Trap’s Not Dead: Legendz of the Streetz Reloaded at Toyota Center

When I looked up “Trap music” on Wikipedia, the article listed three pioneer rappers: Gucci Mane, T.I., and Young Jeezy. While the 45-year-old Jeezy may not be so young anymore, he certainly performed as if he was an up-and-coming artist in the Atlanta hip-hop scene, just trying to make it big. Performing alongside Jadakiss, Cam’ron, Trina, and the night’s headliner Rick Ross, the “big three” proved why they’re not ready to drop the mic just yet.

Leading into Gucci’s performance, the February 4th show carried great momentum. Jadakiss and Cam’ron are two NYC legends, and they took a unique approach by doing a combo performance (likely to celebrate Cam’ron’s birthday). Their chemistry, combined with recognizable hits such as “Hey Ma” and “We Gonna Make It,” allowed for a perfect intro to get the crowd energized. When I saw Trina perform next, I was skeptical – I’m not a big fan of female hip-hop. However, her vocal talent and R&B jams mixed with amusing ass-shaking anthems made me a fan. (I think the girls in front of me liked it too.)

I could barely blink twice before Gucci Mane was already rushing out onstage, performing all his biggest hits such as “Wake Up In The Sky,” “I Get the Bag (feat. Migos),” and “Both (feat. Drake).” These songs are what introduced many listeners, including myself, to Gucci and a whole genre of music they otherwise would have ignored. What was even more impressive, and more in line with the theme of the tour, were trap hits such as “I Don’t Love Her,” and “Lemonade.” The crowd had more energy for these songs as if there was more “trap authenticity,” which is a concept I found interesting. If a song blows up and strays away from the target demographic, is it no longer a trap classic? 

T.I.’s performance helped answer this question. His biggest hits include features from artists such as Rihanna, Eminem, and Justin Timberlake. He performed none of these, instead singing his biggest solo record “Whatever You Like,” and energizing the audience with his more trap-centric material. Looking to avoid monotony, he brought out two feature artists: Houston legend Trae Tha Truth (I see him everywhere at this point) and T.I.’s own son Domani, whom he introduced as the “future of trap” as they performed their duet, “Family Connect.” 

Jeezy, dressed in a simple all-black fit, put on for his city – and ours. His abrasive yet dynamic performing style was well-received by the crowd. Not only did he look young, but he was moving around like an NBA rookie in warmups. Unfair to Rick Ross, his liveliness may have drained the crowd of any energy they had left. 

30 minutes after Jeezy’s exit, Ross walked onstage around 11:30. His openers were strong: “MC Hammer,” “F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit,” and “Ima Boss.” After that, he settled into recognizable features such as “All I Do Is Win” and “I’m On One,” and started to lose a bit of the crowd. He got them back for a second with “Hustlin’,” but afterward, the crowd fatigue was apparent. They turned the lights on Ross at 11:55, as the show had to end at 12:00. Ross is a great artist, but his lack of solo trap hits really hurt him at this show, and made people consider if he belongs with the group as a “legend of the streets.” After looking up his net worth and seeing his after-party videos, something tells me he’s not too bothered.

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Vincent Ruggiero

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Shows Reviewed: Thundercat, Billy Joel, Christopher Cross, Steve Lacy, Funk N Soul, Legendz of the Streetz, JID, Paul Wall and Gary Clark Jr., John Mellencamp, Larry June, Hot Summer Nights, Kenny Loggins, 50 Cent, Lil Uzi Vert, Aaron May, Santana, Andre 3000, Warren Zeiders, Post Malone, Denzel Curry, Key Glock, The Weeknd & Playboi Carti, Nelly, Chance the Rapper, Shaboozey, T-Pain, Kenny G, Rascal Flatts, Dwight Yoakam, Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, Miguel

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