Good thing Drake didn’t reschedule his concert at Penn State University.
On his website, Drizzy said he wanted to push his Club Paradise tour back to “when students are back from the Christmas/New Year break so that [he] can get to more schools.” That didn’t happen.
Drake gave his second concert at PSU’s Bryce Jordan Center on Nov. 10—one day after the university fired legendary coach Joe Paterno and president Graham Spanier due to the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
The concert became an event for healing.
The Young Money Entertainment star picked up where he left off from his first concert at PSU. During the performance for the airy, emo-driven “Marvin’s Room,” Drake showed his musical prowess by tickling the keys on the keyboard. He also threw on a sleeveless PSU hoodie. The audience went wild.
It’s no surprise that Drizzy’s hometown of Toronto has influenced his music. Toronto, a melting pot, includes Jamaican immigrants. During his set for “Best I Ever Had,” the DJ began with the original beat then switched to a reggae-tinged beat. Hits, such as “Dreams Money Can Buy,” “Headlines,” “I’m On One,” and “Wildfire” remix, were also part of Drake’s performance. He came on stage wearing jeans and an OVOXO shirt. He cut off his mini blowout fro and sported a Caesar haircut. A birthmark appears on his right forearm.
In July, Drake showed interest in opening acts Kendrick Lamar and ASAP Rocky by posting their videos on his website. By handpicking those acts, Drake continues to show his impeccable ear for music. Both Lamar and ASAP dropped mixtapes and/or albums replete with superb rap deliveries and airtight productions.
Coincidentally, both artists have a sound that doesn’t reflect their hometowns. Lamar, who hails from Compton, fuses jazz and hip-hop like New York artists. While Harlem-based ASAP incorporates Houston’s chopped and screwed sound in his music. Both opening acts gave memorable performances. Kendrick performed songs such as “Hol’ Up” and “A.D.H.D.” “Peso” was one of the joints from ASAP’s set. The rap newcomer just inked a $3 million record deal.
Drake told his PSU fans that, “I encourage you to be yourself. I encourage you to forgive.” At the closing of the show, the audience chanted, “We are Penn State!”
(See below for more pics.)
Good review. I just started checking for ASAP Rocky, downloaded the mixtape. It’s nice. He has a Bone Thugs vibe along with the Houston/Harlem influence.
Thanks homie. Yea, ASAP meshes his free-spirited vibe with a sick rap delivery and woozy beats. He’s refreshing for NYC hip-hop.