Image via Complex Original
The hype is real. Last week, Lil B played a sold-out show at NYC's Highline Ballroom and his supporters came out in full force. Kids were cooking everywhere, heavy bass bangers destroyed the venue, and B kept the crowd consistently entertained. But there's more to a concert than just showing up. After predicting 2011 will be a big year for the Berkeley, California native and having him break down his 25 essential songs, Complex decided to spend the day with the Based God. From his wonton soup lunch with MTV to sound check to backstage: we captured the moments you couldn't experience at the main event. Continue to check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes photo gallery of Lil B's concert day...
Words by Ernest Baker (@newbornrodeo)
Photography by Justin Jay
Photo by Justin Jay
We kicked off the day with lunch at Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown. "The food was amazing. Wonton Soup, the whole nine."
Photo by Justin Jay
The Based God was also filming a "First Date" segment with MTV's Rya Backer. "We're getting married and everything."
Photo by Justin Jay
With cameras surrounding Lil B, restaurant patrons and staffers couldn't help but wonder what was going on.
Photo by Justin Jay
"Y'all don't play with this snow out here!" B and his crew head to the whip after lunch.
Photo by Justin Jay
Lil B is on camera at all times filming his upcoming documentary, Based World.
Photo by Justin Jay
Chillin' backstage before sound check. "I might try to take a fake nap. They always wake you the fuck up."
Photo by Justin Jay
"I wear the same fuckin' shoes every day. I wear the same fuckin' pants every day. And I'm still the fuckin' boss."
Photo by Justin Jay
Filming a segment for MTV2's Sucker Free.
Photo by Justin Jay
Sound check. "Can you turn the vocals up in my monitors?"
Photo by Justin Jay
Flowers were delivered to the venue for Lil B. "This is my biggest supporter from Japan. She found me, man."
Photo by Justin Jay
Overhead: "Why are you guys on Lil B like that? Don't you know there's so many better lyricists out there?" …"Yeah, but we don't wanna listen to them."
Photo by Justin Jay
The packed crowd waited for Lil B while Nick Catchdubs spun a DJ set. Waka Flocka songs got the best reaction. Go figure.
Photo by Justin Jay
"My stylist Dior Paint got me super fresh for the show."
Photo by Justin Jay
Lil B was met with rounds of cheers and applause when he entered the stage to M83's "Can't Stop." "All I can say is, 'Oh my God.'"
Photo by Justin Jay
"Real talk, I'm the rawest rapper in the motherfuckin' game. I'm not gonna lie to you."
Photo by Justin Jay
Chef hats and spatulas were everywhere.
Photo by Justin Jay
"I love y'all 'cause y'all let me be me. I ain't gonna let nobody change me. I'm doing what the fuck I want."
Photo by Justin Jay
Despite a great reaction reaction to "Like A Martian," the Based God got bored with it halfway through and stopped rapping. "Fuck that song."
Photo by Justin Jay
Fans clamored to get a hold of Lil B whenever he got close to front stage. "Based God, I think you're absolutely amazing," one said.
Photo by Justin Jay
"I'm the prettiest boy in this building. I look so good."
Photo by Justin Jay
#Swag t-shirts complimented the "swag" chants.
Photo by Justin Jay
Lil B took his shirt off to a sea of "Thank You Based God" chants.
Photo by Justin Jay
Fans pleaded for Lil B to fuck their mothers, sisters, and daughters. This chick took the attention away from family members, pulling out her own breast for a signing.
Photo by Justin Jay
Hats, jewelry, bandanas, and signs were given up as offerings to the Based God.
Photo by Justin Jay
"This is my second sold-out show in New York City. Thank you everybody!"