CONCERT REVIEW: B.o.B.

B.o.B.
Opening Acts: DJ Bamaca, Kreayshawn and The Cataracs.
CSU, Northridge
October 1, 2011
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

DJ Joaquin Bamaca started his set while everyone was filing in. Doors opened at 4:30pm and the show was at an outdoor venue, so most were not feeling the dance heavy beats out in the heat. He is known to play various Insomniac events and his mixes were decent just not at the right time. I would definitely like to catch him at another event sometime like EDC.

Kreayshawn took the stage next, bringing along some friends including her “sister”, V-Nasty. She performed her most notable song, “Gucci, Gucci” and her newest track, “Bumpin’, Bumpin’”. Though I realize that she may not have a substantial amount of material, the audience found themselves a part of the V-Nasty show, who seemed to be performing as the main act. Most of their rhymes dropped a curse word every other word which became old fast. I am not shy of a sailor’s mouth by any means, but lyrically it felt juvenile. I get it that she is young, but many of the greatest female rappers started out around her age.

The next act was the one I was most anxious for, The Cataracs. Cyrano and Campa came out on stage and immediately connected with the crowd to get them amped up. They played all their collaborative hits including: “Like a G6”, “Backseat” (which they admitted they never play live), “In The Dark”, “Bass Down Low” and my personal favorite their song, “Top of the World”. They also played some sick remixes of current top hits to the pleasure of everyone there. They were mind-blowing live and the only complaint I had was probably out of their control. The audio was noticeably lower than all of the other acts and when you have Campa telling you to go crazy and to turn this show into a rave then you definitely need to have the sound at full volume.

The main act of the night, B.o.B. took the stage with a massive amount of energy. He was full of smiles and seemed to be genuinely thrilled to be performing that night. He played all his well-known songs including: “Nothin’ On You”, “Magic” and “Airplanes”. None of the collaborators were present, but they didn’t need to be. The fans sang all of their parts to B.o.B.’s amusement. Not only did this make the show more interactive, but really had everyone enjoying themselves to the fullest. He also played his next single, “Strange Clouds” which undoubtedly is going to be his next chart topper. He showcased his other talents a.k.a. playing the guitar for a song or two. The event concluded with an encore and two canons shooting out various colors of confetti into audience. I have to admit, B.o.B. surprised me with one fun-packed performance after another.

Overall, the show started out a little weak, but really came together after The Cataracs and then B.o.B. brought out the insane dance hits. Too bad the party had to end just as it was getting started.