AllHipHop

RECAP: Lupe Fiasco Spellbinds Crowd During ATL Tour Stop (VIDEO)

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: Events

(AllHipHop Features) If there was ever any doubt that Lupe Fiasco is capable of captivating a crowd, one would have only had to experience his “Tour For The Fans” appearance at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on Monday night. Over an hour into the Chicago native’s set, Lupe was still able to mesmerize his audience with the nearly […]

(AllHipHop Features) If there was ever any doubt that Lupe Fiasco is capable of captivating a crowd, one would have only had to experience his “Tour For The Fans” appearance at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on Monday night. Over an hour into the Chicago native’s set, Lupe was still able to mesmerize his audience with the nearly 9-minute song “Murals” by merely standing in front of a microphone and reciting bars.

[ALSO READ: Lupe Gives Fans New Song With Rick Ross & Big K.R.I.T.]

Lupe has been one of Hip Hop’s most appreciated lyricists of the past 10 years. That decade of success was personified by the mixture of ages in attendance at his ATL stop. College kids, 80’s babies, and 40+ heads were rapping, dancing, and vibing together as one collective.

Fans packed the front of the venue as Fiasco ran through popular cuts like “Kick Push,” “Daydreamin’,” “Superstar,” “The Show Goes On,” and “B-tch Bad.” Even though Lupe announced at the beginning of his performance that he would not be engaging in the typical rap show routine of instructing the audience on how to respond, he was very interactive with his devotees throughout the concert. 

At one point, Lupe asked his security to retrieve some backstage snacks for a woman who insisted on constantly reminding the emcee it was her birthday. Another concert goer traveled all the way from London, and she left Georgia with a promise to receive some special perks the next time the star travels across the pond.

The most memorable give-and-take of the night came when Lupe split the crowd into two parts to see which section could be the most turnt to his track “Next To It.” Tour deejay Double-O of Kidz In The Hall predicted the “Fiasco” side would be crowned the winner, and the artist went with the “Lupe” side to earn the symbolic victory. In the end, the “Fiasco” crew was named the champion (for the second show in a row).

The room was properly electrified before the headliner even began running through his hits. Opening acts Z-Verse, Billy Blue, and The Boy Illinois each energized the congregation with their respective tunes. 

Fellow Chicago rhymer Z-Verse started off the night. The longtime Fiasco associate used his record “Greed” as a dedication to Donald Trump. Verse was followed by the “Hood Haitian” Billy Blue of Miami who brought out Lupe for “Chopper” and “Fundamental.” Later, The Windy City’s The Boy Illinois had the gallery singing along to his Nas/Lauryn Hill inspired “Ruling Class ’15.” 

When Lupe finally took the stage, the Grammy winner ignited Variety Playhouse with “The Coolest” off his critically acclaimed LP The Cool. In addition, he offered new material from his forthcoming trio of final albums (DROGAS, DROGAS Light, & SKULLS) expected to be released this year.

The evening eventually closed out with the Hip Hop veteran thanking his followers, deejay, crew, family, and entire team as the soundscape of J Dilla’s “Gobstopper” played from the speakers. In a testament to his dynamic stage presence, Lupe Fiasco was able to charm his spectators with 90 minutes of music and personality without once breaking the spell. 

[ALSO READ: Lupe Fiasco Reveals New Names & Cover Art For His “Last” Three Albums]