Real 92.3 Los Angeles threw a barn-burning star-studded show at The Forum in Inglewood, CA. I haven’t seen a better show all year.
The Real Show LA kicked off with the machine gun flow of Kap G, an Atlanta-based up-and-comer burning up charts with “Girlfriend,” a song about seducing someone else’s love. This kind of infectious, machismo-laden banger filled out his set nicely. Also the man can really perform. He worked the barely-settled-in crowd into a frenzy with nothing but a few dance moves and intense energy.
The next highlight was Desiigner, whose live shows I’ve watched on YouTube countless times. I was geeked to see that kind of no-holds-barred energy live. I was not disappointed.
He tore through his set. Big hits “Panda” and “Timmy Turner” were ripped just as ferociously as lesser-known songs. I don’t think he ever stopped leaping. He ended the set about 20 rows deep on the main floor, whipping the entire building into a manic state. I would and will pay to see him again.
Next up was Kid Ink. I’d heard of him from an uber driver who made fun of me for not knowing Kid’s music, so I was excited to learn. Easily one of the smoothest sets of the night. Pro moves left and right.
Then I realized I knew his big hit “Be Real.” I love that song. He’s got a great look and style. He’ll be around for a while.
Ty Dolla Sign was the surprise of the night. I knew he was good, but not show-stopping, fan-waving, foot-stomping good. He ran through a bevvy of hits, including ‘Paranoid,’ ‘Blasé,’ and newer jams like “Zaddy” from his latest mixtape, “Campaign.”
Dolla performs with a musicality that’s rare in pop radio circles. His phrasing is impeccable, and his pure singing ability is off the charts. Pretty sure my jaw dropped.
He brought out legendary New York hitmen Camron and Juelz Santana, both of whom tore the roof off. Then he brought out Wiz Khalifa and much of Taylor Gang.
We were all very excited. Wiz was uniquely great, by the way. Ive never seen him live and he really showed out.
Bryson Tiller played an understated and very strong set. He didn’t use the histrionics or big stage pieces of the acts before him, instead relying on a voice that never strains or soars, instead hitting you in the chest with quiet come ons and plaintive pleas. Fan.
Chance the Rapper is my favorite rapper. Duh. I’m from Chicago, I went to the high school he was famously suspended from. And he mixes the local gospel and jazz I grew up on with unbridled optimism and clever-as-hell lyrics.
He was incredible. He was the most elastic, unpredictable act of the night. His stage set up was Donnie trumpet on a swiveling set piece back center, with a drummer and backing tracks.
I loved every second. I saw Chance in Minneapolis a few years back and it was great to see he hadn’t lost even a hint of the joy he had then. Angels.
Usher closed out the night by being the most on-point performer I’ve ever seen. Seriously. Every movement was perfectly choreographed, every note flawlessly sung. It was like a musical.
I also saw Usher years ago—15 years ago I think—in Tinley Park, IL. He was my first concert. The show last weekend was just as fervent and captivating as the first.
He brought Chris Brown out for a medley of songs I’d forgotten I loved. Brown shimmied and shook around the stage, delivering occasional melisma and constant thrills.
Master P also made an appearance on this set during “No Limit,” Usher’s current huge hit. P was ecstatic and infectious. I want to see him in a full show.
The night ended, but the joy from that show carried me the rest of the weekend. A roaring success.
