It's 50

With all the badmouthing, beefing and posting up videos on his infamous thisis50cent.com media site 50 Cent actually made time to get back to what he does best, perform. And that’s what he did at the University of Connecticut’s spring concert this year. Performing in front of a not so sold out crowd, 50 made it worthwhile for those who were in attendance. Accompanied on stage with him were Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo (two artists on G-Unit) acting as hype men with the world famous DJ Woo Kid on the turntables.

Though a bit late 50 took the stage as if he was right on time with a presence that demanded attention from the crowd, and the crowd responded and granted his wish. As he cut through his set with his array of bangers he’s accumulated throughout his career he took us back to the beginning with popular songs like Wanksta, In Da Club to Window Shopper, I Get Money and recent singles, Get Up and Crack A Bottle. With the occasional departure off stage for his clothing changes that allowed for his entourage vast in the limelight with Banks performed On Fire and Yayo’s one hit, Seductive.

As the concert was reaching its end the crowd was still as enthused as they were from the beginning number. All and all the overall performance was a good one and as proven when he’s not caught up in rap beefs and ruining careers he can be quite the entertainer. Either way, where ever 50 decides to focus his energy there’s no denying he’ll put on a good show.


DF

Hip Hop Inauguration-Naughty by Nature + MOP – Opening Acts

January 20, 2009 was a historical day for every one in America, but it seemed to be a bigger one in hip-hop culture. Not only the day Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States it was a symbol that change is truly within reach and more importantly that any thing is possible. Though Barack won, the bigger winner seemed to be hip-hop culture apparently because though not a fact but hip hop society has made a very big impact on how the elections have panned out. And from this intimate concert at the BB Kings that seemed to be a reoccurring theme as the celebrations began. Every one was chanting “Barack Obama,” and giving their individual speeches about how this is as beautiful thing, which it is don’t get me wrong, but I honestly I wanted celebrate his victory and not hear about it. I wanted a concert.

The celebration kicked off with some opening acts: a Cleveland, OH rapper and a rap/singer duo from Brooklyn. I must say the rapper from Cleveland was gaining more and more attention from the crowd with each song but it wasn’t the case for the duo that came up second. Even though they did a song over the Lady Gaga joint, “Just Dance,” it wasn’t happening for them. Either way it wasn’t about them any way, like I said they were just opening acts, on to the heavy hitters.

Naughty by Nature came on and hit the stage with bangers right out the gate. Their typical high energy inspired the awkardly quiet crowd thus giving them a reason to step on the dance floor and party. Vin Rock and Treach were in deed the 1-2 punch that took the intimate gathering to the next level. As they brought the crowd back to early 90’s with tracks like “O.P.P” to “Hip Hop Hooray, ” also giving us a taste of some new stuff. “You can put this on your Youtube, Myspace. We don’t give a shiiiit,” as Treach said, which probably will drop later this year. As they departed the stage Vin Rock eagerly says “look out for Naughty bringing the same nature of music this year, ya’ll.” Good closer Vin, eyes wide open!

MOP had next. And when they say rappers roll with an entourage, MOP added to that stigma, more body guarded up than Barack. They must of hit the 10 X 12 (not accurate, obliviously) stage with like 50 guys and a few ladies. A bit out of control but they managed to perform and maneuver as if they were the only two on stage. Not a MOP fanatic myself but for those who were, they seemed to of enjoyed the duo as they attempted to salvage any energy from the slowly dwindling crowd. The mood was starting to go down and before I knew it people were starting to make their way out the door as I was too. I came, I celebrated, I rocked out but sorry MOP it was time to go. No hard feelings.


DF

HOLLA Day Bash

A not so packed out night at the Nassau Coliseum, surprisingly. But all who were at hand were in store for the last big concert of ’08. It was Angie Martinez presents the Holiday Bash. All concertgoers were in attendance for this hip-hop heavy show that packed with rap heavy weights along the likes of Ludacris, Young Jeezy and T.I. Though we weren’t in the South, the crowd was definitely ready to show some good old Long Island hospitality.

