Review: Jay-Z and Kanye West

Photos by Allison Long/The Star

Hip hop superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West titled their first joint album and tour “Watch the Throne,” but they could have just as easily called it “Where’s the Recession?” Seats near the stage commanded $200 while many seats in the upper deck went for $50. The asking price on tour T-shirts at the concert was $45.

That’s a lot to ask of fans in these times, but the deep-pocketed mass (12,000) that crowded into the Sprint Center on Tuesday night got a lot of bang for its buck. The gigantic main stage looked like a sleek aircraft carrier, completely bare, save a DJ and pair of multi-instrumentalists hidden in the back.

A smaller stage set at the back of the floor. The main stage was flanked by two gigantic screens. A dozen flashpots, including one above the stage, walls of light and the best laser show this side of Pink Floyd completed the visual extravaganza. Topping it all off was nearly two and a half hours of music encompassing three dozen songs, two-thirds of which were Top 40 hits.

West and Jay-Z appeared  on opposite stages. As the duo opened with five songs from “Watch the Throne,” the stages below each performer grew, elevating each man on a two-story cube of video screens.

After the initial run of duets, the two alternated pairs of mini-sets, never intruding on the other’s material, but often appearing to back each other up, as on “Run This Town” or “Diamonds of the Sierra Leone.” A healthy sprinkling of “Throne” tunes ensured Jay-Z and West were never apart for long. By the end of the night the crowd was treated to 10 of “Throne”’s 16 songs.

Because there was no band, the songs stuck close to the original arrangements. This also meant that the rappers were the only people onstage. It takes a lot of showmanship to carry an audience alone for that long, but the number of hits, he amount of charisma and overall spectacle kept the crowd on its feet, dancing and waving with each beat for the entire set.

For the most part, the lack of live instruments didn’t hurt the material, but there were a few moments that were obviously strengthened by the supporting musicians, such as the guitar solo on “U Don’t Know Me” and keyboards on “Made in America.”

The tag-team of hits also contrasted the two performer’s styles. Jay-Z was more straightforward, wearing street clothes and devastating with his phonetic dexterity and intricate cadences. His big moments were frequently punctuated by pyrotechnics. West, on the other hand, wore a black leather kilt over his black leather pants and performed in near darkness, surrounded by lasers.

Each style brought its own high points. Jay-Z overpowered the crowd during “Public Service Announcement” and “On To the Next One” and had the house singing on “Empire State of Mind” and “Jigga What.” West’s best moment was an extended version of “Runaway” that found him standing atop a red cube on the second floor singing about his mistakes and ruminating on love. Completely invested in the moment, West dovetailed “Runaway” into another emotionally revealing number, “Heartless.” Later, West’s perfectionism got the best of him when he twice halted “All of the Lights” to fix a lighting cue.

For most of the night the set functioned like an meticulously calibrated mixtape, with each song setting up and naturally leading into the big number. Somehow the playlist got stuck on repeat during the night’s final song. Not only did the main set end with three runs through “N****s In Paris,” but the pair returned for two more takes as an encore. When the two left the stage for the final time it set off a series of sparklers across the state, but those fizzled in comparison to the fireworks delivered throughout the night.

Setlist: H.A.M.; Who Gon’ Stop Me; Otis, Welcome to the Jungle[ Gotta Have It[ Where I’m From[ Jigga What, Jigga Who[ Can’t Tell Me Nothing; Flashing Lights; Jesus Walks; All Falls Down; Diamonds from Sierra Leone (remix); Public Service Announcement; U Don’t Know; Run this Town; Monster; Power; Made in America; New Day; Hard Knock Life; Izzo (H.O.V.A.); Empire State of Mind; Runaway; Heartless; Stronger; On to the Next One; Dirt Off Your Shoulder; Give It To Me; That’s My B***h; Good Life; Touch the Sky; All of the Lights; Big Pimpin’; Gold Digger; 99 Problems; No Church in the Wild; N*****s In Paris. Encore: N****as In Paris.

| Joel Francis, Special to The Star

Comments

[johnny]

What is, "Ni-as"?

[Pellboy]

Took my two sons and they loved every minute of it. My 51-year old, graying self thought it was great as well. Granted, I don't really attend arena shows outside of Springsteen anymore, but their stage/light show compared with any of the countless arena-rock shows that I saw in my more youthful days.

