Weezy finds redemption

- Lil Wayne, Rogers Arena, April 27.

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As if Rogers Arena isn't already under enough stress with the Canucks in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the colossal venue also played host to one of the most wildly anticipated music events of the year: Lil Wayne's I Am Still Music Vancouver tour stop.

Having served eight months behind bars last year for keeping a loaded gun on his tour bus, I Am Still Music was almost an act of redemption after being absent for so long. Needless to say, expectations were high.

Travis Barker was the first opener, who drummed alongside a DJ and provided decent background music for the sparse early crowd. Rick Ross followed up with his usual slew of intimidating verses and renowned sly grunt (which, amazingly, has earned its own Twitter account).

Once the entire crowd had finally arrived and got settled, complete with double-sided tape (for the ladies) and Axe pomade (for the bros), the real spectacle could commence. After an explosion of fireworks, Weezy emerged from a trap door on stage and instantly launched into "I'm Going In." Backed by a grid of lights that framed DJ Four Five in the center and a gaggle of female dancers scattered through the periphery, Wayne took centre stage and owned every minute of it.

"Sky Is The Limit," "Ice Cream Paint Job," "A Milli," "Green and Yellow," "Single For Tonight" -- it was all going according to plan, but the one thing on my mind, as well as the mind of every girl in a pink wig, was 'where the hell is Nicki?'"

Just then, the all too familiar violin scrapes and bubbly cosmic soundscape of 'Roman's Revenge' washed over the arena and Miss Minaj rose from the stage floor fully equipped with bride of Frankenstein hair and a rainbow onesie (pretty much a wearable fruit leather). Nicki killed it with her classic crude and cutting delivery. Minaj may be only five foot four but her presence was huge at Rogers Arena that night. Nicki did so much more than simply go through the motions and perform crowd ! favourit es ("Moment 4 Life," "Right Thru Me" and "Super Bass"), she heavily interacted with the audience and even went so far as to invite two fans, Joe from Kelowna and Vancouver-native Nicole, on stage for the chance to receive a lap dance from the female rapper herself. Since the 'make some noise' crowd vote was ultimately split, Minaj decided that Nicole should just give Joe a lap dance.

Weezy returned from his brief stage-hiatus to perform "Phone Home," "Mrs. Officer," "Lollipop, Bedrock" and finally closed with "6 Foot 7 Foot."

Wayne poured his heart and soul into Vancouver Wednesday night and Vancouver poured theirs right back.

Weezy's performance met expectations and certainly redeemed him of his eight-month vacation on Riker's Island. Wayne did what he had to do, but didn't go above and beyond to exceed the expectations or hopes of anyone. Weezy still proved that he is an undeniable talent, but let's face it, the rap game is changing (see: Odd Future). So, if he's going to keep up with hip-hop's metamorphosis, he's going to have to get more innovative than fireworks, guitar solos, and half-naked back-up dancers. Just sayin'.

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