While wearing enough jewelry to fund more than a few of his fans’ college tuitions, punctuated his set at on Aug. 23 with declarations of “I’m innocent.” The tall, lanky and lethargic rapper kicked off the Colorado leg of the America’s Most Wanted Tour with and a
Typically 2 Chainz comes across as dominating, clever and precise during his live performances. This time, though, the MC was a bit more disarming. After a rousing rendition of “Crack,” the Atlanta native addressed his prior arrest by saying, “just because I say it in a song don’t mean I got anything on my tour bus. Leave me alone!” He was then met with wild applause and roaring cheers as he sailed into his mega hit, “Spend It.” And maybe it was because of recent events, but his new single “Feds Watching” was a hit with the audience. Engaging as the set turned out to be, it was clear 2 Chainz was still a bit miffed about the arrest and more than a bit lethargic from the situation.
T.I., on the other hand, came out the gate swinging with unexpected pyrotechnics, three hype men and enough energy to race a bull. Opening his set with “Top Back,” the King of the South held nothing back as he kept with the America’s Most Wanted Theme. He took us down memory lane with tracks that explained his own legal problems, such as “Still Ain’t Forgave Myself.” Then he eased into “Live in the Sky,” a somber tune about the loss of loved ones. That tune came out prior to T.I.’s federal gun seizing arrest, and he used the moment to address how his life has changed before breaking into his verse from Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines.”
After a swooning rendition of “Whatever You Like,” it didn’t seem possible for him to turn it up another notch, but he did so effortlessly with a roaring performance of “Bring Him Out,” “Rubber-band Man” and “Live Your Life.” Just a bit hoarse, sweating profusely and with a believable declaration of “Itap the King homie!” T.I. left the stage to staccato fireworks that eerily sound like rapid gunfire.
With an intricate stage set-up that included full skateboard ramps and a digitally imposed city, the show’s headliner Lil Wayne emerged with dread locks flailing and stellar rap vocals on “Steady Mobbin.” He stepped to the edge of the stage and recited three important bullet points: “One, I believe in God. Two, I ain’t shit without you. And three, I ain’t shit without you,” before kicking his performance into high gear.
Wayne brought out 2 Chainz for their classic collaboration “Duffle Bag Boy” and kept the ladies on their feet for a slinky version of “She Will.” T.I. returned to the stage for his verse on “Ball,” where Wayne showed again what a selfless performer he is, saying he wanted to “follow the King’s lead,” as the two ripped and ran up the stage’s catwalks with agility. Other highlights included “Lollipop” and “How to Love,” which showcased Lil Tunechi’s crooning. “A Milli” was a pleasant surprise on the setlist and a crowd favorite.
But quite possibly the best moment of Lil Wayne’s more than 70-minute set was the medley of hits. He brought out the Rick Ross-assisted “John,” the codeine drenched “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” the club banger “Love Me” and his guest verse on Future’s “Karate Chop.” Shirtless and with a mega watts smile he ended the night on the highest of notes with “No Worries,” before disappearing into a cloud of smoke.
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Ru Johnson is an arts and culture music writer living in Denver. You can follow her on
Seth McConnell is a member of YourHub at The Denver Post and a regular contributor to Reverb.
