Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs is the walking definition of overcoming adversity and flourishing from your wins. The 46-year-old hip-hop mogul reflected on his journey for a moment Friday night as thousands at Brooklyn's Barclays Center watched, sharing his story of getting fired as an A&R at Uptown Records by Andre Harrell and founding Bad Boy Records, the juggernaut East Coast-based label with over 20 years of artists and hits under its belt.
Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour
Anyone else would crumble after losing their job, but Puff's ear for talent was uncanny. He was instrumental in developing Mary J. Blige, and nearly two decades later she was still appreciative. When Blige came out to perform timeless hits “Real Love,” “Be Happy,” and “You Don't Have to Worry,” she thanked him for taking a tomboy living in the projects and transforming her into the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, whose signature baggy look became a staple of the '90s.
“There will be no Bad Boy without Mary J. Blige,” Puffy said, which set the tone for a deafening singalong of “I'm Goin' Down.”
There were plenty of thank-you tributes just like this from all his guests throughout the first sold-out show on the “Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour,” held in honor of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 44th birthday. (The group will return for a second concert tonight.) Puff accomplished the near-impossible task of condensing a significant chunk of hip-hop and R&B history into four hours, giving fans flashes of nostalgia as the likes of Total, 112, Carl Thomas, Faith Evans, The LOX, Lil' Kim, and Ma$e performed their classics from the Bad Boy catalogue to a sold-out crowd. Puff, ever the perfectionist, was nearly two hours late, but that didn't bother the audience as they suddenly got out of their seats when a countdown appeared on-screen, signaling that greatness was on its way.
Behind video montages of key markers in Bad Boy's past, the label's alumni emerged wearing all black and Puff rose from beneath the custom-made Bad Boy stage to kick things off with “Victory” featuring the night's first guest Busta Rhymes. Within minutes, fans were taken back to the Shiny Suit Era. Puff and his longtime partner Ma$e ran through “Can't Nobody Hold Me Down” and “Been Around the World.” It didn't stop there: 112 serenaded the crowd with their string of hits, “It's Over Now,” “Dance With Me,” and “Peaches & Cream.” Then it was Kima, Keisha, and Pam's turn, sounding pitch-perfect when they delivered “Trippin'” and “Kissin' You.” Total performing in 2016 may sound insane on paper, but these were the type of reactions that hip-hop's most influential entertainer wanted you to have.
Each act had about 15 minutes or so to command the arena, so they made sure to make it count. Over the course of Bad Boy's illustrious legacy, fans have latched on to their favorites as the years have gone by, waiting for concerts like this to see if they still got it. Despite spotty sound issues, Bad Boy's marquee artists-The LOX, Carl Thomas, and the incomparable Faith Evans-all received cheers from their faithful fans, even growing louder as those undeniable tracks like Faith's “I Love You” echoed throughout the arena.
After French Montana and Rick Ross zipped us back to modern times with anthems “Stay Schemin'” and “Pop That,” Puff paid special tribute to Biggie with an emotional performance of “Angels.” A white spotlight shined on him, and the Bad Boy platform rose just high enough for Puff to speak directly to his friend from up above.
Jay Z, who missed out on Blue Ivy's recital for this, did his verse on the dedication track, and in a rare occasion looked like the little brother to big brother Puffy. “You've been there with me from my ups and downs. Whenever I get in trouble, this is the one I call. This my strategist right here. This my brother. This B.I.G.'s brother. This Brooklyn's own Brooklyn!” he shouted, before politely asking to perform his favorite song, “Public Service Announcement,” which Hov happily obliged.
No comments:
Post a Comment