Marathon To Houston : Nipsey Hussle Concert Review ::: by @niksofly

So about Saturday night… It was definitely an interesting night to say the least. Part of the Houston Rockets’ starting line up was in the building. The legendary Scarface and Hustle Gang’s & Houston’s own -Trae the Truth came out. Former 106 and Park host Miss Mykie and budding media personality- Harper showed their faces. No, I wasn’t at the hottest club in Houston. You guessed it, whoo (insert OG Maco melody). I was at Warehouse Live, but the way the promoter -Sherro hosted, I might as well have considered it Club W.

There were a few opening acts for Mr. Crenshaw himself, but only one had me interested in his performance. The Dallas artist, Knesecary (pronounced Necessary), didn’t have gimmicks or a stage full of unnecessary (pun intended) people. His essentials were subwoofer-approved beats and an authentic flow reminiscent of old school Hip- Hop. In the back wings of the stage I studied his presentation, and it is definitely OG approved. There was no display of ostentatious jewelry, just raw talent. His art form is pure and uncompromised.

The intermission kept the crowd hyped as the DJ played radio favorites. There was even a “Hot N*gga” dance break. The Houston Rockets shooting guard, James” The Beard” Harden and his entourage entered the venue. After the last opening act, the crowd was fed its final round of energy. The stage was cleared. The lights dimmed. The level below dispersed its members. The wait appeared to be finally over. HPD entered to secure the perimeter. Whisked in, a slim figure clothed in pristine white with fresh braids and black fitted floated onto stage. Offering only himself, Nipsey Hussle brought Crenshaw to Houston. It is something about authenticity that requires the attention of all in attendance. Hussle’s no bull, west coast sound demanded my undivided attention. Unapologetic bass demanded respect. The chill demeanor and Cali accent of Hussle enveloped the venue. Rocking out to “All Get One” and “ 1 of 1” , Nipsey connected with his fans. A lot is to be said when an artist can get Houston Rocket’s power forward -Terrence Jones and James Harden to lose themselves in the music. Performing his verse from YG’s “You Broke”, it was clear that Hussle intended on giving the home of chop & screw a memorable night. “H-Town in my cup, OG in my blunt, Crenshaw on my shirt”… when those words were delivered as the beat dropped, it was as though the visible connection intensified. The crowd lost all parts of their minds as the “marathoner” himself performed “HTown”. [I will admit if it wasn’t for the anonymity of being backstage and being engulfed by above 6’3 men, I’d probably be embarrassed at my jam session. It is safe to say I was slightly turned up.] Bringing on the iconic Scarface made the show that much more official. Performing “Rose Clique”, Hussle showered his fans with Rose. “U See Us” production and the venue’s sound system married well. Let it be on record that Hussle’s “The man, b*tch he’s the man, I’ll say it again”. Hussle reminds me of what I imagine good bud to be…effortless and effective. Each song performed (puff inhaled) made the night (the high) that much better. His performance was A-1. It was well worth the anticipation. There wasn’t a song the fans didn’t know or a verse that couldn’t be regurgitated. Imagine a packed out venue spitting each of his bars as though they were the performer… a truly dope experience.

If you are still sleeping on Mr. Crenshaw I advise you to wake up. He is definitely certified.

-Niko Rose

I normally do not speak on my dealings with promoters and artist management, but I feel inclined to do so. Because of Nipsey’s Management I was gifted access. I definitely appreciate the professionalism and ease in our dealings as well as the opportunity.