Drake’s motto, “you only live once,” certainly applied to his Tucson concert on March 4 as part of his Club Paradise tour. Drizzy definitely delivered an attention-grabbing performance with over-the-top lighting effects and his notable connection with fans.
The opening performers included a line-up of up-and-coming rappers such as The Heir Up There, A$AP Rocky and Kendrick Lamar. Their overuse of profanity was less than amusing so, needless to say, some of the audience members were eager to move on to Drake.
The Degrassi childhood star came out onstage dressed in all black, replicating what seemed to be the same attire on the cover of his new album “Take Care.” And of course, the well-sculpted Drake, like any other hip-hop artist, couldn’t sing slow ballads without taking off at least one layer of clothing.
While the majority of artists on tour these days lip-synch some of their songs, Drake didn’t feel compelled to do so. Even when he rapped up a storm with his fast-paced songs or wooed the audience with some smooth R&B a capella, he showed no sign of exhaustion.
Drake didn’t stop just there. Besides his recognizable salt-shaker hand movements showing intense focus, Drizzy also performed what seemed to be some sort of a rain dance, flailing his arms and stomping his feet to the beat — all while singing his biggest hits, including “Take Care.” Even the concertgoers who seemed to be too cool to dance couldn’t resist showing their excitement for the bass in “The Motto.”
Although Drizzy did not use choreographed routines or stunts, he kept fans engaged in other ways: with attention and lyrics. Heartbreak Drake’s love for all of his fans was felt when he dedicated time to each side of the arena. He then proceeded to point out individuals in the crowd by throwing them comments such as “I see you, baby girl in the pink” or “I see you reppin’ those YMCMB tees.”
On the big screen above the stage, the rest of the crowd watched as big smiles spread on fans’ faces once Drake put the spotlight on them.
Throughout the concert, fans sang along to his crooning melodies, especially to ones that everyone could relate to — personal experiences about running in and out of romance. Drake reminded the audience that his lyrics are what set him apart from every other rapper who uses profane lingo to only talk about drugs, women and money.
When his last song ended with a shredding guitar solo and seizure-inducing special effects, fans couldn’t help but chant Drake’s name for an encore. Instead of giving Tucson another song, he gave them a heartwarming speech expressing his appreciation for his fans.
After his Club Paradise tour, it can only be predicted that Drizzy Drake will be making even more “Headlines.”
Reach the reporter at dprado1@asu.edu
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