R&B sister-duo, Nina Sky was the openers. I can’t really say much about their performance because they weren’t on stage for very long. But I could appreciate them for being at this concert, very smart on their end since they are coming out with an album soon. As the sexy sisters hurried through their songs as if they had a strict time limit on stage it wasn’t till there last song that they attracted some attention from the crowd. It would have been dope to have brought up Rick Ross on that track, but “Curtain Call” had a few rocking for a least two or three minutes. Then they were gone.

Then came Jim Jones and his purple beanie hat and I highlight the hat because it seemed that was the only thing that caught my attention. Not that I’m a fashion stylist or any thing but I wouldn’t consider that trendsetting. Any way, his performance was utterly boring. The only time it seemed as if it was getting good I was wrong. He got some love when he brought out Dipset member Juelz Santana to perform the Ron Browz hit, “Pop Champagne,” and Kid Cudi to perform “Day and Night.” He even did a snippet of “Ballin,” which was more typical than exciting. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Jones but the performance was pretty bland and not intriguing to say the least.

But I guess it didn’t’ matter because we were all waiting for the South to take over. Ludacris took the stage and he came out spitting his hard lyrics that was really receptive from the crowd. He surged through his performance hit after hit. A mixture of songs from his older albums like “Move *itch,” “Southern Hospitality,” to “Stand Up.” He obviously played music from his most recent album, Theatre of the Mind, but it wasn’t appreciated that much from the crowd. I couldn’t tell if it was because he performed most of them to different beats or if the crowd failed to get familiar with his new material prior to the concert. If that was the case it’s unfortunate because it seemed that Ludacris put on a good performance and were trying to force the crowd to rock with him. For what it’s worth, I appreciated you coming to Long Island Luda.

Jeezy blessed the stage next, unfortunately I wasn’t able to see him come out I didn’t miss too much. Raspy voice and all, he came out and ripped it. Staying current with joints from his successful album, Recession. Jeezy was welcomed with open arms, as the real fans were in sync with him through each verse he belted out. Mr. 8732 truly brought the house down; though I admit I’m not a big fan of Jeezy his performance was riveting and exciting. The way he captivated the audience with his unique sound really shows why he’s so successful. I must say the most inspirational joint he did was “My President is Black,” that being the best part of his entire performance [PERIOD]. If there were people in the building that wasn’t sold on Jeezy, I think they were won over that night. I know I definitely was.

T.I.P was the final act, of course. It seemed like it was just a few days ago that I seen him live in Manhattan, so I thought I was in for a repeat. Not the case at all, he hit us with a slew of different bangers. I guess you have that luxury when you have hits for days. His energy was at a high level as he was all over the stage showing love to every section in the arena. He had the ladies open after going shirtless and throwing it in the crowd after all the towels he used to whip himself down. He didn’t forget the fellas though as he gave shout outs to all the guys in the crowd making sure he knew they were still rockin’ with him. I would l have to say I enjoyed his performance once again. He truly puts on a good show and gives the people their moneys worth. I must say after that performance there will be many to miss when he does leaves music scene. No worries T.I, we’ll be here waiting for your return.


DF

T.I @ Hammerstein

7:30 pm is what the ticket stub read for the start of the concert, I don’t think so. More like 9:45ish, the lights turned down low in anticipation for what’s to come for the night. The crowd was on their feet ready to get the party started.

Not surprising that a guest artist would open up for the headliner. Of course, I mean it doesn’t seem right that the headliner would come out to a cold crowd like that. But it was surprising to who came out first, Slim (ex lead singer from 112). And it looked like he was in need of his boys because he was dreadful on stage. Stage presence, engaging the crowd, resorting a lot on his DJ, Slim embodied that of an amateur act. And I wasn’t the only one who thought that, the reaction from the crowd said it all. No one was feeling him as he went through his songs that were mostly from his 112 years. Songs like “Cupid” and “Peaches and Cream.” But the whole performance wasn’t a complete disaster as he got a relatively decent response to his recent single, “So Fly.” It was a good idea to save that song for last because to be perfectly honest that was the only way to salvage that performance.

