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Howard University’s homecoming Since the early ’90s, Yardfest has remained one of the most hotly anticipated gatherings of Howard’s annual homecoming festivities, showcasing rap stars on their way to becoming superstars.
Oct. 19, 2012
Chemistry senior Morgan Floyd, 21, dances with fellow Delta Sigma Theta sorority students on the Main Quadrangle on campus during the Yardfest as part of Howard University's homecoming.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
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Oct. 19, 2012
A stage featuring local singers and bands, as well as artists from around the country, is set up as part of Howard University's homecoming celebrations.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Howard students, alumni and visitors gather on the Main Quadrangle on campus to network and celebrate.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Vanessa Malivert, a sophomore in marketing and communications, gathers with fellow students to network and celebrate during Yard Fest.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Some Howard students wear extravagant shoes during Yardfest celebrations.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Members of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, many of them alumnae, built a circle while hugging each other on the Main Quadrangle.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Alumni Bianca Garwood, left, and Danielle Pearman, a current student, hold hands with fellow members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. The sorority was founded in 1913 and counts famous women like jazz legend Lena Horne among its alumnae.
Astrid Riecken
/
for The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Leo Dawson of Temple Hill, Md., takes care of the pork ribs barbeque on the Main Quadrangle.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
Freshman Bria Taylor enjoys a fruit drink on campus during the Yardfest as part of Howard University's homecoming.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Oct. 19, 2012
The symbol of Omega Psi Phi fraternity is burned into the skin of senior psychology student Alfonso Beate, 21, who dances with fellow Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Astrid Riecken
/
For The Washington Post
Yardfest left a lasting impression on Ludacris in 2000. Five years after performing on the quad, he scored a hit with "Pimpin' All Over the World," rapping the line: "Jump in the car and just ride for hours / Making sure I don't miss the homecoming at Howard." Fans are still waiting for Jay-Z, another former attendee, to immortalize Howard Homecoming in rhyme.
Nikki Kahn
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The Washington Post
Jay-Z performed for Howard's Yardfest attendants back in 2000, well before he was ever hanging out with President Obama at the White House (or married to Beyonce).
Frank Micelotta
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Getty Images
Kanye West was the star of Yardfest in 2003, before the star had ever spoke out against President Bush on live TV or interrupted Taylor Swift during an awards ceremony.
Rick Diamond
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Getty Images for BET
After students complained about 2004's underwhelming lineup of Trick Daddy and Xzibit, Yardfest roared back the next year with big names: Three 6 Mafia, Cee Lo Green (featured), Young Jeezy, Remy Ma, Juelz Santana, Chamillionaire and more. But the crowd's tough-to-please reputation stayed intact: Fans showered Wu-Tang Clan veteran Ghostface Killah with boos.
Mark Mainz
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Getty Images
D.C. rapper Wale filmed his "Nike Boots" video at Yardfest in 2008, perhaps hoping that the event's star-making magic might rub off on him. Three years later, Wale had the quad bouncing to his single "Bait." He wasn't just a hometown hero. He was a nationally recognized headliner.
Josh Sisk
/
For The Washington Post
Yardfest puts a premium on rookie talent, but this year's sleepy crowd first came to life for a song that's 21 years old. Naughty By Nature was booked to appease returning alumni, but the group's 1991 megahit "O.P.P." had current students shouting along with lyrics that were older than they are.
Brendon Thorne
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Getty Images
As molten-hot Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz sauntered out wearing his weight in gold necklaces, thousands of fans smooshed closer for a better look. As "Spend It" boomed across the yard, fists pumped overhead. With bodies so close together, it was the only way to dance.
FREDERIC J. BROWN
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AFP/Getty Images
Rapper Pusha T performed a 15-minute set for the Yardfest crowd.
Christopher Polk
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Getty Images
When the guy in the bright-red Howard sweatshirt stepped onstage, there were screams of glee, then screams of panic. The guy was Drake, and the rapper-singer's surprise appearance triggered a rush of thousands toward the stage that caused the barricade to topple. Fans were treated for minor injuries, but the concert thundered on.
Chris Pizzello
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AP
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