Tag Archives: 50 Cent

Concert Photos, News

Dreamville Delivers: A Recap of J. Cole’s Star-Studded 2024 Festival

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BY TER STAFF

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The annual Dreamville Festival, orchestrated by none other than hip-hop mogul J. Cole, once again took over Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park this past weekend, delivering a powerhouse of performances that dazzled the sold-out crowd. The event not only provided an incredible showcase of talent across the hip-hop and R&B spectrum but also proved to be a significant boon for the local economy, generating an estimated $145 million impact.

Friday Highlights

Friday’s lineup was a roller coaster of high-energy sets and soulful melodies. The festival kicked off with performances from Sexyy Red and Jeremih, each setting the bar high with their unique styles. Lil Yachty then took the stage, infusing the park with his signature vibrant energy. Schoolboy Q and J.I.D amped up the crowd with their sharp lyrical skills, paving the way for the evening’s headliners.

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50 Cent, stepping in for Chris Brown, delivered a memorable performance filled with hits that reminded fans why he’s a legend in the game. Closing out the night, SZA enchanted the audience with her mesmerizing voice and heartfelt songs, leaving everyone spellbound under the Raleigh night sky.

Saturday Standouts

Saturday continued the momentum with another stellar set of performances. Key Glock returned to Dreamville with a dynamic set, making up for last year’s missed performance. The day continued with powerful acts from Bas and Monica, who brought a mix of lyrical depth and soul-stirring vocals to the enthusiastic crowd. Rae Sremmurd and Jeezy kept the energy high, each delivering crowd-pleasers that had fans dancing and singing along.

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The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Nicki Minaj, who dominated the stage with her formidable presence and a slew of hits that showcased her versatility and dominance in the rap industry. Her set was a high point of the festival, reaffirming her status as one of the most influential figures in music.

J. Cole’s Epic Finale

The festival reached its zenith with J. Cole’s headlining performance on Saturday night. Coming off the release of his latest album “Might Delete Later,” which had a record-breaking 29 million streams on its first day, Cole’s set was particularly poignant. Notably, his song “7 Minute Drill” captured the audience’s attention, serving as a sharp retort to Kendrick Lamar’s recent lyrical challenge.

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Cole’s performance was not just a musical showcase but a statement piece, reflecting his deep roots in the narrative of hip-hop and his evolution as an artist.

More Than Music

Beyond the music, Dreamville 2024 was an immersive cultural experience. With no significant schedule conflicts between the two stages, festival-goers enjoyed a seamless flow of music throughout the two days. The festival also featured a variety of food offerings from local and national vendors, representing the best of culinary delights. Additionally, installations from local artists added a visual component to the festival, creating a holistic experience that celebrated not only music but also the vibrant arts scene in Raleigh.

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As Dreamville Festival 2024 concludes, it leaves behind memories of spectacular performances and the palpable impact it had on the local economy and cultural landscape. This event has solidified its place as a cornerstone of the Raleigh community and the global music scene, eagerly anticipated by fans and artists alike each year.

Check out our photos from Dreamville 2024 below.

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Concert Photos, Features, News

Review: 50 Cent Says Goodbye to Chicago on “Final Lap Tour” with Jeremih and Busta Rhymes

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BY TER STAFF

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Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

In a night of pure musical dynamite, 50 Cent, alongside fellow hip-hop legends Busta Rhymes and hometown hero Jeremih, set the United Center in Chicago ablaze on September 16, 2023. The sold-out show was a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop, and it left the Windy City buzzing with excitement long after the final track from 50’s massive 30+ song setlist had faded.

Jeremih, representing the Windy City with pride, opened the night with an electrifying performance that showcased his catalog of hits and his deep connection to the city. What truly made his set unforgettable was the surprise appearances by Chicago’s very own Twista, Do or Die, and Crucial Conflict. The crowd erupted in sheer delight as these local legends joined Jeremih on stage, delivering a seamless fusion of old-school and contemporary hip-hop vibes. It was a special treat that set the tone for the entire evening.

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Following Jeremih’s unforgettable hometown homage, Busta Rhymes took the stage like a seasoned maestro. His boundless energy, trademark rapid-fire lyrics, and commanding presence whipped the crowd into a frenzy. He effortlessly navigated through a catalog of hits, proving why he’s one of the most respected figures in hip-hop. Busta Rhymes was a living embodiment of the genre’s power and evolution.

But it was 50 Cent, the headlining act of the night, who truly turned back the clock and reminded everyone why he’s a rap icon. The moment his set began, and 50 Cent emerged, the United Center erupted into an explosion of cheers and applause. It was a nostalgic journey through a golden era of hip-hop, and the crowd was here for every moment of it.

