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Like Father Like Son: Wayne (left) and Birdman. Photo by Leon Laing.

Lil Wayne paid his dues.

He’s been in the rap game for 19 years. Now he’s a millionaire who headlined the I am Still Music tour on July 27 at Hershey’s Giant Center. “I’m feeling myself, nigga,” Wayne told the audience, meaning he’s proud of his success. Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Lloyd and Far East Movement opened up for Weezy F. Baby.

It’s been eight years since major hip-hop acts graced the stage at the Giant Center. On August 19, 2003, 50 Cent headlined the Rock the Mic tour. Busta Rhymes, Bone Crusher, Fabolous and Obie Trice opened up for 50.

And Wayne’s show was worth the wait. When Weezy began his set around 9:30 p.m., he darted on stage like a Thoroughbred out of the gate at the Kentucky Derby. Weezy performed his classics and “Nightmares of the Bottom,” a new joint from his highly anticipated Carter IV album. Nowadays Wayne’s getups are a blend of 80’s New Wave and  skater dude. The croak-voiced rapper came on stage wearing a black sweatshirt, orange high-top Vans, and red and white pants with a Keith Haring design.

Like Wayne’s 2009 concert, his Young Money Entertainment (YME) artists joined him for hits such as “Every Girl” and “Bedrock.” Those artists are Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda and Jae Millz.  Shanelle Woodget represents one of the two female YME artists. (You may know the other female—she goes by the name of Nicki Minaj, who wasn’t at the concert.) Woodget gave a solo performance, singing “My Button.”

Rick Ross exuded the same swag as Weezy. The audience went into a frenzy during his hits, such as “Hustlin.” Rozay rocked his signature beard, white T-shirt, black pants and sunglasses with red frames. Philly’s own Meek Mill represented for his hometown of Pennsylvania when he gave a surprise performance with Ross. Mill is a new signee of Ross’ Maybach Music Group label.

The girl power from Keri Hilson (and Woodget) helped to balance out the male-dominated hip-hop show. “Energy,” “Pretty Girl Rock” and Knock You Down,” were some of the songs from Hilson’s set. 

Our website didn’t arrive until Hilson’s performance, so we didn’t cover sets from Far East Movement and Lloyd. Before the concert, vigoronline.com called Drake’s tour manager to see if the YME superstar would perform in Hershey. The manager said Drake and his affiliate The Weeknd were in Canada prepping for a July 31 concert. Ross was also part of the lineup for the July 31 show.

With all of the accomplishments under Wayne’s belt, no wonder he’s worth “A Milli.”

See below for more pics.

Lil Wayne. Photo by Leon Laing.

From left to right: Wayne, Maine and Gudda. Photo by Leon Laing.

Rick Ross. Photo by Leon Laing.

From left to right: Rick Ross and Meek Mill.

Keri Hilson. Photo by Leon Laing.