Goodbye Isn’t Forever

January 11, 2010 • written by Quinci Hayward  
Filed under Arts and Entertainment, News, Student Life

Many are familiar with hip-hop’s declared ”boy genius,” Lil’ Wayne. With his imprisonment (8 months to a year beginning February 9th) right around the corner, fans are eager to have one last encounter with the self proclaimed “best rapper alive.” Knowing this, NOLA’s prodigal son returned to his hometown, on his farewell tour accompanied by his “father-figure” Birdman and his founded collaboration Young Money and friends.

Wayne’s excepted  performance was delayed by two hours and two of the most prized members of Young Money (Aubrey “Drizzy Drake” Graham and Onika “Nicki Minaj” Maraj) were unable to attend due to prior engagements, Wayne’s arrival was enough to calm the restless arena. On December 28, at 7 pm lines literally wrapped around the New Orleans Arena, even the rain and frigid weather could not keep spectators away.
Lil’ Wayne appeared through lights and smoke, with his all to familiar “bad boy” persona and infamous hairstyle. The music was going and the fans were out of their seats in no time, giving all praise to Wayne. He took the audience back with some music from his earlier career–songs such as, Go DJ and Sky is the Limit. Then Wayne threw in some hits from his album Tha Carter III, in addition to his latest radio singles and his farewell mix tape No Ceilings. The arena was pure pandemonium, with fans yelling Wayne’s lyrics right back at him, and bodies swaying to the beat. Lil’ Wayne’s exile was a taboo subject in the arena. Though many understood his punishment, fans chose to celebrate his influences on hip-hop/rap, instead of grieve over his wrong doings.

At the end of the concert, Wayne gave a special tribute to the late “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson. Finally leavings his fans with three reminders,he said, ”I am nothing without God, I am nothing without you, and we are nothing without you. Thank you, New Orleans I love ya’ll and goodnight.”

UPCOMING TOUR DATES: