(Show Review) YG x A$AP: BestCoast Connection Tour
On Wednesday January 14th, Sound Academy & the city of Toronto welcomed 2 of hip-hops fastest rising stars currently in the game. After a minor date swap, the much anticipated BestCoast Connection Tour featuring Compton’s Bompton’s YG & Harlem’s Trap Lord A$AP Ferg, was finally here. I had the opportunity to catch Ferg multiple times, but was really curious to see a full YG set in a more intimate setting as oppose to larger, outdoor atmosphere that OVO Fest offers.
Around 8:00pm doors were open and after the usual pat-down, fans were quick to enter the academy in hopes of securing a close spot to see the live musical-madness that was certain to ensue. As fans made their way in, DJ Charlie B greeted all by playing a ton of popular hits to keep the crowd on a high as more bodies continued to drag themselves in. Finally, at 11pm, after hours of waiting in anticipation, Bompton’s own YG took to the stage. In his cool, laid back, cali style, YG played hit records like “Left, Right” and “Bicken Back Being Bool” that had the place jumping. However, as much as I love the work YG & his right-hand DJ Mustard create, I must admit that the obvious similarities in Mustard’s beat production became a bit tiresome as YG went through his catalog of bangers. Along with some DJ breaks spinning some of the hottest tracks out, it was Kendrick Lamar’s “Maad City” that resulted in a mosh-like explosion within the crowd. YG showed love to the 6ix by bringing out OVO’s own, P. Reign. Instantly sparking suspicion of a Drake appearance, the Reps Up general performed “DnF” and then quickly exited the stage. YG concluded his set with his biggest hits we all love and cannot help but sing, “My Hitta” and “Who Do You Love”.
Now it was time to head to the east coast. As chants of “Trap Lord” increasingly echoed throughout the venue leading into his intro, the trap was set, and Ferg, as he always does, hit the stage with a lot of presence and energy. Performing songs such as “Let It Go”, “Hella Hoes”, and “Hood Pope”, it was evident that Ferg has taken his live performance to a whole new level. At one point (and not entirely my favorite part), Ferg’s set turned into an EDM-type atmosphere as multiple lights flickered and flashed, trap/edm beats blasted through the speakers and multi-colored balloons filled the room. I could only assume his recent collaborative work and festival stints with house and EDM elites is where this inspiration came from, nonetheless, the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Prior to ending off the night with a new track titled “Nia Long”, Ferg wrapped things up with his biggest records that made the Trap Lord a household name, “Shabba” and “Work”.
A fun night of live hip-hop filled with excellent song selections from both artists, bras and panties being tossed on-stage, sadly though, the crowd did not live up to what both YG & Ferg gave out. As energetic as it was at some points, at times a lot of the VERY young crowd seemed only concerned with the few radio hits most have come to know and making sure they were able to take “accurate” selfies. Ferg who usually makes his way into the sea of people at every Toronto event I have seen him in, opted not to this time around when he attempted to split the crowd down the middle. Some may have their opinions on venue location and transit accessibility, but I would still highly recommend that anytime YG or A$AP Ferg are in or around the city you live in, be sure to check them out.
Click HERE to view the entire photo album.
Photos by: Hannan M. for Rkulture
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