Houston Gets A Piece of “Blacc Hollywood”-Wiz Khalifa Concert Review :by @niksofly

(Pic by @blakefilms)

Jack Frost was nipping at the thousand plus that stood in the line extending to the BBVA Compass Stadium . Around 6 o’clock Thursday evening I received a text stating that the line was forming, but naively I dismissed it as mere fabrication. With the icey temperature making the best of us decide that an evening in with hot cocoa was better, who would form a line hours before a concert? In the element? I witnessed it for the August Alsina concert as well as the B.O.B tour, but cold weather checks the best of our fan tendencies. Apparently Wiz Khalifa has that ability and with the promise of a great show, it was enough warmth for those who stood more than 3 hours in line.

I was whisked into the VIP area with my friend in tow. Posted by the door to the back stage, I witnessed women and men alike give “I know such and such” lines and even attempt to bribe the gate keeper. There was an iconic artist that played the “I’m good, trust me” card, but even he still had to be verified. Everyone else was walking straight into a “NO”. Khalifa had security on 100. Impeccably dressed in fitted black, YEMG artist and singer of “Sex In A Slab” – Ken Randle made his way through VIP to show support. Uzi (pronounced like the illegal gun) was the opening act. The first of its kind that I have witnessed thus far, the group married grunge and trap beats. It was a seemingly interesting choice in performance type.

There was no DJ to entertain, just sheer anticipation. Convened by the electric chords of the guitar and the conviction of bass, Wiz Khalifa appeared. With all eyes focused on him, the energy enveloped the venue. Attendees became live recordings of Khalifa spitting each word of his song back verbatim. Khalifa’s show wasn’t just another hip-hop concert. It was the remix to Run DMC’s and Aero Smith’s “Walk This Way”. The live band rewrote the anticipation of the crowd. “Roll Up” was unintentionally the smoker’s anthem. The herbal essence was prolific as it danced to the rhythm of the cadence. “Work Hard, Play Hard” coupled with “Black and Yellow” had the fans going bananas. I had no idea Houston had so many Steelers fans (insert the blank face). “The Sleaze” from his latest album “Blacc Hollywood” made for an interesting interaction with fans. They were connected despite the visible separation by a barricade. “We Dem Boyz” and “Taylor Gang” incited pandemonium. Fans lost their minds creating the background vocals. “Whip It Around” had VIP doing the South Dallas Boogie as they rocked out. The ladies seemed to enjoy Khalifa’s vocal abilities as he performed “Promises”. “Foreign” and “You and Your Friends” were great follow ups. There is this magical feeling that a live band brings. It touches your most inner facets urging you to lose control. Now intertwine that with the high-energy performance Khalifa gives and you can only imagine the high ( no pun intended) the venue experienced.

I was no longer in Houston. I was floating between life in “Blacc Hollywood” and 4/20. This is what I imagine Khalifa’s world to be like. Overdosing with the love of fans and sobering with his performances. He gave Houston a piece of him. It was lavishly given without an ounce of consideration for doubt and for that, fans will hold on to the memory forever. On that cold November night, Khalifa transcended from hip-hop artist to rockstar. It was an electric performance. Scoremore once again had Warehouse Live going up on a Thursday. It was another certified concert. Check out Wiz Khlaifa and his “Blacc Hollywood Big Secret Tour”. Taylor Gang are ” Dem Boyz”!
-Niko Rose