The truth is, even though the audience was filled with die hard Ruff Ryders fans, a select few among the crowd at the Coliseum Friday night checking out DMX came to see crazy. It’s no secret that he’s been a media spectacle/train wreck for his off stage antics for almost as long as he’s been a star, but when he wouldn’t give those folks the satisfaction of seeing any indication of it.
He presented a performance that mixed street rhymes with spirituality – and a rant about the decline of the hip-hop industry as a sidebar –with a caliber of performance that was reminiscent of what could be seen at the height of his popularity.
Though he didn’t want the show to be over and lost plenty of folks towards the end, DMX gave the crowd exactly what they loved most about him for his hour-plus long set.
He went from hood tales to the Holy Ghost as he thanked God for the journey that led him to the stage. He soaked up the energy that the crowd generously displayed. And he even shaded some of the new breed of rappers – and the industry that makes room them – whose lyrical content he described as merely a laundry list of bragging rights.
“Good for you,” DMX said, as he mentioned the cars, clothes and women that seem to be the gist of their messages.
He also included performances of hits that ranged from introduction into the rap industry fifteen years ago and up through his most recent release “Undisputed” – “What They Really Want,” “Party Up (Up in Here)” and “Who We Be” to name a few.
Because of the controversy that has surrounded him – in particular his repeated arrests and admitted substance abuse – it’s easy to forget the indelible mark DMX and all of his gruffness has made by way of his rap legacy. But he reminded everyone Friday night.
He was in top form – figuratively and literally. He looked great. His focus was on love for what he does and who he does it for (the fans) – and it was a mutual appreciation and exchange between him and the crowd.
The walking irony that is DMX continued through the show. He inserted what could be best described as off the cuff prayers and spiritual poetry as he transitioned through his club bangers that include everything from sexual overtures to “tearing the club up.”
The show was not without its shortcomings. As per usual, DMX proved to be his own enemy. He rambled, he labored he carried on with inaudible jabber. He passed a bottle of what appeared to be Hennessy and honored and took sips of it himself. The show was essentially over ten minutes before he left the stage. But who could blame him for not wanting to leave? It was a taste of the best of times.
At the end of the day, He made generation X (who on that night could have been known as generation DMX) proud as he showcased what they love most about him – his passion for hip-hop and his sincere appreciation for the folks who have supported him along the way.
