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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > May > 05 > Entry
Kanye West Lands In Duluth
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hip-hop phenom Kanye West finally brought his live show to his Atlanta fans Sunday night, and while his Glow In The Dark tour may feel a little past his latest CD’s expiration date, his concert was something light years from now.
Whatever epoch his visually arresting stage show was set in, apparently it was not a time when anyone other West (above) needed to be on the Arena at Gwinnett Center stage — as his incredible band was set just underneath him in an orchestra pit, and in all black. Apparently it was also not a time where any other recording artists should make an appearance with him — as the only person who joined West was opener, rapper Lupe Fiasco on one of the closing tunes, “Touch The Sky”. And apparently it was not a place much on typical audience banter either — as the only time West seemed to kind of acknowledge where he was was during “Good Life”, when he changed the chorus to “The good life — it feel[s] like A-Town/it feel[s] like A-Town/it feel[s] like A-Town!”
The capacity crowd, however, had no problem acknowledging West, as it remained on its feet almost the entire concert as the 10-time Grammy winner gave what felt like a breathless, almost athletic 90-minute performance. And again, it was just him in a kind of urban, universal soldier get-up; his spectacular, crashed-space-ship stage outfitted with everything from movie-like lighting, white and yellow flame blasts to an unnecessary (and unfortunate) near-naked plastic woman; and a three-CD catalog made up of some of the biggest hits (“Stronger,” “Gold Digger”, “Through The Wire”) of the past four years.
The first highlight may have come a mere half an hour in, when he went into the chorus of the DJ Toomp-produced “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”, the house lights came up, and seemingly everyone in the arena was singing “Naaaaa/Naaa/Na-na/ Wait til I get my money right!”
And even with the lights lowered it was hard not to spot the numerous music (Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Musiq, Scar), music industry (Quincy Jones, Jermaine Dupri, Chaka Zulu, Shakir Stewart, Phillana Williams, Catherine Brewton, DJs Nabs and Doc, Rico Brooks, Ricardo Spicer, Keinon “Sleep” Johnson, Ron Hurd), TV (Kenny Burns, Ryan Glover) and sports (Jamal Anderson) stars in attendance.
The dynamic West more than made up for the lack of energy in Rihanna’s 30 minute-plus set, which the widely diverse audience mostly stood and watched like it was a fashion show. (And to her credit, the singer - in fishnet stockings and a tight, black, short, leather one-piece with hot pink piping — was certainly fashionable).
Perhaps Rihanna was just worn out from the N.E.R.D. show that preceded hers, where producer/recording artist/singer/pin-up Pharrell Williams’ ensemble surged through their lesser-known singles with the kinetic energy of a punk band.
And where West was clearly “the biggest star in [this] universe” — as that unfortunate plastic woman “told” him during the show— Rihanna, the eye candy, and N.E.R.D. the electric current, timely opener Fiasco was hip-hop at its best, and most basic: Just him, a DJ, and something thoughtful to say.
Were you in the capacity crowd last night? How would you rate the show? Do you think he and Rihanna should have toured when their latest CDs were hotter, or did Glow in the Dark feel timely to you?
Comments
By ashley joy
May 5, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
As Kanye told me, you cannot grade a gift! However, Rihanna was horrible… She should not have been on the bill with Lupe, N.E.R.D. and Kanye.
By Ally
May 5, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
I was there and the concert was great. Everyone that performed was good. Although I must say, I was a bit thrown off fwith N.E.R.D. (Pharrell) I didn’t really know where they were going. I didn’t know that Pharrelly was with this group and had never heard of it. But their energy was great and I loved the extremely diverse crowd. Having seen Kanye perform live has given me a GREATER appreciation for his talent and I think he is a genious. The moment when he sang the song about his mom and afterwards was very emotional for him it seemed. I wish him much success and everyone else that performed. The location was fabulous too.
By kanye
May 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
george bush doesnt like black people
By Mike Myers
May 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Uuhh, ok?
By Cherokee Nation
May 5, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Black people don’t like Black people. Blacks are free now so stop being “SLAVES to HATE” Black people are far more prejidist than any other people. Blacks are slaves to hatred ! Get over yourselves and try some humble pie and give peace a try !
By KW
May 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
George Bush hates black people!
By KW
May 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
George Bush hates black people!
