GIFTEEEEEEEEED!!! *Wale voice*
Last night The Fillmore Silver Spring was rockin! With bright lights, booming sound, and a packed house, all concert goers were ready for their first official concert of the 2014 year. Now for the beginning of the year, The Fillmore always hosts a great show, and the person that puts that show on is none other than Mr. Folarin…Wale. For the third time in a New Year’s row, he has done a New Year’s show, and last night he did not disappoint!
Even though this was a Wale show, you know he had to show love and support to some of DMV’s hottest up and coming rappers. One of the opening artist was Hannibal of Trifecta Ent. He kept the crowd live while they waited for “The Wale Show”. Even though rapper Hannibal did his thing, it was Fatz DaBigFella, the Slutty Boyz, and Black Cobain who really brought the energy. All three DMV artists performed new songs and gave previews of what fans could expect from them in 2014.
Although the crowd was entertained waiting for Wale, they did get a little restless; but when Wale’s DJ, DJ 5″9 dropped the beat to Wale’s hit song “No Hands”, the crowd went BANANAS as they knew it was showtime. Wale came equipped with his band (former members of UCB) and of course the energy! His presence on the stage was felt from the front of the crowd, all the way to the back and again to the top!
Wale performed songs from both mixtapes and albums (I for one enjoyed that idea). The love from the crowd was undoubtedly in the building, as they rapped along and for Wale. Being the passionate individual that he is about his craft, he did address the Complex magazine situation; thanking the fans and not apologizing for actions towards the magazine. Speaking of passionate, the ladies are DEFINITELY passionate for this man, as they went wild over thrown towels in the crowd, and took any chance they had to get close (I don’t blame them because I love him as well).
The show was AMAZING hands down, but it was the finale that gave LIFE! The closing song was from Wale’s Ambition album, “Bait”. The song was not only the closing, but it was also a celebration for the life of the late Polo from TCB. The concert went from a Hip Hop show to a Gogo! Wale brought everyone on stage to party, and Big G, The Ghetto Prince, even took the stage to hit the crowd with a few bars. I’m not sure if the finale was planned or just a “go with the flow” type situation, but it was awesome!
If you didn’t get a chance to make it to Wale’s what has become annual New Year’s show, then I hope this post gave you an idea. Wale put on an amazing show, and I for one am excited to see what is next from him!
Below are some photos from the show courtesy of Lavan Anderson.
-JaLisa Dove
#NOstoplights
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