Unlike most rap/hip-hop shows that you hear about, these two performers were extremely professional and they commanded the stage (Kanye especially) as well as ANY entertainers, regardless of genre, that I have ever seen. The pacing for their extended show was superb, the sound quality seemed good and the audience (the most diverse crowd I've ever seen at any KC event or any concert for that matter) ate it all up, standing for the entire set. Amazingly strong finish from Big Pimpin' thru the encore. My only very minor quibble, that they would have highlighted the musicians on those solos that Mr.Francis referenced.

Great show all around...this old rock & roller was thoroughly impressed. Kudos to Kanye and Jigga for bringing it strong and exceeding my expectations.

[No thanks!]

The tour's called, Watch The "Throne?" Funny, that's how many folks describe the toilet. Fitting, that.

[Dwayne]

Even though the concert was delayed on it's start by two hours, the crowd went H.A.M. when Jay Z and Kanye West came out. There was a lot out grumbling, but the house was filed to capacity even with the later start. Great concert. Well with the wait.

[Dwayne]

Sorry about typos. Swype keyboard.

[bob]

"Because there was no band"

And I quit reading.

[Professor]

Johnny, it rhymes w/ Tiggas, you know the cats at the zoo. It shall remain unmentioned here like the dump w/ mulch for a floor. Both are lightning rods for those prone to hyperbole and political correctness, but in the end are words that have a place in the American lexicon, despite the fascist censors that try to make us feel bad for reading them or acknowledging their presence. It's too bad my parents didn't hide that NWA tape I used to listen to. Because, now I know......

[John Smith]

Yes the black community is so outraged at hearing the word n****r that they constantly use it in their "music". LOL oh the irony of it all.

[JAMELROCKWELL]

yep and racists have so much courage that they always post their bullshit anonymously. LOL oh the irony of it all.

[joe]

My 18-year old son and I share a love for Jay-Z, Kanye, and hip-hop in general, and this show was one of the first we attended together.

We were both stunned by the showmanship, and yes, musicianship (not defined as only that which involves guitars and drums), these two displayed over three awesome hours.

Kanye is a frenetic, poetic Monster, yes, but Hova confirmed for me and my son that he is the reigning King of hip-hop. Understated in appearance and swagger (compared to Kanye), Jay-Z has charisma to spare and commanded everyone's attention whenever he was onstage by the sheer power of his presence and his masterful delivery. In the role of the older, wiser performer, Jay-Z seemed content to let his lyrics do the talking. And hearing all those lyrics back-to-back drove home just what a career he's had so far. So. Many. Great. Songs. A catalog unrivaled by just about anyone in any genre.

Not a huge fan of arena shows or of the P&L in general, but this was worth every penny. I'd do it all over again tonight.

[Pellboy]

I'm with you, joe, GREAT experience. And yes, good point about Jay Z's stage presence, he commanded the arena and for more of a novice like myself, he clearly established himself as the superior rapper of the two (no big surprise). Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by Kanye's showmanship, he proved himself as a very energetic and polished entertainer, which to me puts him in that shortlist of well-rounded, in-their-prime artists working today.

[Angelica]

Yes Joe, well put together abount Sean Carter AKA Jay-Z!! He was, opps the show was, awsome! Loved it.

[Angelica]

opps typo....

[Angelica]

Well put together ABOUT Jay~Z! :)

[Abstract]

Best rap concert I've ever been to in my life. I'm old school so I've seen a lot of acts (Easy-E, Public Enemy, Nas, Wu-Tang. etc.) but these dudes were incredible. Well worth they money I paid for the ticket.

[Angel]

this concert was amaaazing i had soo much fun! Despite the delay it was well worth the wait!

[offdachain]

Jay-Z and Kanye were outstanding. This is what real performing and artist are all about!

[Danielle]

This concert was amazing. Jay is a true entertainer. Kanye is cool but I'm a dedicated Jay Z fan (have been since 1996). You can tell by the age of a person which one they support more, lol. Jay knows how to work the crowd. I couldn't ask for anyone better. The concert was awesome.

[Trent]

One of the best shows I have seen. It was a lot of mixed races that even made it better because for one night everyone was having a good time! Also if you don't like the music then don't waste your time posting about it!

[Get Real]

No band = No concert,
what is anyone talking about?

===========================
and this is the oddest thing going...

""the black community is so outraged at hearing the word n****r that they constantly use it in their "music"

WTF is that about?? either get rid of the N-word or quit being so fking sensitive about ANYONE using it.

[No Band, really?]

""Because there was no band,""

no band???? and all these idiots are falling over themselves complimenting this rap crap? Are you kidding me? Is this some kind of punked episode?? or are you all just stupid?

$50.00 a ticket see see NOT MUSIC?