By JAYLIN
May 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
THE SHOW WAS PRETTY GOOD- COULD NOT UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE WORDS- THE BASS WAS SO LOUD. OVERALL DECENT SHOW- SOMEOF THE AUDIENCE LEFT A BIT TO BE DESIRED THEY WAY THEY WERE DRESSED; HOOKERS AND STRIPPERS EVERYWHERE; I AIN’T MAD, BUT WHEN YOU ARE AT 250+ SPANDEX IS A BIG TIME NO-NO! I THOUGHT 107.9’S PRESENCE IN THE FRONT ARENA WAS WEAK AND MAMI CHULA IS LAME!
By Marcus
May 5, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Cherokee Nation:
“prejidist…”?
By whatever
May 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Kanye is a loud mouth talentless twirp…he needs to keep his mouth shut and quit pretending like he has talent. He should just stay home with his boyfriend
By SOULglo
May 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
LOL i’m still sitting here trying to figure out how we got from the original question of HOW THE CONCERT WAS to Black People not liking black people….what?!? STAY ON TOPIC!!
I wasn’t able to make this concert but I’ve seen Kanye before and he is great in concert. I’m sure it was a good show
By denise
May 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
it was a great show. Kanye rocked it!! i dont even remember who the other artists were… all i can say is WOW!!
By Mood Indigo
May 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Overall I thought it was a great concert. I was tired at the end of the night from singing and dancing along with Kanye. Rihanna was a little lackluster but since I like the songs she performed it still made me dance. Lupe, N.E.R.D. and Kanye were awesome and while I did expect a few “guest appearances” during Kanye’s set, it was refreshing to see him perform his heart out and still keep the crowd enthused all by himself.
By The English Teacher
May 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
FIRST of all I need you to spell “prejudice” correctly. And second of all this is about the concert…WHICH was amazing. I thought that Rihanna should have done more songs. I felt kind of bad that she did not move the crowd like the other artist though. I also thought that Kanye was amazing. Lupe did his thing. And NERD was great too. I don’t really have an opinion about Rihanna, but I think that Graduation was such a great album that he could have started his tour six months from now and it still would have been met with the same responses.
By Dwayne
May 5, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
It was a great concert. I’m a huge fan of N.E.R.D. and couldn’t wait to see them. They were great and so was Kanye, Rihanna was pretty good and I missed Lupe’s performance. The first half of Kanye’s show was electric, the entire place was rocking. I have been to a lot of concerts and haven’t felt a vibe like that before.
By barney
May 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I was at the show. All I can say is, “um okay, what was that all about?” Seems the people that enjoy talentless ego driven music like that will like anything. Kanye has no talent, he rips off of other songs, all he does is swing around in circles, not even a good dancer, and spit into the mike. Oh and I just love how the platic breasted doll flew over and told him that he was the biggest star in the universe. This tidbit of knowledge was dropped about 4 or 5 times during the show in case anyone missed that he is the biggest star in the universe. At the end of the show he compared his stardom to one Micheal Jackson, saying that, “the bigger I get the more the press be hatin on me, treating me like Micheal Jackson, this stage is a gift to you!” What in the heck was he talking about, he is such an ego driving egomaniac, he thinks the world revolves around him, aka the space set up. Oh and Kanye, “you stink, and Micheal Jackson has more talent in his plastic nose than you will ever have in your entire body!”
By Jazz
May 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I thought the show was HOT! Rihanna was out of place..especially after energetic performances by Lupe and N.E.R.D. (which I love). Kanye was awesome! I sang to every song! The show was great!
By W
May 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Dear Kanye, I DO NOT hate black people!! Jst think, if there were no black people the crime rate in America would be 80% lower. That means there would be 80% fewer law enforcement officers. What would those good people do for work? You shouldn’t make such reckless statements.
Yours Truly, George
By Cuda Beanz
May 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Barney, why did you even go to the show? You knew you didn’t like him, but you still went? Even if I was given free tickets to a concert, I wouldn’t go if I knew I didn’t like the person. Are you retarded?
By Renee
May 5, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Wow, Kanye really has the haters convinced. I’m from Chi, know Kanye personally and he’s the most humble, meek dude you’d ever want to meet. His stage persona is exactly that, for the stage. In the industry you MUST have an ego. If you don’t think you’re hot, nobody will. The results, well, look at your own bank account and add about 6 zeros, go Mr. West!
By Cuda Beanz
May 5, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
W, go do a line of coke and shut up.
