Image via Complex Original
The crazy thing about Drake’s show last night at New York’s Jones Beach is that the star-studded outdoor affair could have been bigger. Saturday’s edition of Drizzy’s Club Paradise tour was a major one, considering it’s his second concert since his alleged bout with Chris Brown in New York City nightclub W.i.P. last Wednesday. Many thought he’d use the platform to, at least subtly, address the rumors.
But even before the Hump Day rumble, he’d promised to make Saturday’s show the epic night heavyweight New York radio station Hot 97’s Summer Jam was not this year. “They fucked up Summer Jam,” he said. “So I’m just going to do Summer Jam how it’s supposed to go.” And really, he did. (We’ll get to his set in a bit.) Had it not been for Atlanta’s Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 17—a show where T.I. brought out two of Drake’s big gun friends in Cash Money captain Lil Wayne and Maybach Music buddy Rick Ross—happening Saturday night as well, he could have had the best show of the night.
Still, it was an amazing show with Meek Mill, Waka Flocka Flame, and J. Cole opening, while Drake brought several stars and local favorites to his club. Click through and find out how everyone’s set went.
Written by Brad Wete (@BradWete)
Meek Mill
As opening act, Meek Mill hit the stage good and early at 7 PM on the dot to a sunny, half empty venue. But he didn't half-ass his performance. The Maybach Music Group star's energy remained at 100, which means those arriving to Jones Beach could feel his intensity and hear his yelped welcomes during “House Party” for the parking lot. Milly’s was a solid, brief performance. But he’d return later during Drake’s set to perform his bigger records to a bigger audience.
Waka Flocka Flame
“Squad!” That drop was hit often by Waka Flocka Flame’s DJ. Believe that. But the wild of teens loved it and the Brick Squad Records captain general that it reps. Flame, who hit the stage in a red and white striped tank top, had the most energy of any artist last night. And if not, it’s worth mentioning that he was the only rapper to walk amongst the audience—posing for mid-song pictures, dapping geeked fans up, and even yanking one terribly excited teen boy out of his section for a lap around the theater. He performed smashes “O Let’s Do It” and “No Hands,” but just like Meek, he’d later alongside Drake for a collab and full crowd look.
J. Cole
"I don't have much time with y'all tonight,” J. Cole said as he stepped on the stage. “So we’ve got to get right to it." In a black varsity jacket, camo pants, and a couple diamond necklaces, he killed with “Nobody’s Perfect,” his band’s auto-tuned “No Church in the Wild” jam session, which flowed into “Work Out,” and closed with “Can’t Get Enough.” Cole was the only opener that never returned to the stage after he chucked the deuces during his set. He opted to perform his standout Drake-assisted track “In the Morning” during his own time.
Drake (and many, many friends)
Tension surrounding Drake’s turn at bat was heavy. Many expected he’d address the W.i.P. bottle brawl on the mic but aside from Jones Beach vendors being instructed by Drake’s management to pour all sold beverages out of their original bottles and into paper cups, the evening was not at all affected by last week’s antics.
As the music to his Take Care cut “Lord Knows” blared, Drake—dipped in all black and Air Jordan XIs—coolly stepped up front and center.
He never directly addressed the recent controversy in his life. However, there were subtle hints. "When I woke this morning I had a lot to think about,” he said to the crowd. “But the only motherfucking thing I care about is that I'm in fucking New York City tonight."
He went on to explain that he didn’t know where people were going after the show, but everyone that they want to see is about to join him. It was time to make good on that promise about besting Summer Jam.
"Crew Love" kicked off and the night’s first guest, The Weeknd—who revealed himself in a brown and black varsity jacket. Drake tossed off his sweatshirt, swearing things were about to heat up.
Stunting in a navy blue varsity jacket with gator sleeves, 2 Chainz was next to pop up with his Drake-assisted single “No Lie.” There was no turning down the energy from there.
Waka made his return to the stage with "Round of Applause." Red sparklers popped during the claps on the hook. Flocka was followed by A$AP Rocky and his crew. Then came Busta Rhymes for “Put Your Hands Where My Hands Can See.”
After changing into a white tank top, Drizzy got back to his material, running through “Marvin’s Room” and “Take Care.”
The vibe was less about it being a Drake concert and more about transforming Jones Beach into Club Paradise—where all his talented friends come to hang. And the friends kept coming.
Jamaican dancehall star Mavado ran out for a verse from his “So Special.” Meek Mill hit back with “Amen” and "Ima Boss.” French Montana popped out in a vibrant silk shirt for “Stay Schemin’” and “Pop That.”
“This is not Summer Jam,” Drake yelled when he found another moment alone on stage. “This is motherfucking Club Paradise." He explained that his goal for the night was for people to leave saying, “Drake kept it so New York. His next guests ensured that would be the case.
One by one, he brought out the three-headed Dipset monster. First came Jim Jones rocking his Vampire Life hoodie to perform “We Fly High (Ballin’).” Then came Juelz Santana and Cam’Ron. The place went nuts. Drake basically ended the show with Harlem's powerhouse trio.
It was an evening light on controversy and heavy on star power, with Drake leaving fans feeling like he came through on his pledge.