In a show put together by Complex Media & Skull Candy, several artists took the stage at Gramercy Theater in New York City. The show was headlined by new Def Jam signee 2 Chainz, with other label-mates Ace Hood and Asher Roth preceding him. Up and coming artists Mike Jaggerr, Nina B, AP and Jon Connor began the show, each performing a five to ten minute set. Jaggerr kicked off the show, followed by Nina B.
The BX spitter immediately got the crowd’s attention with her rapid-fire lyrics, which surprised the onlookers so much that she started the intro record from the top. The femcee continued to impress, as she followed up with an a cappella verse to display her lyrical prowess. AP followed Nina B, with Jon Connor closing this portion of the show out. Connor kicked a few verses from his latest project The Blue Album and immediately made sure that the crowd knew that Michigan had invaded New York City. The Flint MC’s poignant verses won the crowd over and served as a great transition to the second half of the show.
Maybach Music’s, Triple C‘s took the stage to open the second half. Two-thirds of the group, Gunplay & Torch, spit a few records from Self Made Vol. 1 as well as Rozay‘s Ashes to Ashes mixtape. Following the MMG portion of the show was Cam’Ron protege Vado. The UN representative was clearly a crowd favorite and seemed to put on a full show. The Harlem MC performed hits from his Slime Flu mixtape series, including “Hey Muma” “Speaking Tongues” & “Ok Yall.”
Ace Hood kicked off the Def Jam segment, opening up with his verse from DJ Khaled‘s “Welcome To My Hood” remix. The crowd anticipated a high energy performance from Ace, since he’s known for his very gritty, uptempo sound. The Florida MC seemed to approach the show as if it were just a favor for someone and he wasn’t being compensated for his performance. Being that there was no charge for the general public, this could have very well been the reason for the lack of energy in Ace’s set. While he did display his lyrical skill by kicking a few a capella verses, the energy that was expected never showed.
Asher Roth‘s set was a bit different from his Def Jam co-d’s. Roth approached the show in a free-spirit sort of way, as he repeatedly told the crowd how happy he was to be there performing. The Pennsylvania MC even went into the crowd to kick his verses, covering all sections of the packed theater. However, it seemed as though many of the fans didn’t know how to receive Roth, as they seemed unfamiliar with his music or they weren’t sure what to make of his appearance. Off of first glance Roth appears to be someone you’d expect to hear almost any genre of music from, other than Hip-Hop. That assumption lasts only until he begins to rhyme and you notice that he does possess the ability to “move the crowd.” The Def Jam MC did a good job with all things considered and hopefully won some fans over.
The highlight of the night was definitely 2 Chainz‘ performance. Similar to his last show in NYC, the trapstar gave 110 percent from beginning to end. He began his show by acknowledging the allotted time that he was requested to perform in (five to ten minutes), but he informed the crowd that he was going to give them a full show. The ATLien kicked several hits off of his latest mixtape T.R.U. REALigion such as “Spend It,” “K.O.,” and “Riot.” The former Playaz Circle MC also took it back to the beginning of the 2 Chainz era with a rendition of “Duffle Bag Boyz.”
Overall it was a pretty good show with all things considered. Hopefully the next time Ace Hood performs in NYC, he’s being properly compensated and he’ll put on the show that his fans know him for. Continue on for pictures from the event courtesy of William Gates Photography.
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