By Maxwell209
May 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
This concert was off the chain. Kanye was definitely the show stopper. POP YOUR COLLAR KANYE!!! This brother gave a spectacular performance with just HIMSELF on stage. We had no idea there was a live band below. N.E.R.D was good - I missed Lupe :( because the dumb promoters put him on 1st. Rhianna should’ve went first. You seen one Rhianna you’ve seen them all…..They should’ve put her on a Hip Hop ticket anyway. Go KANYE….you have very reason to trip about your music because his passions pours off the stage and into the crowd with so much energy…WOW…AWESOME…I wish more artist was that way…like back in the day…when the artist loved the music and not the fame. KANYE….KANYE…KANYE…KANYE
By black pearl
May 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was a great show. I’m glad that I only wanted to see Kanye and Rhianna because the others groups was ok. I realized they did not do my type of music. Kanye keep doing what you do. Rhianna step it up some.
By black pearl
May 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was a great show. I’m glad that I only wanted to see Kanye and Rhianna because the others groups was ok. I realized they did not do my type of music. Kanye keep doing what you do. Rhianna step it up some.
By BlameCrimeWhereItLies
May 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
W you are an idiot. 80% of crime is because of black people? Maybe 80% of black people get harsher punishment in the injustice system, but your comments are stupid. Sometimes people that can talk need to shut the f#ck up & that would include you.
By Shanel
May 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I was at the show and it was great! Rihanna may have been a little out of place but we needed a break after the energy Lupe and N.E.R.D. brought and before Kanye came out. But overall the show was awesome. And for people who said Kanye has no talent, why were you even at the show? Why pay to see someone you don’t like, it doesn’t make sense, and if you only wanted to see the others don’t sit there 90 minutes of Kanye if you don’t like him. So simple. Stop hatin, Kanye has a gift of words and I think he’ll be around for a long time. So what he has an ego, get over it! The energy was great, I had a blast A+ Kanye!!!!!
By Storm
May 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I CANNOT STAND KANYE WEST. His music (if you can call it that) is HORRIBLE…….
What a loser!!
By Al
May 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t care for Kanye’s persona, but the genius of his music can’t be denied. He gave the most phenomenal, innovative, next level type concert experience. His show was awesome! Rihanna was decent and she sang all of her hits and did a good job. I’m not into NERD or Lupe Fiasco’s music but the black alternative crowd seemed to really enjoy both artists. All in all, a GREAT show. Loved the fact that Mary J, Quincy Jones, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, and Jermaine Dupri were all there. Hated the fact that this was all the way out in Gwinnett…ugh, but at least the parking was free.
By A. Dane
May 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Kanye West is a musical genius. He can be over the top at times. Kanye is an open and honest person. His music is a reflection of his rich and diverse life. I admire Kanye’s creativity, energy, and devotion to art. The concert was a visual and musical master piece. Lupe, N.E.R.D. and Kanye West great performace!
By Julian Hills
May 5, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
I disagree with the review to an extent. Not only was the concert a visual achievement, but a testament to Kanye’s music that there is no expiration date, it’s timeless music. The set was awesome, the effects were awesome, even the unfortunate plastic woman had an appeal. The passion, creativity, and talent that was shown on that stage made up for any personal quirk that Kanye had. He did not bring it to the stage.
By SkyReach
May 5, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Kanye, Lupe, N.E.R.D., Chris Brown, Bow-Wow, etal, …BIG THANKS for bringing much-needed energy to Gwinnett/Northside of town. “…Wait till I get my money right”…. Loved it!!!
By BigTone
May 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I thought the show was excellent. I agree with everything you said. Plus, it was good seeing you at the show. Great job with this article Sonia. HU!
By BigTone
May 5, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I thought the show was excellent. I agree with everything you said. Plus, it was good seeing you at the show. Great job with this article Sonia. HU!
By SkyReach
May 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
… And much respect for the regal lady Rihanna. She is a very nice entertainer. Really. I felt the crowd mild-response was from a combination of (1) just mis-matched energy level in contrast to her fellow artists of the evening; (2) Atlantan’s get a wide range of talent through here, so if she/he isn’t bringin’ it, we have enough experiences to quickly discern the deal (and then text a friend). The raw strength of head-bangin hip-hop energy just did not flow w/that of the regal one last night. …. That said, perhaps Chastain or The Fox would be good possible future venues along w/a few like-soulful entertainers. Just a few thoughts.
By I wanna know
May 5, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
I heard Obama was at the concert, does anyone know anything about that?
