Andres Tardio/Rap-Up
G-Eazy and A$AP Ferg Bring Out Chris Brown, Diddy, & Wiz Khalifa at L.A. Show
G-Eazy delivered a high-energy, star-studded experience for fans when his “When It’s Dark Out” tour with A$AP Ferg stopped at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall for the second of two shows on Wednesday (Feb. 10).
Following openers Nef the Pharaoh and Marc E. Bassy, Ferg emerged in a 1997-era Puff Daddy-inspired full leather ensemble. In front of a Batman-themed screen display, the “Trap Lord” jumped into a lively and aggressive set that featured “Dump Dump” and “Fuck Out My Face.”
The mood switched for Ferg’s Yams tribute “Tatted Angel.” Phones and lighters filled the air as the Harlem rapper remembered his A$AP Mob brother, who died of an accidental overdose last year.
After the emotional homage, Chris Brown surfaced to thunderous applause, dancing circles around the stage while performing a Tyga-less version of “Ayo.” Then, Ferg held court once again, rounding out his kinetic set with “Shabba,” “Work,” and his latest single “New Level.”
G-Eazy closed out the night with a band. Hair parted and slicked to the side, the Bay Area MC hit the stage confidently, dressed in black, with a bandana around his mouth. Then, he ran through bangers, from the inspirational “Of All Things” to the anthemic “Random.”
But soon, G’s solo set became more like a festival lineup. Wiz Khalifa brought “Bake Sale” and “King of Everything”; YG offered “Who Do You Love?” and “Twist My Fingaz”; and Ty Dolla $ign bounced to “Blasé.” And the surprises kept coming thanks to Diddy, French Montana, and Chris Brown, who turned this set into a medley of hits, including “Blow a Check,” “Moses,” and “Pop That.” “Every time I’m in L.A., we have to make a movie,” G-Eazy told the crowd.
Even with all the star power, though, Eazy was the man of the hour. Taking center stage alone once again, a somber Gerald delivered one of the night’s most powerful performances with the introspective “Everything Will Be OK” off December’s chart-topping album When It’s Dark Out. The emotional track was followed by pyrotechnics for G’s top 10 hit “Me, Myself & I” featuring Bebe Rexha and the fire-filled closer “I Mean It.”
The “When It’s Dark Out” tour continues Thursday (Feb. 11) in San Francisco before heading overseas to Melbourne, Paris, and London, wrapping May 28.
–Andres Tardio