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Performing a mix of his biggest hits throughout his entire discography, 50 Cent’s stage presence was magnetic. His delivery was sharp, his flow impeccable, and his swagger unmatched. He interacted intimately with the audience, making everyone in the vast arena feel like they were part of something truly special. With each song, he took us back to a time when his music dominated the airwaves and hip-hop culture.

As the night came to a close, it was evident that 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and Jeremih had delivered an unforgettable experience. They had taken us on a journey through the history of hip-hop while proving that the genre is as vibrant and relevant as ever. Chicago, a city known for its deep love of music, had witnessed a concert for the ages, and the memories created that night will undoubtedly linger in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to be in attendance.

In a world where music evolves constantly, this show was a reminder that the classics never die, and true legends can still bring the house down. The United Center may have been packed to capacity, but it was the music and the artists that truly filled the arena with an electric energy that will be remembered for years to come.

Concert Photos, Features, News

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Have Missed 50 Cent’s Ravinia Festival Performance

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BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

50 Cent delivered a very rare and special performance to the Chicago-area Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL last night. The rap legend and Power creator/actor brought a huge and diverse crowd to one of the Midwest’s most unique experiences. Whether you were dancing in the pavilion or lounging out and enjoying sounds on the lawn, if you were in attendance last night, you had a more than memorable night.

We hope you made it out to the special performance, but if you didn’t, we have our five reasons why you missed out below.

1. 50 Cent Shows Are a Rarity

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson rarely does shows in the country, in fact, 50 has only performed a few shows in the U.S. in the past few years. It’s been even longer than that since 50 Cent performed in the Chicago area, so when you have a chance to see him live, you have to jump on the opportunity. And although he doesn’t perform often, you wouldn’t have guessed it from last night’s performance. 50 brought a live band and performed a ton of his greatest hits, without issue. Practice may make perfect, but 50 Cent looked like he was in the middle of a tour with his great stage presence last night.

2. The Setlist

While also mixing in his brand new Tekashi 6ix9ine-assisted single ‘Get The Strap’, 50 Cent gave the fans what they wanted last night as Jackson performed the hits from start to finish. Opening with his 2007 track ‘Movin On Up’, 50 Cent kept the crowd entertained with tracks like ‘How We Do’, ‘What Up Gangsta’, ‘Many Men’, ’21 Questions’, ‘Window Shopper’ and of course his mega breakout track ‘In Da Club’, among others.

3. He Brought Some Friends

Although there was no opener for the night’s performance, 50 Cent didn’t travel to the Windy City solo as his G-Unit label-mates Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda joined him on-stage for the entire night. The two even contributed verses of their own for tracks like ‘On & On’, ‘Pimping’ and more.

4. There’s No Place Like The Ravinia to Catch a Show

The energy of last night was something special! A 50 Cent show in Highland Park may not sound like a perfect match, but the Chicago suburb’s festival consistently brings some of the best acts to the area, and the fit was amazing. The packed crowd was very diverse, proving that everyone loves 50 Cent’s music. From the moment the show started, the crowd was on their feet for the rest of the night.

5. He Repped Chicago

50 Cent proudly reps South Jamaica, Queens but that didn’t stop the New York-native from showing love to Chicago. Sporting a Chicago White Sox cap, 50 Cent put a little touch of Chicago into his wardrobe. 50 Cent and Chicago clearly have love for each other, and we hope that he returns to the area again in the near future because last night was one that we won’t soon forget!

 

Check out our photos from last night’s performance below and get your tickets for the remaining dates of the Ravinia Festival here. 

Continue reading 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Have Missed 50 Cent’s Ravinia Festival Performance →

News

Ravinia Festival Announces 2018 Lineup: Diana Ross, 50 Cent, Jason Mraz, O.A.R. & More

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BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

After announcing a few additions in the past month, Highland Park, Illinois’ Ravinia Festival has shared it’s full lineup and schedule for the new year And 2018 looks to be as great as ever, as a diverse cast of performers will hit the stage at Ravinia this year, including Diana Ross, 50 Cent, Jason Mraz, O.A.R., Los Lobos, Seal, Stephen Marley, Loverboy, Bryan Adams, Jill Scott and many more.

Ravinia’s 2018 schedule will kick off on June 1st with a performance from Los Lobos and Los Lonley Boys, and will go all the way until mid September. One of the most unique festivals in the country, Ravinia is just north of Chicago and gives fans a chance to see the show up close and personal in the pavillion or let’s fans set up a blanket and throw a picnic in the lawn at a discounted price. If you’re in the Chicago area and have yet to check it out, this is your year.

