The Soulcialista: ::RECAP:: LUPE FIASCO

::RECAP:: LUPE FIASCO | Generation LASER

She left her feather earrings on the night stand, spare tooth brush in the bathroom, favorite pumas near the door, kept her picture on the mantel and just like a gypsy Summer packed her bag and took off in the middle of Thursday night, leaving those of Generation Laser to be the first to feel her absence outside at Merriweather Post Pavillion.

Though not as packed as some may have liked, the crowd that turned out filled the pit, the lawn and a good amount of the center seats. If Summer would have stayed just a day longer she would have seduced a few more to fill in. Regardless, the weather couldn’t stop the enthusiasm and excitement at seeing musicians like hometown favorite Wale and headliner Lupe Fiasco.

Prepared with jacket, scarf, and hot coffee I settled in to take in what I knew was sure to be another great live show presented by the good folks at CD Enterprises.

THE WARM UP

One great thing I have come to expect from a CD Enterprise show is that it will begin on time and this show was no different. Various hosts throughout the night were from the major radio stations that helped to promote the show. Both WKYS and WPGC kept the show moving.

Sarah Green, a young lady on the road with Lupe Fiasco, opened the show with a few songs that kept the people who came early occupied.

UK artist, Tinie Tempah picked up the energy and performed songs that included "Frisky", "Till Im Gone", and "Pass Out". With just himself and a DJ he rocked the crowd. Admittedly, I hadn’t heard much of his music and it seems I was the only one because Tinie Tempah’s last song "Written In The Stars" was sung pretty much entirely by the crowd as the dj cut the music and Tinie directed the audience, amused that they knew the lyrics. I was impressed and plan to dive into his discography very soon.

Phil Ade was added to the line up last minute in place of Big Sean. Being a relatively new artists, this show was a very good look to build his fan base and he took full advantage. He and his DJ brought a hungry intensity to the stage and caught my attention off the first song. Despite the fact that most of the crowd didn’t know him, his vigor won them over and being from Maryland didn’t hurt in connecting to the audience. Plus to top it all off, his 368 cohort Raheem DeVaughn made an appearance and added that extra co-sign.

Things took a sexy turn as Miguel made his way to the spotlight. With a live band to back him he brought the only r&b of the night. Singing a Kanye cover of "All Of The Lights", "All I Want Is You", "Quickie" and "Sure Thing" he kept the crowd content while they waited patiently for Wale & Lupe. Though Miguel had a passionate set full of energy, the crowd just really wasn’t reflecting it…but my guess is that most of them were frozen as the temperatures continued to drop.

SCORCHERS

Finally Wale was introduced and the place went wild for the hometown hero and was the first time during the night that everyone on the floor, the seat and the lawn were on their feet. From "Chillin" to "Beautiful Bliss" he had the crowd hype. Like a true entertainer he had wonderful crowd interaction, even inserting himself in the front row of the crowd as if he was a fan. The Maybach Music artist has figured out the way to get his album Ambition coming out on 11-1-11 sold is to make his fans into fanatics and intimate interaction like he displayed at the show is a sure fire way to ensure loyalty. His set also included "90210", "4am" with local artist Black Cobain, "Break Up Song", "That Way" and "Pretty Girls". Not sure if he gained a fan in me but most certainly a new admirer.

The moment Lupe Fiasco hit the stage we all had no choice but to move. His band was a force and power coming from the stage captured us all. "Go Go Gadget Flow", "Coming Up", "Touch The Sky" kept the crowd built up. Of course he performed the favorite "Kick Push" as well as "Hip Hop Saved My Life", "All Black Everything" & "Scream". I enjoyed the passion and the potency of his performance. He almost made us forget that Summer abruptly left, instead he steadily continued to encourage us to remember where we come from. Not just because we are both from Illinois, but because I love the messages behind his music I was super psyched to see him perform live again.