The sold out night at the Hollywood Palladium felt rooted in both legacy and momentum. Co-headlined by BigXthaPlug and Clipse, the show brought multiple generations of hip hop together in one room, with Armanii setting the tone as the opener.
Armanii kicked things off with confidence, warming up the crowd with a focused, high energy set that immediately pulled the room in. By the time BigXthaPlug hit the stage, the Palladium was already buzzing. The Texas rapper delivered a commanding performance, blending grit with crowd control while running through his standout records.
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
Mid set, BigX was surprised on stage by Steve Stoute of UnitedMasters, who presented him with six plaques in front of the packed venue. The honors included RIAA 2x platinum for “Take Care,” RIAA 2x platinum for “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, a YouTube plaque for one million subscribers, an overall streaming plaque for I Hope You’re Happy celebrating one billion streams, and a Spotify plaque for “Mmhmm” recognizing 500 million streams. The moment was earned. In September 2025, BigXthaPlug earned his first No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart with “All the Way,” while I Hope You’re Happy debuted in the top two on both Top Rap Albums and Top Country Albums. Watching him receive that recognition live added another layer to an already powerful set, marking a clear milestone in his rise.
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
Clipse followed with a performance that leaned into their catalog with precision and intensity. Pusha T and Malice opened with “Virginia” and “Keys Open Doors,” then moved through fan favorites like “Mr. Me Too,” “Ride Around Shining,” and “Wamp Wamp (What It Do).” One of the biggest moments of the night came when Pharrell Williams joined them on stage for “What Happened to That Boy,” sending the crowd into a full eruption as soon as he appeared. The energy only continued to build from there, peaking during “Grindin’,” before the duo closed with “Hot Damn” and “When the Last Time,” leaving the Palladium buzzing long after the final track.
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
From my perspective, the night worked because it balanced nostalgia with present day relevance. BigXthaPlug represented where hip hop is headed, while Clipse reminded everyone why their music still holds weight. Seeing both artists share headlining space highlighted how the culture continues to evolve while honoring its foundation. Beyond the performances, the event tied into UnitedMasters’ ongoing celebration of independent music leading into GRAMMY weekend. The platform continues to create space for independent artists who are shaping what’s next, and this night reflected that mission by spotlighting both established voices and rising stars.
Photo Credit: Respective Collective
Ultimately, the Palladium stop felt less like a standard concert and more like a convergence of generations. From BigXthaPlug’s milestone moment to Clipse’s razor sharp delivery, the evening highlighted how independent artists can lead culture while staying rooted in authenticity. It was a reminder that hip hop continues to grow, but its foundation remains built on real stories, real progress, and real connection with the crowd.
