Hip-hop duo The Clipse to head SPEC-TRUM show

This year’s Social Planning and Events Committee to Represent Undergraduate Minorities Fall Concert will be headlined by Virginia Beach-based hip-hop duo The Clipse.

The concert promises to be “the strongest SPEC-TRUM show we’ve seen,” according to SPEC President and College senior Dasha Barannik.

Formed in 1992 by brothers Malice and Pusha T, the group is affiliated with production team The Neptunes.

Their latest album, “Till the Casket Drops,” will be released in December . The album’s hit single “I’m Good” features Pharrell Williams.

They will be accompanied by hip-hop artists Big Sean and Mike Posner, as well as Penn’s own hip-hop group Hoodie Allen.

According to SPEC-TRUM co-director and College junior Ferrell Townsend, Mike Posner is a great choice because “he brings a different perspective and because he knows Penn well. He won’t be like the usual artists who think we’re Penn State.”

Posner is in his senior year at Duke University, touring on the weekends and in the process of recording his debut album and second mixtape.

Michigan-based artists Big Sean and Mike Posner have also collaborated on several occasions.

Big Sean’s debut album, which is slated for release in spring 2010, includes collaborations with Williams, Kanye West, Mr. Hudson, The-Dream and Drake.

“We picked Hoodie Allen because he was great at last year’s spring concert — he really killed the show,” said SPEC-TRUM co-director and College senior Brittany Minor.

Hoodie Allen member Obey City attends Tufts University, while his co-performer Steve Witz is a Wharton junior.

SPEC-TRUM co-director and College senior Thurston Hamlette added that the choice of Hoodie Allen “will give a Penn group the opportunity to take the stage and give them experience.”

“We have a strong line-up, and SPEC-TRUM always have their finger on the pulses as to what’s up and coming,” said Barannik.

SPEC-TRUM focuses on minority programming and event development. The group has brought other hip-hop and R&B performers including Keyshia Cole, Kanye West and the Fugees.

The concert will take place at Zellerbach Theatre on Nov. 19. Tickets will be $15 for PennCard holders on Locust Walk and online at specevents.net beginning Nov. 2, and $20 on the day of the show. Tickets will be $20 for the general public.