20 Years of Greatness: A recap of Juice Jam
Article By Rhylee Hudson, University Union Editorial Board, Assistant Editor | Photo By Michela Wallach
Whether it was the chance to see an artist you love, the convenience of having live music just a short walk away, or simply looking for something fun to do, this year's Juice Jam was a hit. On the night of Sunday, September 22nd, the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University filled with students and non-students of all ages, and everyone was entertained with the headliners. For the first time, Juice Jam was open to the public AND in the Dome (YAY!), and this caused artists to bring out their best setlists and performances to ‘Cuse, so let’s go back and remind ourselves of just how good Juice Jam 2024 was.
Smino: An opener to remember.
Smino is a rapper from St. Louis, Missouri who originally blew up in 2012 after his mixtape Smeezy Dot Com dropped. Since then he has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the business, from J.Cole, to Lil Uzi Vert, to Juice Jam alum Doechii. He’s also known for being ⅓ of rap supergroup Ghetto Sage alongside Noname and Saba, who’s song “Hӓagen Dazs” is worth a listen.
Known for his lyrics and funk-infused beats, Smino brought something fresh to Juice Jam, and the Syracuse University community was more than happy to welcome him to Syracuse. He gave us a sound that we typically don’t hear at Juice Jam—romantic rap, which he describes as a hybrid of romantic funk and soulful rap. And although he did not perform Ghetto Sage’s banger of a song, he put on an incredible performance of his biggest hits as a solo artist. Starting with “KLINK,” he brought the best energy to the show, and he did not stop there. He performed a lineup of songs that could easily turn anyone into a new fan. I personally cannot stop listening to “No L’s,” so thank you to Smino and UU’s Concerts Board for introducing him to the Syracuse community.
Photo By Braden Kletz
Maisie Peters: A new pop sensation.
Maisie Peters comes from the English countryside and she is known for her pop hits. Her sophomore album, The Good Witch topped the UK charts, making her the youngest female artist to achieve this in over a decade. With the goal of being honest with her music – her lyrics are raw and vulnerable; she understands how to capture love and heartbreak, and her close connection with her fans only proves this.
Fresh off her opening slot at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, we had the chance to see Peters perform over ten songs (including a cover of Mr. Brightside–yes, you heard that correctly, and yes, it was awesome). From a slew of “I Heart Maisie” t-shirts, to students jumping up and down during “Body Better,” her performance was a great way to start the year. Wearing a Syracuse hoodie and asking if she can come to Syracuse for school, Peters was a great addition to this year's Juice Jam lineup. She made sure to keep the attention of fans and created an intimate connection with each of them.
Photo By Will Delgado
Quavo: A rap Goat takes the stage.
You may know him from part in the iconic rap-trio Migos, but I know him as a hometown hero. Quavo is from the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, and the city’s rich culture and his own experiences serve as the colorful backdrop to his work. With extensive background in producing and rapping, Quavo knows exactly what the people want and how to give it to them. He was recently featured on Lana Del Rey’s latest track, “Tough,” and the blend of vocals between this rap god and the queen herself, had us all hoping we’d get to hear it – spoiler alert…we DID.
Quavo is someone that everyone needs to see multiple times in their life, and although this was only my first time, I am already planning the next time I can see him. With a setlist full of every hit song that he has made as a solo artist, been featured on, or that he recorded with Migos, the entire crowd was dancing, singing, and rapping along to every word. From “Patty Cake” to a hook of “Hannah Montana” into “Handsome and Wealthy," he knew exactly who he was catering to. He kept everyone engaged, and although I wish he spoke to the audience more, his presence was a great way to end the 20th Juice Jam.
Photo By Thomas Williams
Filled with surprises, Juice Jam was unexpected, entertaining, worth attending, and most importantly loved by all attendees. See you next year for the twenty-first anniversary of Juice Jam, it only gets better every year!
SETLISTS:
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Mic Check//Klink
Rice n’ gravy // Summersalt // Z4L
Wild Irish Roses
90 Proof
Polynesian
Matinee
Pro Freak
No L’s
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You’re Just A Boy (And I’m Kinda The Man)
Body Better
I’m Trying
Rockstar > Hero (cover)
BSC
John Hughes Movie
Blonde
Holy Revival
Mr. Brightside (cover)
There It Goes
Lost the Breakup
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Fly
Patty cake
Turn your click
Fuck sum
Working me
Hotel lobby
(Day 1 Migos fan)
Deadz
Hannah Montana hook
Handsome and Wealthy
(Claps)
Fight night
Slippery
cocoon
Pick up phone
Walk it talk it
Stir fry
Pure water
Narcos
Motor sport
T shirt
I’m the one
Bad n’ Bougie
Tough
Congratulations
