One of the year’s most anticipated hip hop shows returned to the Barclays Center on Thursday (October 22nd), Power 105.1’s PowerHouse. Some this year’s biggest names in hip hop took the stage.
The show opened with Wondaland Record’s “Classic Man” Jidenna who performed three songs which included his signature breakout hit as well as two upcoming singles. In speaking to press backstage the Wisconsin bred performer briefly discussed the impact that his homeland Nigeria has on hip hop, he said, “It influences every artist on stage’s sound, I don’t know if everybody’s aware of it I’m not sure I haven’t had the conversations, when you look at the rhythms of everybody, when you look at the melodies of somebody like Future or Migos, when you go to South Africa when you go to Ghana they like them because and they want them to tour there or they bring DJ Mustard there because they feel the music even more than probably 90’s hip hop. Because the way they feel melodically and we’re doing rhythmically is very particular to this time but it reminds of the music we have now or highlight music we grew up with in West Africa or Zouk music or whatever because the melodies are a certain way.”
Not letting a recent accident deter him from hitting the stage Fetty Wap performed sitting on a gold throne center stage as his leg was propped up for his first live performance since the accident. Wap also brought out French Montana as his special guest as part of his set which included his hits Trap Queen, “679,” “Mine Again,”. Meek Mill returned to the Barclay’s center stage after having performed at Tidal’s 1020 concert or Tuesday night, and brought out onstage with him Rick Ross,Asap Ferg and Nicki Minaj.
The show wasn’t just all about hip hop however and acts like Omarion who sang his current hit “Post to Be” along with a few of his past hits, and Jeremih brought the R&B to the show. Jeremih brought out Natalie La Rose for their collaboration “Somebody”.
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As the show moved on later into the night, Big Sean performed bringing out a few special guest, followed by Future and then at midnight the show’s main headliner Kendrick Lamar hit the stage. Lamar’s simple set consisted of just him and his deejay going through a few of his hits including Swimming Pools to Backseat Freestyle, Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe. As Lamar received warning that he would be removed off stage before his full set concluded, due to the show running later than expected Lamar told the audience, “They’re going to have to cut my mic off.”
Check out our exclusive photos below taken by Chris Jamel: