The Many Sides Of Lil Wayne

Approximately 8,000 fans came to the Sprint Center Aug. 22 to see the self-proclaimed “best rapper alive.”

He lived up to that lofty title during his hour and 40-minute set. Wayne started off with “I’m Goin’ In” and had the crowd in the palm of his hand all night.

The main focus of the show was material from “Tha Carter III” and several new tracks from “Tha Carter IV.”

He did dig deep into his catalog to play the classic “Go DJ.” Newer, hard-hitting material like “John” went over well. For most of the evening, Lil Wayne was wonderfully offensive and raw.

Ironically, the Sprint Center had signs posted to report any profanity to guest services. A section of songs from the “No Ceilings” mixtape showcased Wayne at his most unhinged.

He contrasted these grittier moments with more subtle songs and pop-rap. New track, “Nightmares of the Bottom,” was delivered acapella, like a spoken word piece.

Glossier, more pop-oriented numbers like “Bedrock” and “Miss Me” took on a smoother, more lush sound thanks to the live band backing him.

Several guest appearances helped to take the show to a higher level. Fellow New Orleans rapper Birdman joined him for a ferocious “Fire Flame” and “Money to Blow.” Mack Maine joined him for a remix of “Got Money.”

Wayne brought out Tech N9ne to pay respect to the Kansas City indie rap legend, because he was one of the few people who visited Wayne in jail.

Lil Wayne also announced that Tech was appearing on “Tha Carter IV.” Sadly, they did not rap onstage together.

There were a few missteps. The odd, clumsy ballad “How to Love,” still generated lots of lighters in the air. A solo song by Shanell slowed the momentum in the middle of Wayne’s set. She fared much better singing background vocals or taking Kelly Roland’s part on “Motivation.”

“Prom Queen,” an attempt at rocking out, fell flat. It was strange that Wayne did not bring out Rick Ross to do his verses on “John,” even though Ross was an opening act.

The crowd was rabid all night. Wayne nearly caused a riot when he rapped “Mr. Carter” while walking on a temporary bridge lowered into the audience.

In-between hit songs, Wayne took several times to address the crowd.

“I’m 28 and I’m a self-made millionaire,” he said proudly early on in the show. He expressed love for his fans a lot during his set. All night, the crowd proved the feeling is mutual.

Rick Ross lumbered around stage during his 35-minute set. However, the quality of his songs made his set work. Backed by just a DJ, his set was a brutal display of Ross’ power as a rapper. He opened with his verse from a remix of Ace Hood’s “Hustle Hard.” The crowd rapped along furiously to hits “Ashton Martin Music,” “B.M.F.” (Blowin’ Money Fast) and “MC Hammer.” Ross was a perfect opener for Wayne.
Keri Hilson did a short set of smooth R&B and girl power anthems. Hits like “Energy” and “Pretty Girl Rock” showcased her powerful vocals.

Far East Movement seemed the most out-of-place act of the evening. They sounded like a discount Beastie Boys. Their fusion of dance music and rap didn’t go over well with the crowd.

Lloyd opened the evening with a 15-minute display of smooth, soulful R&B. The sound was a bit rough during his set, but his vocals still sounded spot on. Hits like “Lay It Down” went over well with the crowd.