opening with a string of rap songs that included a castle-themed performance of “Roman's Revenge,” a 2 Chainz cameo for “Beez in the Trap” and a fan-assisted rendition of “Stupid Hoe” before a costume change and shift to poppier material.
the juxtaposition was instructive to fans of both genres, as well as to anyone still harboring the idea that pop and hip-hop should, for some reason, be kept separate. It was thrilling to see a rap show with such high production values; tightly choreographed backup dancers offered an energy that the more common choice of letting assorted hangers-on wander around stage doesn't.
This looseness with boundaries – between audience and performer, pop and hip-hop – gave the show a big tent approach that worked fantastically. Categorizations blurred, and there was a faint whiff of transgression among audience members who might have felt at times out of their element, whether they were the passionate 2 Chainz fans sneakily singing along to “Starships” or the pop fans who let out an audible gasp during a pointed expletive in “Fire Burns.”
