Some of the hottest names in rap and R&B came through St. Louis last night for the State of Emergency concert, and for their respective afterparties (which were held at four different venues). As I expected, the majority of the crowd was in their twenties, with a few older folk in attendance. I wasn't expecting to see as many young children as I did, however, given the nature of the music being played. Perhaps "State of Emergency" is not an overstatement...
Atlanta trio Travis Porter opened the show with the single "Go Shorty Go." The group sounded similar to other Atlanta-based acts such as Soulja Boy -- they favored crunk instrumentals, catchy chants, and ridiculous singing over the hooks. Travis Porter didn't offer much in terms of innovation; its lyrics and concepts never strayed far from "Shake your ass, bitch" territory. The biggest crowd reaction came when they performed their (sigh) hit "Make it Rain."
R&B singer Lloyd followed up with the Young Money anthem "Bedrock." Lloyd then took a moment to acknowledge Dr. King on the holiday reserved in his honor - and while his heart was in the right place, the comment felt strangely out-of-place at this particular event. Lloyd flirted with the ladies in the audience as he performed his best known singles and features. "Southside" and "You" made the cut, along with "Girls Around the World," "Get it Shawty" and "Lay it Down."
