When Jay-Z announced plans to hit the road with the Blueprint III tour, it instantly became the most anticipated hip-hop concert since he teamed-up with Mary J. Bilge two years ago for the $30 million grossing Heart of the City tour.
This time around, Jay-Z enlisted R&B crooner Trey Songz and the streetwise Young Jeezy as guest acts.
Billed as a can’t-miss event, some fans shelled out $250 or more per ticket to witness Jay-Z perform live at Atlanta’s Philips Arena. Vocally, Jay-Z did little to disappoint the sold-out crowd who stood for the entire show and rapped nearly every lyric to every verse and song. Backed by a noteworthy 10-man band, Jay-Z opened with “Run this Town,” “On to the Next One,” and “DOA (Death of AutoTune).”
After going through a string of 16 hits, Jay-Z handed the spotlight to Young Jeezy who performed an uninspiring 25-minute set.
Young Jeezy seemed a bit rushed and never showed the confidence that he has known to display while performing at Hot 107.9’s annual Birthday Bash. He also appeared less intimidating without 50 men in black T-shirts standing behind him.
Jay-Z returned to the stage after performing “My President” with Young Jeezy and continued for the second half of his set. Jay-Z’s strong cadence, clear enunciation and song placement allowed him to keep the crowd in the palm of his hands the entire night.
However, Jay-Z’s visual performance is forgettable. Besides two tall LED screens that were placed behind the band, he didn’t use many props or themes to tell a visual story through his music. At his level, Jay-Z has the ability to put on a theatrical-like show that could include different sets and several outfit changes. For such a big event, Jay-Z should do more to visually take the crowd to a place where they have never been before.
If you have attended the BP3 tour, share your thoughts on the overall show. –amir shaw
