Eyewitness Report: DJ AM Surprises as Jay-Z Reopens the Palladium

TheCHIMP.net hip-hoperative Rich Leist (Muskeegan High School - MI '98, Ironman '08) played "party snitch" atJay-Z's re-baptism of the Hollywood Palladium last night. (Wed 15 October).

DJ AM's first public appearance since tragedy proved to be a muted highlight amongst the crowd of 100% debate skippers and 0% McCain supporters.

While other websites import street thugs, we are happy to have Ironmen who could kick thier ass on the street and on the sheet. Read the full review below:

"Doors that were scheduled to open at 8 opened at 6. The energy in the air was unbelievable. It was the rebirth of music in Hollywood. Cops out in full force keeping a watchful eye on the cleanest looking hip hop heads who would pay Minimum $150 per ticket. I heard that 2 tickets went for $700 at the car wash across the street. The crowd was filled with guys who are the “Turtles” of their entourage. The show was filled with all races. A united hip hop front. There were no Celebs spotted from my view point but a couple tall guys who looked like LA Clippers. Drink prices started were a standard $7.00 for liquor and 12 once beers. $14.00 for doubles and 24 ounce beers.

The show was opened by DJ EVER from Power 106. His set had to have gone on for over an hour. The crowd was starting to get ornery as the body heat of 4000 people began to over power the central air system of the NEW HOLLYWOOD PALLADIUM. At around 9:45 JAY- Z took the stage and the crowd went bananas. The smoke, not from fog machines, came billowing out of every nook and cranny of the new venue. The Hollywood Palladium was officially christened. Jay opened with “Takeover.” As expected every song was a hit that crowd could bounce too. Jay-Z told the crowd what on honor it was to open the new PALLADIUM and how Frank Sinatra was the last artist to open the Venue. He then Declared “Ole Brown Eyes” is in the building.

I knew going into the show that there would be a political undertone, but I did not think that the whole show would be political rally. I am all about this political election and I came to a hip hop show to get my mind off all the shit that is going on in the world, but this show was far from that.

I am slightly disappointed that this was the case, but I do hope some of my ticket money is going to the Obama campaign. One great intro he did have was saying McCain should follow this advice and when it comes to his running mate, “home girl.... You know, You betcha! If you having girl problems I feel bad for you son. I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one!” If there was a McCain supporter in the building they kept their right to voice their opinion silent.

Before the show the internet was buzzing with all the special guests that were going to be there. Lil Wayne, Kanye, Beyonce, T.I.......... Most of these rumors stemmed from Craigslist and people trying to scalp their tickets for ridiculous prices. The only guest to come on for one number was T.I.. They rocked a couple of verses of “Swagger Like Us.” I know that Kanye is in town because he is finishing his mix of his new album. I was surprised not to see him at the show. DJ AM was part of the show, but nothing more than a band member. DJ AM was on stage the whole show but never got a chance to show off. Jay did take time to acknowledge him, the tragedy that took place and send his thoughts to the victims. Jay at one point got behind DJ AM’s rig and play some song snippets on his own. It made me think that DJ AM must still be hurting and might be unable to spin the way he did before the accident.

The overall set was short. The show started at 9:45 and ended at 11ish.

All in all it was Jay-Z show that was spectacular to be apart of. Despite what VIBE magazine thinks, Jay- Z is the best alive hip hop artist. He knows how to work a crowd and make his shows grand. Every lyric is clear and he makes you appreciate the art that is Hip Hop.

Hova left the stage be saying, “This was a historic night for me. Hope it was a historic night for Y’all.” and for me it was.

The Rock is in the building
Rich


Were you there? Comment below ->