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
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