50 Cent at the RAC Arena
with Jeremiah
Saturday, December 2, 2023
With a triumphant return to the live stage, rapper 50 Cent celebrates the 20th anniversary of his legendary album Get rich or die trying‘ On The last lap. The air was thick with anticipation as fans speculated whether this might be their last chance to witness 50 Cent perform, given his focus on television, movies and entrepreneurial endeavors in recent years.
Kicking off the evening was the soulful R&B act Jeremiah, whose resilience shone through after a challenging battle with COVID-19 that led him to learn to walk again. Backed by a DJ and captivating t-shirt pole dancers, Jeremih’s set exuded a different vibe than Vegas. His futuristic R&B anthems accompanied by mesmerizing visuals captivated audiences, building up to crowd favorites such as Yes, planand the eternal hit Birthday sex.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. 50 centssilhouetted on the screens; a glass case materializes on stage, filled with white smoke; and the man himself appeared to the accompaniment of fireworks. With his band positioned on the upper platforms and surrounded by multiple large screens, 50 Cent burst onto the stage with a powerful presence that filled the arena.
Surprising audiences by avoiding the obvious, 50 Cent enters his discography with a mixtape track, I’m on some shit, delivering raw, uncompromising rap that evoked the spirit of the East Coast. The screens behind him painted a vivid portrait of New York with animated replicas of brownstone buildings and the city skyline.
When the show started, 50 Cent turned up the energy What Up Gangsta. G-Unit member Tony Yayo and G-Unit Records signee Uncle Murda joined 50 on stage, keeping their beats to give each line added punch and engage the crowd as he performed. The crowd eagerly waved their hands and sang along to these classic rhythms.
The evening saw 50 Cent weave through eras, from the heavy I get money to introspection Hustler’s Ambition, 50 Cent showcased the breadth of his artistry, captivating the crowd. The show was an exploration of his multifaceted discography, a testament to his versatility and enduring influence on the music industry.
Amidst the hits, 50 Cent made sure there were surprises sprinkled throughout the night. He belted out one of the all-time hits, performing his chosen verse and The Game’s hook How we do, letting the infectious beat play out for the ladies on stage to dance to. Each girl in the dance pack had a chance to shine with a solo before 50 Cent seamlessly transitioned into a medley of club records including PIMP, Candy Storeand Disco Adwith flamethrowers creating a dazzling spectacle around him.
Changing the pace, 50 Cent launched into a performance of Window Shopperfollowed by some softer pieces incl Best friend and 21 questions. As the music changed, another dancer took over the stage, showing off some moves to Indian/Bollywood inspired music and seamlessly transitioning into an infectious 50’s song Just a little.
The carefully prepared setlist played with the audience’s emotions, combining nostalgia with unbridled energy. One of the notable moments was the introduction of Ayo technology, which catalyzed an outpouring of appreciation from the audience. The audience was visibly enthralled by the mesmerizing spectacle and sci-fi feel of the laser show unfolding before them, with 50 Cent’s stage presence and high-quality production taking the concert to new heights.
With each performance, 50 Cent reminded the crowd why he remains a defining force in the rap world. As he seamlessly transitioned from one powerful piece to the next, the energy in the arena reached a peak, marking a truly unforgettable night for all in attendance.
As the night reached its zenith, 50 Cent unleashed a star-studded rendition of At the Yes Clubsending the audience into a frenzy.
After an unforgettable performance, 50 Cent returned for a lengthy encore, giving the audience one last outpouring of his presence.
50 Cent’s performance served as a testament to his enduring legacy, demonstrating the timelessness of his music while reaffirming his status as a rap icon. The moving monitors, the quality of the stage images and the eruption of confetti and pyrotechnics during the show added to the grandeur of the production.
The last lap was a triumph that dispelled any doubts about 50 Cent’s ability to command the stage.
SARAH WHITE
Photos by Linda Dunjey
