One of New York’s top hip hop radio stations Power 105.1 returned to Barclays Center for the fourth consecutive year to host PowerHouse, an annual concert which features the top hip hop and R&B artists of the year.
Prior to hitting the stage Power 105.1 radio personality DJ Envy spoke to The Knockturnal about this year’s show, he said, “You’re gonna get a lot of impactful people that’s performing. I think it’s gonna be dope, I think the sets are gonna be going quick and you got me this year we got a bunch of artists coming out this year to perform … it’s gonna be like you’re in the club. So I look forward to performing tonight, and It’s gonna be a lot of fun”. During Envy’s set he brought out Busta Rhymes, A$ap Ferg and Tee Grizzley as well as performed his new single “Text Your Number” without Fetty Wap, who missed his flight.
The Knockturnal caught up Power actor and R&B artist Rotimi. He teamed up with reggae artist Kranium for “Want More”, the latest single from his mixtape Jeep Music Vol 1. When we asked him about future dream collaborations , he shared, “I want to do another record with Kranium, Tory Lanez, I like Tory Lanez a lot and Drake. I think they’re really dope.” We also asked about the upcoming season of Power which Rotimi said is underway, “Yea we’re about a good month into filming, four months left to go, hopefully my character makes it. We’ll see what happens” Speaking to Kranium about what he felt is the biggest moment in hip hop this year it was one particular female artist he praised, “There’s so much things that happened I can’t specify one, but to be honest I feel like Cardi B being the second female in so much years to ever go number one on Billboard is a major thing for hip hop. It gives a lot of female rappers the motivation and that type of stuff. I feel like sometimes it’s a little harder for them, and it’s a good thing for hip hop honestly speaking.”
23 year old Lil Uzi Vert interacted with the crowd going down into the audience as he performed “Sauce It Up,” “Do What I Want,” “XO Tour Life” and “Money Longer” from his mixtapes Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World and The Perfect Luv Tape and EP Luv Is Rage 1.5.
French Montana paid homage to Max B and Chinx at the beginning of his set with a video montage and performed, “Work (Remix)”, “Ocho Cinco”, and “Ain’t Worried About Nothin.” French also gave a special acknowledgement to former Powerhouse performer Bobby Shmurda with a his verse from Shmurda’s “Hot N—a (Remix)”.
Billboard chart topper and record breaker Cardi B who was also the only female artist on the bill performed fan favorite “Foreva,” and her number one hit “Bodak Yellow” as well as brought out special guest G-Eazy as they performed their song “No Limit”. Cardi also came back to the stage during Migos set when they previewed their new single “Motor Sport” which features Cardi as well as Nicki Minaj.
The headliner who closed this year’s show was The Weeknd who brought out special surprise guests Belly and Travis Scott.
