The 8th annual Big Show, organized by Associated Students and SPACE, lived up to its hype Saturday as DJ Eric D-Lux, U-N-I, Black Violin and Ludacris entertained thousands.

The festivities began promptly at 1 p.m. when U-N-I took the stage. This hip-hop/soul act gave the crowd plenty to laugh at when they got into ‘Fat Girl.’

The ode to plus-sized women went over well with the crowd. Some of the outrageous lyrics like, ‘I try to give 360’deg; hugs to my lady, but I scan’t, my arms only go 180’deg;,’ had many with their hands over their mouth in awe.

U-N-I included ‘Beautiful Day’ in their 45-minute set. The song is popular on MTV and both emcees Thurzday and Y-O made sure the crowd didn’t forget it.

‘They had really good energy,’ Kenya Parham, CSUN Political Science major said. ‘They did a couple freestyles about CSUN (and) that was appreciated.’

During the latter part of the set, the U-N-I backing band had the opportunity to showcase its talents with a keyboard, drum and guitar solo. It got the crowd warmed up enough for Black Violin.

The Floridian dynamic hip-hop duo of violinists gave the crowd a lesson in diversity and classical music education. It’s always tough to open for a big-name act, yet Black Violin held steadfast to their unique take on hip-hop and had many heads bobbing to their rhythms.

‘Its good to see African-Americans pursue classical music like that,’ said communications major Naomi Alabi.

Black Violin improvised a medley of Chris Brown, Ini Kamoze and Usher tunes to Wil B’s beatboxing and Kev Marcus playing along on violin. One of the surprises from this set was a cover of the Fugees’ ‘Ready or Not,’ which got great reaction from the crowd. Before their exit, Marcus thanked the crowd to being open enough to hear them out.

‘We love the energy even though you’ve never seen us,’ Marcus said.

In between sets, DJ Eric D-Lux charged up the crowd with his spinning and handouts. Many a CD and t-shirt flew from the stage into eager hands. There was even a dance competition to keep spirits up. The audience was able to gauge a performer’s dancing based on clapping. Some people got booed off stage while others were applauded loudly. D-Lux sensed the crowd was being a little harsh with the dancers and immediately diffused the situation with positive remarks and energy.

No amount of handouts could stop the Ludacris chants from surfacing every other word D-Lux said. Audience outbursts of impatience turned into a wild sea of cameras and cell phones aimed at the stage as Ludacris’ voice came over the speakers.

Any fear Ludacris would be a no-show was dispelled by D-Lux as he got off stage to much applause.

Ludacris roared into many of his hits and other songs off his six albums. He had witty introductions to many of his songs like ‘Area Codes,’ ‘Saturday (Ooh Ooh)’, ‘Move Bitch’ and ‘Get Back.’

His high energy was complemented by Lil Fate, Ludacris’ longtime friend and collaborator. Fate’s backing vocals added depth to songs like ‘Rollout.’ Most of the banter became a tug-of-war for attention between the left and right sides of the stage for Ludacris’ attention.

Famed R’amp;B singer Tyrese made an appearance and briefly swayed the attention his way as he handed out some red vines to some eager fans in the front.

For almost an hour, Ludacris spent very little time quiet. In between songs he would incite the crowd for more energy. It took its toll on his voice. By the time ‘Moneymaker’ came on, Ludacris’ voice was spent and he gave the audience a couple more songs before getting off stage to many disappointed fans who wanted more.

‘He got really involved with the crowd,’ Theater-soon-to-be-communications major Kamilah Roper, said. ‘I wish it could have gone on longer.’