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Photo credits: Derrick Johnson and Grassroot Media

Mid-way through his “Club Paradise” tour, Drizzy Drake rocked Atlanta with a star-studded and long-anticipated show. The YMCMB phenom told the audience, “They been trying to keep us apart for about a year and a half now,” alluding to the last time Drake performed in Atlanta, which was October 2010.

Taking the stage to “Lord Knows”, his song with Rick Ross from Take Care, and then launching into snippets of his many hits, Drake got the crowd of almost 17,000 to their feet and kept them there. It was a cool night in Atlanta, and the audience at the outdoor amphitheater endured brief rainshowers during the opening acts, which included French Montana, Meek Mill, Waka Flocka Flame, and 2 Chainz.

The nearly two-hour Drake set had a theatrical feel, with black and white screens and dozens of solo spotlights bringing back out 2 Chainz. The duo performed “No Lie”, and surprisingly, T.I., came out and performed “What You Know”, after being persuaded by Drake, who said, “I ain’t much of a favor asker, but since we are in the A, and you are The King, can we take ‘em back on some classic sh*t?”

Drake also brought Waka Flocka Flame back out during his set, and he was officially dubbed “The King of the Club,” performing his banger, “Round of Applause”. Future made an appearance as well, and he and Drake rocked “Tony Montana”, followed by another appearance from Bad Boy/MMG’s French Montana.

During “Marvin’s Room,” the amphitheater sounded like it was hosting choir rehearsal, as all you could hear were women’s voices. The diverse crowd was largely women, yet every nationality was represented, which is true to Drake’s fan base. He cleverly made the audience a part of his act by turning up the house lights and individually shouting out people in the crowd. The move demonstrated that this tour is a defining moment for Aubrey Drake Graham, one where he distinguishes himself as more than just the artist of the moment, but one who is here to stay.

“Until next time Atlanta… Take Care.”

Drake’s “Club Paradise” tour runs through June 17.