On The Scene: Powerhouse NYC 2016

Thursday night was a real lituation at Barclays as some of today’s biggest artists turned up for Powerhouse NYC 2016.

With some of today’s newest talent as well as legends taking the stage all in one night, Powerhouse NYC did not disappoint. The announced line up included AyoJay, Young M.A., Kehlani, Desiigner, Tory Lanez, Wiz Kahlifa, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Usher and Bryson Tiller, who came out in that order, but what really stole the show were all the surprise acts. Yes, acts, as in not just one, but many many surprises.  The concert was hosted and curated by Power 105.1 and nearly every radio personality and DJ form the station took the stage to help introduce the amazing acts.

AyoJay kicked off the night showing love to his African and Caribbean fans and performed his hottest track “Your Number.” Up next you already know Young M.A. went hard for her hometown performing the wildly popular “OOOUUU” and fans went crazy for her. Young M.A. had nothing but love and respect for the venue and Brooklyn as she shouted out both Biggie and Hov during her performance. Kehlani came out next and slayed with both her vocals and dance moves followed by Desiigner who did more moshing and jumping with the audience than performing, but Barclays showed their Brooklyn native mad love as he shouted Panda gang. Tory Lanez killed it  and brought the energy to the next level, continuously  demanding more from the crowd.

After a slew of new talent, Wiz took the stage and called on his fellow stoners to roll up during his performance. What followed was probably one of the best performances of the night. First Fat Joe came out and shortly after Remy Ma followed and the two absolutely killed it on stage. They played classics like “New York,””Lean Back”  and “Whuteva.” One of the biggest surprises of the evenings was when Dj Khaled came out and performed tracks off Major Key, before the whole squad came together for “All the Way Up” which drove the audience insane! The next act Jeezy was also not a part of the original line up, but was introduced as Dj Self’s special guest, who he says he once doubted, but was nothing but pleased to bring him to the stage. Jeezy performed the same night as his TraporDie3 album drop and paid tribute to Atlanta classics following which he brought back young M.A. back on stage to show Brooklyn love. Not only was this a treat for those who missed Young M.A.’s set, there was a sentimental “passing of the torch” vibe when Jeezy saluted Young M.A. for repping her city hard.

The final part of the night was filled with an amazing set by Usher who slowed it down with “U Don’t Have to Call” and then brought it back with “Rivals.” Fans were singing word for word nearly every track he passed to the audience. In the middle of his set he took a break, which bewildered fans, but made sense as young Bryson Tiller came out to perform fan favorites off Trap Soul. No one expected him to come out after Usher, but nonetheless fans were hype to get in their feelings. The night didn’t end there. Shortly after Usher returned, he brought out Lil Jon and the night ended with bangers on bangers as Young Thug came out to perform “No Limit” with Usher. They paid tribute to New York as well as both young and seasoned talent. The best part of the night was watching the performances and collaborations between old and new together on stage. We’ll definitely be back next year for Powerhouse NYC.