[Charley.]

To me, it was almost like Jay and Kanye were standing on stage like, "Yeah, we are this cool."

They were right.

Fantastic show. One of the best I've ever seen.

[luvbnme]

Best show I've seen all year and I've seen a lot. And YES I'm a sucker for a band and it didnt bother me one bit that they didnt have one. Thats how great the show was!! And hell this is the first time Ive ever bought nosebleed seats because I agree the tickets prices were pricey...$28..I got my moneys worth and then some.

[Tyler]

Why bring band?,
Why bother carrying a tune?
There is no need to do that.

Practice? HA!! sing? LMAO!!!

As long as they have flash pots going off, neked bitches on tv screens and a prerecorded sound track people are delighted.

Why would they do more?
Why split the money with a band?

Why would they do anything extra when no ones cares about that kind of stupid stuff (real music and talented musicians?) anymore.

Two guys out there shouting words along with prerecored beat is all people want, why do more?

[Ronnie]

@ No band, really, and Tyler. Why did you feel the need to read the whole article, and then talk shit. If it isnt your cup of tea, great. Dont go to the concert, and don't read the review. No need to try and prove your knowledge and taste of music is superior. Who are you to say what is music and what isn't?

[Tyler]

Thanks for posting an entire post about me. That is so cool that you took time to do that.

Thanks for thinking/posting about me.

Oh boy, do I get to go again?
OK

Why bring band?
Why bother carrying a tune?
There is no need to do that.

Practice? HA!!!!!
singing?? LMAO!!!

As long as they have flash pots going off, neato cool lazers, flashy-lighty thingys and a whipzango prerecorded sound track
THEN people are delighted.

Why would they do more?
Why split the money with a band?
Neato flashy lighty wiz bang zip lazers are better than actual artist.

Why would these hibby-to-hoppy hiphip crap rappers do anything extra when nobody attending the shout fest cares about that kind of stupid stuff (real music and talented musicians?) anymore.

Two douchers out there, SCREAMING at them, to a prerecored beat, is all people need to compensate for having bad parenting and their under privileged childhood, why do more?

People are happy to give them $50.00.
Why do more?

[Still, No Thanks!]

So, JamelRockwell, let's see......I'm a fan of Blues, R&B, Reggae, Funk, and Afro-Beat and I am "racist" because I can't see the 'talent' in these two overrated entertainers who are devoid of ANY musical skill?? Wow.....Anyway, first off, learn how to use grammar to make a point here. Only tween girls write like you do, skipping any detection of grammatical skill. Also, like many people, you have no idea what the word "irony" means and have used it incorrectly in your post. How can I take you seriously??

[Matt]

Merriam-Webster defines a musician as follows;

a: composer, conductor, or performer of music.

Merriam-Webster defines music is as follows;

a: the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity

JayZ and Kanye play by their own rules, just like Johnny Cash, just like Jimi Hendrix, just like The Beatles.

Whether or not 'you' consider them to be on the same level as the aformentioned Musicians, is neither here nor there.

Trying to be 'your' definition of a Musician would suggest they are trying to become what 'you' want them to be, rather than letting 'you' accept 'their' art for what it is.

I'm confounded by people that go out of their way to discount artists of any form. To me, if I don't like an artist I don't waste one ounce of energy reading, writing, talking or thinking about it, instead I spend time trying to learn more about what I love, and trying new things.

I feel sorry for those people who waste their time knocking on something they've never truly given a chance.

I went to this concert, and loved every minute of it, (the same way I loved every minute of the Paul Simon concert I went to a couple of weeks ago.) Aside from the color of their skin, there is not much contrast between Paul Simon and JayZ. They are both amazing writers.

What an awesome experience.

Worth ever penny I spent on a ticket, and same as 'joe', I'd do it all over again if they performed tonight.

Here's to hoping for Watch the Throne II.

[Slate]

One of the offshoot pleasures of angry commenting seems to be getting angry at the other angry commenters. There is an element of what one might call socializing, a sort of happy hour of nastiness and sniping. Is this joyful little flash of human friction and fraternizing the best they can hope for? As one non-angry commenter writes to some other angry commenters: “I'm sorry your life is so empty that you find it necessary to try and pick fights with random strangers on the Internet.”

