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Tyler, The Creator closes out Labor Day weekend at sold-out Armory

September 3, 2019 Jessica Boldt Concerts 0

Labor Day – the unofficial end of summer and beginning of fall, back to school and even the H word (holidays). Though Monday marked that unofficial end to summer – Tyler, The Creator made a sold-out Armory feel like the summer was just beginning. With a sold-out crowd, still a warm breeze in the air outside, and no shortage of good vibes, there was no better place to close out the holiday weekend than at the Armory. With plenty of other events happening around town, including the last night of the Great Minnesota Get-Together, aka the State Fair, it was evident that Tyler, The Creator was the hottest ticket in town.

Opening up the evening was Washington, DC based rapper Goldlink. Though, with early doors and an early start time, I unfortunately missed Goldlink. However, judging based on the vibe in the Armory when I arrived – it’s clear that Goldlink definitely got the crowd warmed up. Looking forward to catching him next time he is in town!

Following Goldlink was Malibu-based rapper, Jaden, also known as Jaden Smith. Jaden – is perhaps best known as the son of the beloved Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Though he may have a fame in his blood, he also has talent. Jaden, though a rapper, is also a singer, songwriter and actor. At the ripe age of just 21 – Jaden’s depth and breadth of talent was on full display at the Armory on Monday night. His set was extremely visual – with music videos broadcast on the giant screen beyond him – making for a fully immersive experience. Jaden is truly a performer – in every sense of the word. He had the crowd jumping and singing along to song after song and even engaged with the crowd and expressing his gratitude to his “boyfriend” Tyler, The Creator for having him out on the tour. His set included hits such as Summertime in Paris, Icon and Ghost. It’s clear that Jaden has only one way to go, and that is up. I think we all will be anxiously awaiting to see where his career continues to take him artistically.

Unfortunately no photographers were allowed during Jaden’s set.

Of course headlining the evening was the king of independent rap himself – Tyler, The Creator. Tyler, The Creator has been making music for years, getting his start as the frontman and face of hip hop collective Odd Future. Since Odd Future – Tyler, The Creator has gone on to not only have an incredibly successful music career, but has made serious waves as a fashion designer, graphic designer, music video producer and just a cultural icon. From the Much like Jaden – Tyler, The Creator is an artist and performance in every sense of the word. His set isn’t just about the music – but the entire visual and immersive experience. Tyler, The Creator took to the stage in a neon green pant suit and a blonde, bowl cut wig – an aesthetic we’ve seen since the release of his latest album Igor. His set was surprisingly minimalistic but still packed a punch – much like the majority of his aesthetic – a little goes a long way. As Tyler, The Creator breezed his way through his set, the crowd was jumping along so much that you could feel the entire floor of the Armory shake. His set started with mostly tracks off his latest album, but he mixed in tracks from Flower Boy, Wolf and more.

Again – with so many other events going on in the Twin Cities this weekend – there were dozens of ways you could have ended the long, Labor Day weekend, but as the crowd flooded out of the Armory, high on the magic of Tyler, The Creator – it’s evident that the Armory was the place to end your weekend.

Set List: IGOR’S THEME / I THINK / A BOY IS A GUN* / NEW MAGIC WAND / PUPPET / EARFQUAKE / 911 / IFHY / GONE, GONE / OKRA / Yonkers / She / Who Dat Boy / Boredom / RUNNING OUT OF TIME / WHAT’S GOOD / See You Again / ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?