Concert Reviews

50 Cent with Busta Rhymes at Budweiser Stage

Twenty years ago, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, the controversial HIP-HOP album was released. The album is one of the highest-selling Rap albums of all time, with singles that will forever live in HIP-HOP greatness. Two decades and 6 albums later, we celebrate the career of Curtis Jackson, a.k.a 50 Cent on The Last Lap Tour, his farewell to the music game. The legend, Busta Rhymes, who was 50’s first tour support, is back to finish what they started together in 2003.

Starting the night is R&B all-star, Jeremih. His Thirty-minute set, filled with radio singles and pole dancers, had the crowd in their seats and pouring into The Budweiser Stage, collectively dancing and singing along.

Four giant stage screens light up with a video of comedy Icon Chris Rock singing the intro song for the BET icon award recipient Busta Rhymes.

Attention is drawn to center stage, where on a throne Busta appears.

On stage, supporting the legend is Spliff Starr, an original member of Busta’s Flipmode Squad. A 45-minute set filled with classics and new tracks, Busta demonstrated what a prolific lyricist sounds like. As a fan and supporter of his music since the early 90s, this set was one I’ve been waiting years to cross off.

The anticipation in the sold-out Bud Stage is electric. The dark stage lights up with a dim, smoke-filled entrance way where 50 Cent appears. Starting the 90-minute, 19-song greatest hits set with ‘What Up Gangsta‘ A hit off the iconic 2003 release. Tony Yayo, original member of 50’s crew, G-Unit and Uncle Murda, G-Unit signed artist, support the Headliner on stage. 50 took us on a two-decade, career journey with giant on-screen visuals and outfit changes to bring the album timelines to life. Jeremih, came back on stage to perform two songs during the set. Overall, A legendary night in celebration of a HIP-HOP icon.

As a fan of HIP-HOP and celebration of 50 years of the genre, this show was a can’t miss event. Having the opportunity to witness Two legendary artists perform two incredible sets, that exceeded my extremely high expectations, is special. I have checked off a couple bucket list artists, who were high on my must see list and I couldn’t be happier. A night I will be talking about for years to come. Thank you Curtis, a.k.a 50 Cent!

Connect with 50 Cent: Website || Twitter || Facebook || Instagram
Connect with Busta Rhymes: Website || Twitter || Facebook || Instagram

Be sure to check out Live Nation Ontario to see all of the other great acts that they will be bringing to Toronto this year.

About author

Jerome is a photographer and writer at Live in Limbo.