By Darrin "The Vent King"
May 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
When people in the media dog hip-hop, they are NOT seeing artist like these. The media doesn’t push this type of artistry on people like the bad stuff they push on them coming from the “gangsta” outfit and call it hip-hop. It is not, that’s RAP and that is all it is- mindless, thug-filled, materialistically gluttnous garbage. I wish they would talk about the Pharrells and Lupe Fiascos out there more so the general public and not just an enlighten few could witness it. I was at the show and loved every bit of it. Pharrell and N.E.R.D’s energy was off the charts and Rhianna’s voice is as beautiful as she is IMO. Lupe is not for the mentally slow wankstas and Kayne? My goodness, that cat must work out like a professional athlete- he was incredible! It felt like I just watch Star Wars. THATS how you do a show! Not stand there in an overly long white t-shirt holding your nuts bragging to a bunch of people who probably have just a half a tank a gas in their Honda about how much loot you have and how big the diamonds in your watch are while 45 members of your posse nods in approval. I’m glad I saw this show, the crowd was into it and no fights broke out. The media must be dissapointed. This is how hip-hop was in the beginning- people having fun. That’s what everyone was doing especially me. Good show Kanye and co., please come back after your next hit album and do another one - the Chi should be very proud!
By GA Peach
May 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
I absolutely enjoyed myself. I think Kanye’s performance was great and the audience really enjoyed his presence. We stood on our feet the entire time. It was amazing. To me, all the performances were great… Lupe, Pharell, N.E.R.D, and Rihanna. It wasn’t hot and very organized. Started on time and I was just amazed. It was a ticket worth getting and the concert itself lasted into mid-night. My girl and I enjoyed ourselves and it just got us ready for the Alicia Keys AS I AM TOUR coming up!
By Kaynes2ndMom
May 5, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
I’m a 42 year old Mom who knows not a thing abut hiphop. I do hear kanye in my sons car at times and like his influence. I got my son 17 year old son VIP tickets for Valentine’s Day. We drove 200 miles from SC. I tell you…My son was hyped!! He hugged me several times and told me Thanks!! One time he got emotional and i saw him cry. He pulled me up during Mama and hugged me tight….One of the BEST experiences and certainly a most memorable one. I Love Most of it even though I didn’t know the words!…2nd highlight…Having Quincy walk RIGHT beside me …lowest point of the night…the Rhianna girl…What’s her purpose? She couldn’t sing…couldn’t dance and was more like a back-up singer to the back up singers. I ate nachoes during her set. maybe I’m just too old….but the other guys were SICK!! ;)
By Henna Medina
May 5, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed the show good to see all races at the show without any fights good for hip hop !!!
By Jon boy
May 5, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
This concert was sick. especially kanye’s performance. Who else could hold a crowd by himself for 90 min. with no hypemen. he’s a genius.
By Dressed in yellow
May 5, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
What am I hearing? That concert was so HOT! N.E.R.D. kept the crowd on their feet, and we could have used the break with Rihanna (not much to brag about there) and Kanye, there are no words to describe that sort of talent. I must agree that he is a musical genius. There is nothing like Kanye out there right now. I have never seen a show like that in my life. Rock on Kanye! Loved every single minute.
By Dressed in yellow
May 5, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
What am I hearing? That concert was so HOT! N.E.R.D. kept the crowd on their feet, and we could have used the break with Rihanna (not much to brag about there) and Kanye, there are no words to describe that sort of talent. I must agree that he is a musical genius. There is nothing like Kanye out there right now. I have never seen a show like that in my life. Rock on Kanye! Loved every single minute.
By Dressed in yellow
May 5, 2008 8:28 PM | Link to this
What am I hearing? That concert was so HOT! N.E.R.D. kept the crowd on their feet, and we could have used the break with Rihanna (not much to brag about there) and Kanye, there are no words to describe that sort of talent. I must agree that he is a musical genius. There is nothing like Kanye out there right now. I have never seen a show like that in my life. Rock on Kanye! Loved every single minute.
By unknown
May 5, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
I missed everyone’s performance except for Kanye cause I was actually workin the event, and from what I am reading I guess I ain’t miss much. Kanye was da s** though, Stop hatin. He rocked the arena for an hr and a half all by HIMSELF like he said he ain’t competin with others but history and he don’t need 50 Hype man on stage with him. What other rapper can do that right now Seriously?
By unknown
May 5, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I missed everyone’s performance except for Kanye cause I was actually workin the event, and from what I am reading I guess I ain’t miss much. Kanye was da s** though, Stop hatin. He rocked the arena for an hr and a half all by HIMSELF like he said he ain’t competin with others but history and he don’t need 50 Hype man on stage with him. What other rapper can do that right now Seriously?
By unknown
May 5, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I missed everyone’s performance except for Kanye cause I was actually workin the event, and from what I am reading I guess I ain’t miss much. Kanye was da s** though, Stop hatin. He rocked the arena for an hr and a half all by HIMSELF like he said he ain’t competin with others but history and he don’t need 50 Hype man on stage with him. What other rapper can do that right now Seriously?
