(Photo jacked from @shotbyesco )
When Hussle the Great comes to town, you make provisions to see him. Wednesday night was no different. The Mailbox Money Tour hit the city of chop and screw requesting the presence of everyone including the Rockets’ MVP candidate, James Harden and Mr. Boss Life himself, Slim Thug. Powered by @DScottie x @DJMrRogers x @silentnoisemmg x @dolemitejr91 , the House of Blues was the move to make for night. Escorted in with my credentials, I waited patiently for what I can now describe as dopeness.
It’s not a concert that matters if DJ Mr. Rogers of 93.7 The Beat isn’t on the 1’s and 2’s. Manning the turntables, Rogers kept the crowd vibing before Houston’s own Propain took the wheel. Performing the crowd favorite “2 Rounds”, Propain had the city in his hands. He continued to lace the stage with unmatched artistry and jams. Later partnering with Slim Thugga to perform “All I Know” during his set, Propain schooled a few that may have not been familiar with the culture. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the freight elevator that transported me open up. Without fuss or quarrel, an entourage clothed in black appeared. Nestled comfortably between the faces of security, Nipsey Hussle’s own appeared. Following the lead of security to his area, he disappeared. Fans had no idea how soon they would witness their favorite Neighborhood Crip. @kane713 did his thing mc’ing while Rogers played hits as @DJVIP510 set up. Exciting the insatiable appetite of the fans, it was clear that they were ready. The hunger for that west coast taste was evident.
Panning the stage area, the last adjustments were made. Mics checked. Curtains drawn. To my left stood the entourage I had previously seen. This time, Nipsey Hussle was in clear view. Bobbing from side to side, Hussle was ready as he placed the mic to his face. As the DJ dropped “Killa”, Hussle coasted onto the stage, giving the fans what they wanted. There was no need for additional lighting or any frills, Hussle’s talent was enough. Transitioning into “All Get Right”, Nipsey prepped the crowd for a ride through his musical growth. “Checc Me Out” demanded fans to recite each bar word for word. “U See Us” wasn’t any different. The momentum grew as Nipsey Hussle performed “4 In The Mornin ”, but nothing tops the adrenaline that permeated the venue when The Great hit Houston with that “ H-Town”. It was as if that song was made exclusively for the attendees there. Backs arched, legs dropped as heads rolled on that wave of solidarity. Coated in euphoria, any remnants of inhibitions were released. “ Drop Coupes” continued the euphoric wave. As expected with “Rose Clique”, champagne showered the fans. That one tangible taste was enough conviction for the cool cats to lose reservation. Nispey Hussle literally had the “Keys 2 The City”. “The Weather” tested the fans from the fakes. Zoned out, the energy required fans to “Stay Loyal” and loyal did they stay. Nothing could pry their eyes from the stage. “A Hunnit A Show” solidified the bond between fan and artist. Before disappearing into the darkness of backstage, Hussle blessed fans with his bars from “You Broke”.
As quickly as he emerged from the wings, Hussle disappeared. All that was left was the memory of a great performance and the gratitude he demonstrated as he thanked Houston for rocking with him. It is always a great time when Hussle comes to town.
Be sure to check out The Mailbox Money Tour. It’s awesomeness.
-Niko Rose
