B.O.B. returned to his Atlanta hometown Saturday for a free concert sponsored by MySpace Live and HP. Despite a torrential rainstorm hundreds of people took advantage of the $0 tickets and packed the Center Stage venue to watch B.O.B. and friends perform all their favorites. The ones that couldn’t attend viewed the event on Ustream and on AllHipHop.com. Fans were not disappointed.
The opening line up perfectly primed the stage for B.O.B.’s headlining feature. Grand Hustle label mates Shun Hendrix and Spodee, as well as Laws (Warner Bros.), Playboy Tre, and more, readied the fans for Young Bobby Ray. Greeted by an eager crowd chanting “B-O-B” in unison, he emerged as energetic as ever.
For over an hour, B.O.B. (accompanied by a live band, backup singers, and choreographed dancers) put on a show to remember. Album songs like “Nothin On You,” “Don’t Let Me Fall,” and “Past My Shades,” along with the Play Boy-Tre assisted “Bet I,” brought the show to an exciting level often unattained in the Hip Hop norm. But B.O.B. has always been far from the norm. “Haters,” B.O.B.’s breakout hit prior to the commercial exposure of “Nothin On You,” reminded long-time followers that he hasn’t changed, only grown more seasoned.
B.O.B. not only sang, rapped, played the guitar and piano, he also crowd surfed and threw his Adidas-sponsored jacket into the audience, causing a disruptive tug-of-war match. As things settled, the show continued with onlookers young and old (well, middle-aged), and of every nationality, singing along to each hook, verse, and adlib. B.O.B. could do no wrong – except stop. As he exited the stage, murmurs of disappointment were heard. “Is that the end?” “I hope not.” “Bring him back.” An encore was demanded, and B.O.B. delivered. “Airplanes” closed the night and sent everyone home with expectations met. Success.
B.O.B.’s debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, is in stores now. And while it’s an electrifying purchase, the songs don’t truly come to life until seen unplugged. To appreciate the full adventure, check out B.O.B. on his upcoming “Shootin’ For Stars” tour.
Click here for the entire concert!