Check out Ravinia’s 2018 schedule below, and visit the festival’s official website for more information.

Continue reading Ravinia Festival Announces 2018 Lineup: Diana Ross, 50 Cent, Jason Mraz, O.A.R. & More →

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday Review: The Massacre | 50 Cent

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BY: EVAN VOGEL

With 50 Cent having been in court lately after flaunting a seemingly endless flow of “fake” money on Instagram after filing for bankruptcy, I felt it was time to look back on a time when Mr. Curtis Jackson was in a better place. This place was occupied on his 2005 offering, The Massacre. To follow-up Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ must have weighed heavy even on a man as iron-plated as 50. The project is a combo platter of his gangster knowledge and lifestyle, sexual desires and his transition into stardom that implored him to reassure all of his critics that he is still the same man.

 

The song ‘Piggy Bank’ is a great example of 50 directly calling out his peers hoping they will have the, what he would consider tenacity, to fire back. A problem exists because 50 is taking shots at rappers like Jadakiss and Nas who are targets at the wrong shooting range. The artists he aims at are so far from his intended audience that they may have never heard of them. Nonetheless, he manages to engage listeners with his lack of a care in the world and his undeniable brovado.

The project truly excels where other projects put out by used-to-be or still-maybe gangsters don’t; it always sounds good and specifically to demographics that other artists have difficulty touching. Even though Dr. Dre only produced two tracks on the album himself, his energy spills notably onto the rest of the project. The instrumentals carry a ridiculous amount of energy and mix heavy bass hits with much lighter elements like pianos, chimes, strings and airy sample loops. The simplicity and fun undercut the raw grit. Instances where 50 sounds introspective and reflective come back to back with ‘A Baltimore Love Thing’ and ‘Ryder Music’. His ability to craft catchy choruses is still on display here but they are surrounded by some of 50’s more poetic moments.

Still, the most fun there is to be had on this project is comes in the form of songs that sounds best in three places. The club. The home. The whip. This album may not have the same hardcore gangster appeal this time around but that’s okay. I don’t think artists get into a craft to keep painting, singing or creating the same thing over and over again. This is 50 showing his ability slide onto radio waves just as easily as he could create one of the most censored albums at the time.

8.5

News

50 Cent and ASAP Rocky Exchange Words Over 50’s Girl “Tatted Up Holly”

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BY TER STAFF

Courtesy of AP

Looks like drama is building up between rappers 50 Cent and A$AP Rocky. It all started as A$AP Rocky sent a direct message to 50 Cent’s girl “Tatted Up Holly” over Instagram, where Rocky messaged “HEY LUV, I REALLY LIKE UR STYLE AND WOULD LUV TO BUILD IF UR FREE.” Then after Holly sent the message 50’s way, the rapper put Rocky on blast on his Instagram by posting a screenshot of the DM and the caption “Boy of boy, last time I seen this punk he had a dress on. You cant afford holly I gave her habits, get your weight up first boy. Bentley and better over here n*gga. can you buy that? f*ck you think. I’, Kanye and you Wiz lol.” Nice jab at Wiz too, we must say.

Soon after Rocky was quick to respond on his Twitter, telling 50 that he didn’t know “she was (50’s)” and to “quit acting like a jealous sugar daddy.” Get your popcorn ready and check to see if the tension builds up. Check out the messages below.

Continue reading 50 Cent and ASAP Rocky Exchange Words Over 50’s Girl “Tatted Up Holly” →

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday Review: Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ | 50 Cent

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BY DAN GARCIA ★★★★★

On Thursdays we review albums that are considered “classic”. This week it’s the classic album that pushed gangsta rap to new heights, 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.  This is certainly one of the best debut albums by a rapper (in the conversation with Nas’ Illmatic and Kanye West’s The College Dropout). The 2002 album, released by Eminem’s Shady Aftermath and Interscope, was made popular by the radio hit ‘In Da Club’ (and bonus track ‘Wanksta’) but received its vast critical acclaim by the realness and vividness in 50’s gangsta rap.

Continue reading Throwback Thursday Review: Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ | 50 Cent →

News

Eminem’s SHADYXV Tracklist and Cover Art Revealed, Features Big Sean, Danny Brown and More!

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BY TER STAFF

Here is the official track list for the Shady Records album, SHADYXV!  The double album is a collection of greatest hits and compilation of all new music.  More info coming soon!

Continue reading Eminem’s SHADYXV Tracklist and Cover Art Revealed, Features Big Sean, Danny Brown and More! →