfect energy to get students hyped.
The hour-long set went by in a blur, never giving the crowd a chance to be bored. Flo Milli made sure to perform her most popular songs, “In The Party,” “Never Lose Me,” “Beef FloMix” and “Conceited,” and a couple of deep-cuts to satisfy the large crowd of life-long fans.
Flo Milli’s authentic lyrics set her apart from other rappers and define the relationship she has with her fans. Her upbeat lyricism and R&B-influenced melodies make her a feel-good staple in today’s music scene.
Flo Milli’s positive attitude and impactful lyrics made her a prime choice to bring students together for a University-wide tradition.
“No matter our schools, we’re still here and having a good time,” said Dayannara Medina, a sophomore in the Kogod School of Business and the School of Communication.
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks and Ariana Kavoossi.