By Ambrosiality
May 5, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
um that’s a lie, I heard Kanye shout out ATL a lot of times that weren’t in the song!!!
Loved Lupe, still don’t know if he tripped or if that was part of the act with Kanye.
N.E.R.D was beyond great.
Kanye was Awesome!!
& it was really cool Quincy Jones came, and bow wow, Chris Brown, Musiq etc.
By Message
May 6, 2008 2:05 AM | Link to this
Kanye had it all wrong…Bush doesn’t like poor people.
By Question
May 6, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
Does anyone have a set list? I had to leave early and missed his closers. What did he perform after goin home? I wanna know what I would have heard if I had stayed…
By barney
May 6, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
Kanye samples Micheal Jackson, enough said, he sux!
By Star Man
May 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Like Kanye said , you can’t grade a gift, i was among the fortunite few who were there, the show was awesome, Lupe had so much energy,and his back up sigers can SING, Pharrel (NERD) Im a huge fan of, he had 2 drumers a band it was so LIVE, Rihanna was so sexy, and Mr West, put alot of thought in his set, it was diferent , not just him rappin he was singing, acting and gave me a show. It was The Best Rap concert I have ever been to. If I could go back in time i would go back to the show and see it all over again.
By Star Man
May 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Like Kanye said , you can’t grade a gift, i was among the fortunite few who were there, the show was awesome, Lupe had so much energy,and his back up sigers can SING, Pharrel (NERD) Im a huge fan of, he had 2 drumers a band it was so LIVE, Rihanna was so sexy, and Mr West, put alot of thought in his set, it was diferent , not just him rappin he was singing, acting and gave me a show. It was The Best Rap concert I have ever been to. If I could go back in time i would go back to the show and see it all over again.
By Star Man
May 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Like Kanye said , you can’t grade a gift, i was among the fortunite few who were there, the show was awesome, Lupe had so much energy,and his back up sigers can SING, Pharrel (NERD) Im a huge fan of, he had 2 drumers a band it was so LIVE, Rihanna was so sexy, and Mr West, put alot of thought in his set, it was diferent , not just him rappin he was singing, acting and gave me a show. It was The Best Rap concert I have ever been to. If I could go back in time i would go back to the show and see it all over again.
By Star Man
May 6, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Like Kanye said , you can’t grade a gift, i was among the fortunite few who were there, the show was awesome, Lupe had so much energy,and his back up sigers can SING, Pharrel (NERD) Im a huge fan of, he had 2 drumers a band it was so LIVE, Rihanna was so sexy, and Mr West, put alot of thought in his set, it was diferent , not just him rappin he was singing, acting and gave me a show. It was The Best Rap concert I have ever been to. If I could go back in time i would go back to the show and see it all over again.
By JCR
May 6, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Yesss, The Concert was GREAT. Lupe was pretty good. N.E.R.D is on some different stuff, and Rihanna….. just looks good. BUT Kanye West is the best. This was my first concert and I’m glad I was able to watch my favorite artist perform. He truly showed why he has 10 Grammies and I can see his frustration for when he doesn’t win every award he is nominated in. I thankyou Kanye. Be Blessed
By bbe
May 8, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
The concert was phenomenal! I did have a few issues. First, Lupe was having trouble with his mic. It was difficult hearing him which sucks because he such a talented artist and I was very excited to see his performance. Second, Rihanna’s performance was mediocre. Now I say this with mixed feelings because I did not expect too much and I was quite surprised by her vocals. She sounds better live than on the radio. Overall she did fairly well and yes, it may have seemed like it fell short because of N.E.R.D’s wild performance. Now Kanye was the absolute star of the show. Never have I ever seen a rapper perform alone for two hours straight during a concert. He breaked for maybe two minutes out of two hours and gave sooo much energy if I wanted to sit down I couldn’t. This is the third time that I have seen him in concert and I must say that his performances get better and better each time he comes to the A. The great thing about Kanye is that he cares about his performance and he doesn’t just do a tour just to do it. I felt satisfied after leaving the concert…not just satisfied but overwhelmed with excitement. I hope that he returns to the A soon. :-)
By Broke8
May 11, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Greetings People.
Just curious as to which one of you guys had to deal with the commute to Gwinnett? I live here so It’s actually refreshing not to have to drive to Atl. for a Concert. -K
By Broke8
May 11, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Greetings People.
Just curious as to which one of you guys had to deal with the commute to Gwinnett? I live here so It’s actually refreshing not to have to drive to Atl. for a Concert. -K