[jv]

I went to the concert...significantly older than 99% of the crowd, and without any familiarity with the details of these guys' catalogues. Admit that I went to confirm that I don't like hip-hop. (There's a saying that the way to everlasting ignorance is through contempt prior to investigation - so I went to the concert fully intending to hate it.) Imagine my surprise when I left the Sprint Center with a huge smile and a sense of excitement that comes from a GREAT show and real talent. Music or not, surely no one can deny that the arena was electric, and that includes my crusty skeptical grandpa butt. That was time & money that I consider WELL-SPENT. Now I'm totally hosed - what if I actually LIKE rap & hip-hop? Does AARP offer discounts on Jay-Z/Kanye stuff?

[Pellboy]

My feelings almost exactly, jv. Older than most in attendance although not gramps-level yet and perhaps not quite the same "negative" mindset as you since my kids pre-concert enthusiasm couldn't help rub off on me and I had some familiarity of the music after they downloaded some of their stuff onto my iPod beforehand. Having said that, I was amazed and surprised by how good it was and the $150 (bless you, box office sans service charges...great seats too) spent on the three tickets was well worth it as it made me a hero in my kids eyes and witnessing their elation during the performance was absolutely priceless to me.

For those that want to hate, that's fine, we all have our dislikes, but don't you find it a bit odd that EVERY post thus far from people that actually attended the show, has been nothing short of overwhelmingly positive? I know it'll never happen, but wouldn't it be cool if the haters could perhaps concede that maybe the thousands who were attendance at the SC the other night aren't all complete idiots with zero musical taste?

[Really, No Thanks!]

"Here's to hoping for Watch the Throne II."

Please make it STOP! As for "starting arguments on the Internet, well, it's simply not true. Some are merely stating the opinion that these two have no discernible musical talent, regardless of whatever textbook definitions you want to throw at us. If you think they do, well, I disagree, but that's YOUR opinion. God Bless America!

[Larry]

""JayZ and Kanye play by their own rules, just like Johnny Cash, just like Jimi Hendrix, just like The Beatles.""

Uh, wouldnt those 2 con-men have to actually be able to "PLAY SOMETHING" to play by their own rules?

Both these posers are well aware of the scam they have going, making millions, having no musical talent, just shouting to a beat.

They know it is a con. They know they dont have to have a lick of talent, they know their fans, just like Britnney Spears fans, dont care about music. It about being a fan to the icon.

When you fools look back in 30 years, do you think you will feel sentimental about rap the same way people still feel sentimental about Jimi and Johnny Cash?

Hell for that matter, today are you walking around with "that song for the show in your head"? if so, are people asking you what is the matter? why are you so angry?

[DT=hater]

haters are gonna hate

[waddya]

Rest assured that DT is not alone in his dislike for rap and the crossroadskc.

[Pellboy]

Huh, hasn't quite been 30 years yet, but still feel "sentimental about" and still listen to alot of early 90s rap (PE, Beasties, Run DMC, KRS-One, etc.) so I guess there goes that theory.

[NEW]

Beat me to it, PB.

DT, have you ever even listened to listened to Kayne West or JayZ? I'm not necessarily a fan but I admit to some creative elements there. I will also throw this ball back in your court by asking what discernable talent does Kiss have for that matter? I mean seriously, my cat can play bass better than Gene Simmons. Is it really that different?

[DT]

I do not enjoy grown men yelling at me, it is not cool. crap rap is not cool. It is not music. It is just shouting. No musical skill, no real talent.

If you like it, fine, but as many times as you say it is good, I will say it is crap, and I am correct.

And no, your cat can not play a bass... but... besides that... Kiss sucks too.

[DT]

And btw, feel free to post (youtube links to) these so called rap crappings from 30 years ago, which you feel so sentimental about.

[Pellboy]

Why even bother to post them, you think it's all crap anyway. Just shooting holes in your theory that the top rap/hip hop acts won't someday be looked at by their fans with the same sort of affection as rock fans have to their favorites. Even at this show, their were plenty of 30-somethings who were weaned on early JayZ (that is now 15 years old btw) and enjoying seeing him and hearing those songs performed live exactly in the same way that those seeing Radiohead for the first time will in a few months at the Sprint Center. Heck, I don't like them and think they are a far worse listening experience than many rap acts, but by your account I guess I should give them a pass simply because they play instruments? No thanks.

I don't really care to debate this any longer, but in finality, I like what I like and simply refuse to put certain parameters on what I listen to which is everything from The Carpenters to Merle Haggard to John Coltrane to Biz Markie.

[NEW]

"And no, your cat can not play a bass".

'Tis true, DT. And neither can Gene Simmons. But we seem to be in agreement about that.

[DT]

MEOW!!!!! ;)

========================

""Why even bother to post them, you think it's all crap anyway.""

