Welcome Back BBQ is going down the “Old Town Road” this year. The line up for the 35th annual AMS Events presents: Welcome Back BBQ was announced August 15, a month later than last year’s lineup announcement.
Headlining the show will be rappers A$AP Ferg and Lil Nas X. Popular as a member of the hip-hop collective A$AP Mob and for his solo work, A$AP Ferg is best known for his songs “Plain Jane,” “Shabba” and “Work REMIX.” The song “Plain Jane” peaked at 26th on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018.
Although A$AP Ferg is a surprisingly big name for the event, the announcement
of Lil Nas X on the lineup overshadowed all other performers.
For those of you who live under a rock, the über-popular rapper is known for his country hit “Old Town Road.” This song has been on top of the Billboard charts for 24 weeks, breaking previous records set by Mariah Carey and Justin Bieber. He’s not just a one-trick pony though, his songs “Panini” and “C7osure (You Like)” are certified slaps. His presence will surely be a big draw for the event. Students seemed genuinely surprised at the news as UBC Reddit user Bigmaq said, “Isn’t Lil Nas X actually a pretty big deal?”
Along with big American stars, the BBQ will have some Canadian performers as well. Boslen is a local rapper from Chilliwack. He attended University of Victoria and played for Rugby Canada. In the past he’s collaborated the rap duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids on the song “TRAPLINE.”
Producer Murda Beatz is from Toronto. He’s produced music for big names like Drake, Gucci Mane and Nicki Minaj, so he should have some good beats to dance to.
Rounding out the star-studded event, What So Not — who used to perform as a duo with music producer Flume — is a hip hop producer from Sydney, Australia.
And of course Welcome Back BBQ wouldn’t be Welcome Back BBQ without a set from DJ My!Gay!Husband!. The local DJ has performed at Welcome Back BBQ since at least 2015.
AMS Events presents: The 35th Annual Welcome Back BBQ is an all-ages event, featuring a 19+ beer garden and “six hours of music & revelry.” Doors open at 3 p.m. with the event starting at 4 p.m. and going until 9:30 p.m. The BBQ will take place in front of the AMS Student Nest. Tickets are still available for UBC Students at $50 each. If the lineup piques your interest, tickets are available here.
We don’t want to sound like narcs but remember, drink within your limits and stay safe. Yee-haw y’all!
This article has been updated to include more information about the performers.