Jay-Z, Kanye West prove they’re no mere pretenders to the throne
Kanye West and Jay-Z perform at the 'Watch the Throne' tour at BankAmerica Center. (Veda Jo Jenkins / sflimages.com)
The show was a phenomenal combination of innovative, technological stage designs, lights, and pyros synched to the beat, matched by outstanding performances by two nationally acclaimed artists who combined together made for a show of dynamic proportions.
From the onset, Jay-Z and Kanye West dazzled the audience by rising some 20 feet above the floor, LED lights glowing blue and streaming videos of sharks lit up the thrones. The dual stages rose from the front and mid-arena giving everyone from the floor to the rafters in the back a visual delight. I love it when these performers make it work for those unlucky people in the nosebleeds. Add to that the 20-foot-plus video screens that showed close-ups of the performers and you could see the sweat rolling down their faces as if you were in the front row.
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Opening the night with “H.A.M.”, the two men sang from their thrones for two songs and then appeared together on the front stage together — an American flag serving as the back drop for “Otis”. Everyone in the arena was on their feet and would stay that way throughout the night.
Whether it was singing the lyrics to “Hard Knock Life” or Yeezy’s version of Alicia Keyes “Empire State of Mind”, these men commanded the stage, involved the audience, and the love was overflowing from their fans.
There was a moment of reflection during the show where both Jay-Z and Kanye sat down on the step and slowed it down a bit showing the crowd a much softer side to this duo.
“For all those people who made it possible to be here,” Jay-Z shared. “All of those before us. Dreams can come true!”
Images of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X flashing on the screens as they performed West’s classic “Jesus Walks” made me realize these men are grateful for where they are today.
“Anyone out there with a dream … If you believe in your hearts go get it!”
Jay-Z also had a message to all the fathers in the audience as his lyrics stated “never repeater” in reference to men taking responsibility for their children. Interesting, because I thought he said: “My father is in the house so make some noise.” Maybe after all these years they have reconciled.
Jay-Z is the father to Beyonce’s unborn baby and having grown up in the Marcy Houses projects of Bed-Stuy he is very familiar with growing up in the school of hard knocks.
But back to the show. The two performers were like a tag-team duo coming together for a song, one leaving, the other performing solo and then switching it up. How else could you keep the crowd rolling for hours, the energy on stage as high as their thrones?
Putting the two together was an excellent idea and when they were on stage together they synched so well their energies just melded into one. For me there was not just one king, there were two, and it was nice to see that they were sharing the spotlight to create something bigger than themselves.
I attended the show and I agree – they had us bouncing and on our feet. Neither disappointed and I was very happy to see them share the throne. Kanye was a surprise delight! He really showed us how a rapper rocks the house. I was amazed at his stage performance and his gear. He work a pharonic leather skirt for most of the 1st set paying homage to the African kings that have come before him. But truthfully, JIGGA is a show stopper. He has so much swag and is a consummate lyricist that you hang on every word he spits. He is amazing! Add Kanye’s beats and production and it is true that the throne must be shared! A rapper needs a great producer with a monster beat to spit a rhyme. In my assessment, they humbly shared the stage and I loved every minute of it.
However, I do want to make a correction to the story above. Kanye said his father was in the house – not Jay-Z. Kanye has a good relationship with his father. Jay’s father died so a little fact checking goes a long way. Your statement about Jay being the father to Beyonce’s unborn child is a little disrespectful because it downplays the marriage which I think is important. He’s not just a baby daddy like so many stereotypes we see depicted towards African-American males.
Overall, the concert was well worth the money I spent. In my eyes these men are becoming immortals right in front of our eyes!
How long did the concert last? I have to work the night of the concert and I want to make sure I at least get my money’s worth if I go. :) thanks!!