Recap: Kendrick Lamar Opens Hard Rock In Las Vegas
Let's face it, overly dedicated fans were anticipating Kendrick Lamar's arrival to Las Vegas' Hard Rock Cafe. The Top Dawg Entertainment champion lyricist hit the strip alongside cohorts Jay Rock and Ab-Soul to headline BET's Music Matters Tour. The packed venue found eager audiophiles ready to get turnt up to the max which quickly became an all-out sing-along instead of a mildly mannered concert.
Rather than give audiences a recycled performance, the TDE triple-threat offered a twist that sometimes even upended your standard concert fare. The sold-out Hard Rock Cafe couldn't contain the explosive ammunition that hit the stage last Friday, so we managed to capture the night's most boisterous moments for you to check out in our gallery below.
Even though good kid, m.A.A.d city leaked days before its official release that should not stop you from copping K. Dot's critically acclaimed debut, in stores today.
— Written by Kevin L. Clark (@DLYDJ), Photos by Christian Astorga (@ChristianFGY)
Rather than give audiences a recycled performance, the TDE triple-threat offered a twist that sometimes even upended your standard concert fare. The sold-out Hard Rock Cafe couldn't contain the explosive ammunition that hit the stage last Friday, so we managed to capture the night's most boisterous moments for you to check out in our gallery below.
Even though good kid, m.A.A.d city leaked days before its official release that should not stop you from copping K. Dot's critically acclaimed debut, in stores today.
— Written by Kevin L. Clark (@DLYDJ), Photos by Christian Astorga (@ChristianFGY)
Since joining the Maybach Music Group, Stalley has been consistently invigorating audiences with his music. The Las Vegas audience was eager to take the "Savage Journey To The American Dream" and lost their composure when they heard those beginning keys from "Hammers & Vogues".
Audiophiles gave the 3-3-0 native rhymer their undivided attention, as he riddled through a collection of his most recognized hits.
The Massillon muscle car enthusiast showcases his force on stage over Block Beattaz's stellar production.
Who knew that "Route 21" would take the Ohio rapper to some interesting places? As the BET Music Matters tour rolled through into Las Vegas, Sin City was treated to a grandiose experience courtesy of Purple Krown, The Well Versed and 2 Dope Boyz, who were the night's sponsors and supporters.
After Jay Rock devastated the stage with his brand of West coast gangsta music, Ab-Soul hit the stage to jumpstart the revolution. Armed with an array of fan favorite songs, Soulo launched into tracks such as "Terrorist Threats," "Empathy," and "SOPA".
A classic moment during the Las Vegas show occurred when Ab-Soul and the audience merged to pay tribute to Alori Joh. The late singer-songwriter was instrumental in, not only Ab-Soul's life, but the lives of everyone involved with Top Dawg Entertainment.
Focused, determined and displaying a tenacity that has become a staple within the TDE camp, Ab-Soul doesn't disappoint the Sin City crowd with his dope performance.
The Black Lip Bastard hacked into the minds of the Las Vegas audience with a set of skills that is sure to make anyone keep an out for future projects from the Carson, California native.
Not even a leak could stop Kendrick Lamar's momentum — and the crowd knew it! Taking the stage like a conquering king does an empire, K. Dot was greeted as a hero returning to sit upon the West coast throne.
The performance was akin to a church procession with Kendrick and mixing master Ali serving as the night's preacher and deacon, respectively. The faithful were extra giving, singing back every word to every song, much to the chagrin of K. Dot and the TDE crew.
Taking a moment out of the show to deviate from the schedule set list for the night, Kendrick allowed his supporters to call out the next few songs that were to be performed.
With the crowd on full-tilt, King Kendrick surveyed his stomping grounds, and ruled with an ease that beguiles his young years. From "Hol' Up" to "Rigamortis," the audiophiles in the room engaged with Kendrick, recited his lyrics and overall exerted an energy that should translate to an interesting week when the numbers for "good kid, m.A.A.d city" are released.
After performing for an hour onstage and a closing set that involved an acapella version of "HiiiPower" sparking chants for an encore, Kendrick Lamar proved why he is the new king of the West Coast. But the audiophiles who sold out Las Vegas' Hard Rock Cafe matched K. Dot's effort throughout the whole night, as they actualized a dream of rhyming word-for-word alongside the future Hip-Hop Hall of Famer.