WEEELLLLL... I guess that settles that.

There really is not much there to get sentimental about, eh? Garbage does not hold up well over time. period.

This goes for pop sht and other garbage, not only crap rap... and my money says in 20-30 years no one will give one sht about these grown men shouting at the crowd. People will look back and say WTF? Two men, no band, shouting at the crowd... and that is a show? nah, no it is not.
Just like I am saying right now.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST-
John Fogerty playing Cosmos Factory, from 1970 (31 years ago) in full last week in NYC, and then playing songs during the T-Day parade.

I guarantee you in 2041 NO ONE will want to hear shouting grown ugly old dudes (as least nicki minaj can shake her ass while)shouting their crap rap from 2011.

More than likely future people will laugh their asses off that this sht ever sold a single ticket/copy.

And facts be known, the people of 2041 might build a statue to me honoring my foresight.

[Pellboy]

You know, pigeons shit on statues. Just sayin'. :)

[NEW]

Not to condone rap or hip hop (I actually think its wayyyy more about style than substance), I think it's a matter of what you grew up with, DT. Just as we still revere it 41 (not 31) years later, I will venture to guess that most under 30 do not even know about Cosmos Factory, let alone give a crap about it. So while the Dr Dre's, NWAs and Run DMCs may not necessarily be on your radar, they are very much on the radar screne of those who grew up with them 25 years ago.

[gsp]

Thanksgiving day parade! CCR has finally made the big time!

[DT]

goofballisms aside....

THE FACTS ARE, wether you are wise enough to understand it, or not, Cosmos factory was played in it entirety last week to a sold out show in New York City, 31 years after its release. And then, John Fogerty was asked to perform for a VERY main stream 2011 event, the live televised NEW YORK CITY Thanksgiving day parade. He played guitar, had a band, and sang songs, you know, standard music requirements.

THOSE FACT SAY SOMETHING ABOUT SENTIMENTAL/LONGEVITY VALUE OF MUSIC, but you may be able to grasp the concept ar the same time as you are trying, oh so hard, to act hip for your kids.

Bottom line.... can anyone say, with confidence, that your heros hayz and kayak's new release "crappin on the throne" will have that honor?

btw-
I am sure Springteen would be oh so honored that you two hold him in the same high esteem that you hold these two shouting men/goofballs.

[DT]

YO, Shazzizle!!!! word up, Yo MTV raps (which btw was the beinning of the ned of music television)so whatsyutalknbout? that

"Dr Dre's, NWAs and Run DMCs may not necessarily be on your radar""....

WTF??
I know all about all sorts of crap that sold over time.

I asked for YOUR examples of ANY of their claptrap that still has sentimental value today... you named none... there are are none.

I offered up examples that are still selling proof because ..... ah anyway...

wow Daddy you are so hip to like hayzeed

hip hop.... hibby to the hop and dont stop rocking and the bang bang boogie .... what yu sayin muthafkr? I was there when Suger Hill gangs crapper's delight hit the shelves.....

wtf? on my radar? lmao.

[DT]

Just found this cool guest spot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJyjp06AE-w

Hey pellboy and NEW, when are your heros hayzeed and kayak going to be joined on stage by Bruce? Can we expect that soon?

Or is Bruce as nauseated by those two poser, no talent, crappy rapping con-men as I am?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJyjp06AE-w

PS
The should call kayak and hayz's tour
"crappin on the throne" or maybe simply
"TWO MAN SHOW, NO BAND, BUT LOTS OF COOL LAZERS AND FLASHY LIGHTS" or maybe
"THE TWO MEN SHOUTING AT YOU SHOW.

[NEW]

I can see you actually took time to read what I actually wrote there, DT. I am not a fan of JayZ or Kanye West. Far from it. My only point is just because you do not revere them the same way we revere Cosmos's Factory does not mean they will not be revered equally as much as much in 30 years. My examples of rappers that are held in high regard 20 years later include Dr Dre and Run DMC among others so yes, I did come up with examples. Whether they will be as highly regarded in 10 years remains to be seen but I would venture to guess that those who grew up with them will definitely do so.

Bottom line is neither you nor I have a clue about what will still be revered in 30 years but if history is any indicator, there are numerous rappers who are held in high regard 25 years after teh fact (those I just metntioned being among them) so the chances are good that rappers such as JayZ and Kanye West, who have already been around for 7 or 8 years) will still have an audience. I mean look at Abba. Who the hell would have thought that they would have a foillowing 35 years later?

And Cosmos Factory was 41 years ago, not 31.