The dancing began even before the performers came on stage for the next event of Red Bull 30 Days in LA. The crowd’s rowdy anticipation was almost palpable as The Fonda Theater in Hollywood began to fill. The evening promised heavy beats, rap and energy and the performers certainly did not disappoint.
Tree was the first to appear on stage. Coming out from Chicago, the artist and producer heated up the crowd rapping over Sunday school beats and exuding charisma. He was joined on stage by fellow artists Chris Crack from the New Deal Crew, Brian Fresco from SaveMoney, Mibbs of Pac Div and Lennon of Project Mayhem. Bills were being thrown in the air as Tree built up a playful rapport with the smoke-filled crowd. A sense of camaraderie ensued as he acknowledged that the crowd was “already turnt up” and waiting for Juicy J. His last track included a shout-out to all the pretty ladies in the audience and earned the artists enthusiastic applause.
Next up, Atlanta, GA natives, Two-9, took the stage and asked the audience to take a moment of silence for Michael Brown of Ferguson. Then they asked the audience to throw their middle fingers in the air and say “f*** the police.” The crowd dutifully obeyed and the rebellious rage that emanated from the hip-hop collective seemed to be infectious. Energy was rising and the crowd seemed to be completely entranced by the performance. The vibe was decidedly less joyous than the last, however, and seemed somewhat more aggressive. Later, when Two-9 asked the audience to put their lighters in the air and rapped about Mary Jane, the party vibe returned and the audience was once again in a light-hearted mood.
The party continued and climaxed with Juicy J’s performance. He took the stage around 11:30pm. His larger-than-life persona was welcomed by riotous hollers and dancing. Among the many tracks he performed for the audience were “Ice,” “Dark Horse,” “Low” and “Having Sex” during which he asked three ladies to come on stage and show the audience how to “smutty dance.” In true luxurious fashion he also handed out cups of champagne to the audience during his performance and at one point took off his shoes and threw them into the crowd noting that “Juicy J is a giving person.”
Other highlights included his throwback to Three 6 Mafia playing both “Poppin’ My Collar” and “Sippin’ on Some Syrup.” As if that weren’t enough to hype up the crowd, there was also a surprise performance by Lil Wayne. Bills were spewed into the air as Lil Wayne and Juciy J performed “Believe Me,” “Bandz a Make her Dance” and “Loyal.” Phones were out and hands were up giving into the exciting guest performer. Everyone in the venue was riled up at this point. Juicy J thanked Lil Wayne for lending his musical talents and the crowd sent him off with crazy applause.
Nearing the end of the night, Juicy J had at least nine ladies on stage during “23.” He finished off with a bit of Usher’s new song on which he’s featured, “I Don’t Mind” and the crowd-pleaser “Bounce It.” At the very end of his set, he sat near the crowd and told them how much he enjoyed performing and their support. The crowd definitely mirrored his sentiment as the show was probably one of the most invigorating of the Red Bull Sound Selects series.