Many Houstonians like myself have been “patiently waiting” for a tour to explode on from 50 Cent. He hadn’t performed in a Houston venue for over 7 years! So when it was announced that he would celebrate the 20th anniversary of Get Rich or Die Tryin’ with a farewell tour stop at the Toyota Center, I knew I had to be there.
Opening up for someone with as many hits as 50 has is no easy task. Instead of pinning one rapper to get the crowd hyped, 50 and his production team had a vast array of artists to kick the night off. R&B singer Jeremih’s stunningly smooth voice took the crowd back to the early 2010s, performing forever classics such as “Oui,” “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” and “Planez.”
After him was Busta Rhymes. Busta is the type of artist who loves to switch up the energy with every song. His first song, “Make It Clap,” is an upbeat collab with Jamaican reggae artist Sean Paul. He immediately transitioned the chaotic energy into “I Know What You Want,” a legendary smooth R&B joint with Mariah Carey. The song has recently gained some clout due to a TikTok mashup with “HONEY, I SEE YOU” by Mashonda. Anyone who has watched a Jordan Poole video has heard this song. Other songs performed included his “BEACH BALL” collab with BIA, club classic “Look At Me Now,” and hyper-aggressive headbanger “Break Ya Neck.” Busta brought out not one, not two, but THREE rappers representing Houston. Paul Wall, wearing a Pimp C graphic tee, performed his verse off Nelly’s “Grillz” to kick things off. The crowd loved it, but nothing compared to the roars of the Toyota Center when they heard the first second of the legendary “Still Tippin” and saw Slim Thug walking out for one of the most iconic intro verses of all time.
Slim stayed to perform his solo anthem “Thug,” interpolating a legendary Eazy-E track. I’ve seen Slim and Paul in concert plenty, but I’ve never seen the legendary Scarface before – that is, not until Busta brought him out and gave him his flowers at least five times. Scarface performed his solo hit “Smile” and the Geto Boys classic “Mind Playing Tricks on Me,” a paranoia anthem for the ages. Needless to say, I would have been content with leaving the show right then and there.
Why do that when the show’s just getting started? 50 performs a few songs, and then I can go home, right? Not exactly – a 30-song setlist conveyed the message that 50 Cent wanted to make this tour one his fans would never forget. Looking to make a solid first impression, he “magically” came out of a big cube hovering over the stage where he performed “What Up Gangsta,” “I Get Money,” and “Hate it or Love It.” Something I was very impressed by was how 50 managed to weave in at least 10 wardrobe changes throughout the night. He rocked Yankees hats in any color you could think of !
Backed by Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda (and a very talented squad of ladies), the concert itself was just hit after hit after hit. “Hustler’s Ambition,” “P.I.M.P.,” “Candy Shop,” “21 Questions,” “Many Men,” “Just a Lil Bit,” “If I Can’t,” and so many more. It’s crazy how I knew just about every song, despite being an average fan to start. 50’s story is admirable, motivational, and applicable. I am grateful I was able to catch him perform at least once before he enjoys the generational wealth that he has made – let’s say he won’t have to Die Tryin’.
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