A good transition from that performance was Jamie Foxx. The comedian/actor turned R&B sensation uplifted the crowd with his smooth vocals and newly acquired swag. As he came out singing cuts from his new album (that I must say isn’t too bad), Intuition. Not giving us too much but just enough to have us entertained until the T.I came out. And the reception from the crowd was actually very welcoming to J. Foxx. I must say it was a good look for him and was a smart move to showcase some song on his album. But Jamie never makes you forget about his comedic side as he attempted to freestyle right before he went on stage. Very smooth J. Foxx.

Finally it was that dude from Bank head, the undisputed “King of the Souf,” yes the “souf,” don’t get it twisted. T.I came out banging and the crowd erupted, literally. Every one on their feet showing love to the man we’ve all been waiting for. T.I.P took us through a whirlwind of his hits he’s accumulated through the years; “What you know about me”, “Top Down”, “What ever you like” to “Live Your life.” His on stage performance was explosive and thoroughly entertaining with each song. But I’d have to say the most intriguing part of his performance was when he gave thanks to us (the fans) for sticking by him through all his trials and tribulations he's encountered. A rare moment at most concerts but I could definitely felt the intimate connection T.I made with the crowd. Maybe it was because he was caught up in the emotion of the concert or that the venue, since it was a smaller arena. Whatever it was, T.I put on a stellar performance from start to finish that was truly from the heart out of pure appreciation. With that T.I, we thank you.


DF

Powerhouse 2008

They're all chanting the words to their favorite rap song, sipping on their drinks in anticipation for one of the biggest events of '08.  The excitement is at an all time high and every one is ready to get off the bus. Why? Because we all want to be apart of an historic events. As we approached the Izod Center in New Jersey, everyone is preparing themselves for Powerhouse 2008.

Though a bit late, I didn't need to see who was on stage, the smell in the air was proof enough; D-Block was in the building! With a renewed vengeance Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P ripped the stage. Each split time rapping their own personal hits: Jadakiss-"We Gon' Make it; Sheek-"Good Love;" and Styles P-"I Get High." The crowd was rockin' in unison with these hard hitting MC's. Although their time on stage was limited, they definitely accomplished a successful opening act.  

Next up, Ne-Yo. Was skeptical about how his performance would hold up, particularly as the only R&B act among hip hop titans like Lil Wayne and Jay-Z. But when he started his set with hits like "Sexy Love" and "When You're Mad" before moving to his most recent hit single "Miss Independent," all doubts went out the door. His energy and animated personality had the ladies swooning and even a few dudes feeling his vibe. The icing on the cake was when he brought out an entourage of MC's he's made hits with: Fabolous, Plies and Jadakiss. In all, Ne-Yo ripped it.

Lil Wayne, aka Mr. Weezy F. Baby, Mr. Million Records Sold in One Week, opened his set to an instant roar from the audience, simply for showing up on stage. Too bad his performance didn't deliver quite the same way the crowd's response to him might have suggested it would. Don't get me wrong, his hits like, "Da Block is Hot," "Pop Bottles" and "Got Money" stole the show, but his delivery was a bit off. I don't know whether he just an off-night, too much Sizzurp or the idea that maybe Wayne hasn't quite mastered the rap/rock persona,  but it didn't work for me. I know Jay said, "Young Carter/Go farther/Go further/Go harder/Is that not why we came/Well if not/Then why bother," but please don't go over board.

Luckily Jay-Z was up next. The signature all black Yankee fitted, crisp denim, leather jacket with star-studded tee underneath and high-top Nikes on his feet, who else could make this simple ensemble look like a million dollar outfit? With such a cool presence on stage, Jay demanded attention. You best believe the crowd supplied plenty. His slew of hits had us engaged for his entire time on stage. Two stepping to "Excuse Me Miss" and throwing up the ROC sign to "Roc Boys." Jay even had the crowd chanting "F---Bush!" at the end of one of his verses. Though he's no politician , he certainly had every one's vote. Yet it wasn't until the end of Jay-Z's set that he really captivated the entire audience. Truly pulling the powerhouse move of the night, he brings out Beyonce, who blessed the crowd by dancing to a snippet of her new single, "Single Ladies." Good look, Mr. Carter!

Overall, the entire concert was jam packed with good music, reunions, surprises and some disappointments. Long story short, D-Block got us excited, Ne-Yo killed it, Lil Wayne not so much, and Jay brought us back to life.  Oh and thanks B!

DF