When I saw that G-Eazy was returning to Minneapolis, I was ecstatic. Why? Because the last time I saw this artist was back in 2016 when he performed at the Minnesota State Fair. That concert was the first concert I spent my hard earned server money from my high school job to go to. Before I went to the show last night, I found old photos from it. This show was in G’s early years, when When It’s Dark Out was still fresh. He performed all the oldies, and even covered a particular song that he was a feature on, and I feel like we are in a time warp just thinking about this (photo pictured below).
But let’s come back to that. Due to inclement weather in lovely November in Minnesota, there was an extra unforeseen twenty-five minutes added to my travel time to downtown Minneapolis, so I missed the beginning of the first opener, Goody Grace. Goody Grace is a Canadian singer and songwriter, making his first debut as a rapper back in the 2010s, but has since shifted into the alternative scene. From the few songs I was there for this opener seemed like a very interesting choice for G-Eazy to have on tour since his music was quite contrasting. His music is that of what is usually in my regular rotation, since I have strayed from the rap scene after college. I would have loved to have caught the whole set.
Next on the ticket was IDK. He first starting releasing music in the 2010s with his second mixtape coming out in 2015. He has worked with artists such as Pusha T, DMX, Denzel Curry, and Snoop Dogg. His sound is very similar to that of the 2000s-2010s rap scene. One thing in particular about him that stood out to me is his interactions with the crowd. IDK was fantastic at engaging with the fans, something I think is so key when you are a solo artist on stage. This lineup pick was a very good and obvious choice for G-Eazy.
G-Eazy decided on drama for his entry, and came up from under the staircase on a lift to the top so he was center stage to begin. I was very happy to have the first three songs be “One Of Them”, “Random” and “Pray for Me” all of which I knew the lyrics too and couldn’t help but sing along in the photo pit. I honestly didn’t freak out in the photo pit as much as I thought I would, but I think that can be attributed to the adrenaline rush that I had. I have been a fan of G-Eazy since 2014, and the drop of These Things Happen. So this show was extra special to me.
After leaving the photo pit I found a nice spot stage right to enjoy the rest of the show. He really came out swinging with the first part of the setlist, playing “I Mean It’, “Lotta That”, “Tumblr Girls”, and “You Got Me” in the six through nine spots on the set. G-Eazy then delved into some newer music from his newest album Freak Show. He even played two unreleased songs tilted “Nada” and “Vampires” that are due to be released November 27th.
The one major qualm I had with this setlist was blue balling the audience with playing clips from “Downtown Love” and “Let’s Get Lost” but not doing even a verse from one or the other. I do believe that there was a reason for these cuts which I will get to in a bit, but for me he did somewhat makeup not playing these two by instead performing “Some Kind of Drug”. I believe the cuts were made to the songs previously mentioned as he did a tribute to his mom since today is the three year anniversary of her passing. It was really special to see such an artist get emotional on stage while performing.
Overall this was a great show to see, and for a fan like me to first see him when I was a teenager to now in my adult life. What an opportunity this was and I am so grateful.
Find out about other shows coming to the Twin Cities HERE.
