VANCOUVER - On the evening of July 7, 2023, Vancouver pulsated with excitement. It wasn't just any summer's night - hip-hop titans Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, along with an illustrious line-up of fellow artists, were kicking off their "High School Reunion" tour at Rogers Arena.
DJ Drama was the first to grace the stage. His set was an exhibition of his seasoned expertise, with his electrifying beats setting a vibrant rhythm that pulsated throughout the arena. Each track he spun was met with cheers and singing from the crowd, their voices creating a melodious echo that bounced off the arena walls. DJ Drama's pulsating mix of hip-hop hits and rhythmic exploration provided the perfect backdrop for the musical journey the audience was about to embark upon.
Next up was Berner, the Billboard charting rapper, who seized the stage with his profound lyrical dexterity. Known for his smooth flow and gritty storytelling, Berner added a unique texture to the musical landscape of the evening. His set, a blend of new hits and fan favourites, captivated the audience, who swayed in rhythm to his captivating beats and masterful rhymes. Each verse and hook Berner delivered seemed to draw the audience deeper into the narrative he was spinning, demonstrating his unique talent as both a rapper and storyteller.
Then, it was time for Warren G to take up the mantle. As one of the architects of G-funk, his performance was more than just a set; it was a musical journey. His rhythmic cadences and melodic beats took the crowd back to hip-hop's golden era. As he navigated through his classic tracks, the audience found themselves immersed in the nostalgia his music evoked. The iconic sounds of his career, from the signature whistle to the synths, resonated through the crowd, taking both new and old fans on a trip down memory lane.
Finally, Too Short, the multi-platinum selling rapper, stormed the stage. His performance was a reflection of his long-standing career and his significant contributions to the hip-hop genre. The energy in the crowd was palpable as he dove into his set, each track a nod to the gritty, raw essence that defined his style. His lyrical prowess, combined with his larger-than-life stage presence, thrilled both long-time fans and those new to his music. Each beat drop, each rhymed couplet, was met with roars of approval from the audience, marking the perfect ending to the first half of an unforgettable night.
After a brief intermission came Wiz Khalifa, the Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated artist. As the opening beats of "Black and Yellow" filled the arena, a roar erupted from the crowd. The hit track, a powerful anthem in its own right, set the stage for Khalifa's set. His energy was infectious, his lyrics flowed like water, and his performance only served to heighten the night's escalating excitement.
The moment that had been brewing all evening arrived as Snoop Dogg graced the stage. The crowd's cheers reached fever pitch as the opening notes of "The Next Episode" resonated. The timeless track, synonymous with Snoop's career, marked the start of an epic performance. Snoop's effortless cool and mastery of his craft were on full display as he moved through his set, reminding everyone why he remains an icon in the hip-hop world.
The pinnacle of the night, however, was yet to come. Wiz Khalifa, still humming with energy from his earlier set, re-emerged from backstage to join Snoop Dogg. As the duo exploded into a powerful rendition of "We Dem Boyz," the crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement. The arena seemed to vibrate with the collective energy of the performers and audience, a visible testament to their shared passion for music and their sense of camaraderie. Wiz and Snoop, both legends in their own right, shared the stage as equals, their distinctive styles merging into a symphony of rhythm and lyrics that transcended the physical confines of the arena.
The emotional peak of the evening was delivered through the heartfelt performance of "See You Again." As the first notes of the song filled the arena, images of recently departed icons began to fill the screens in the background. The audience was treated to a moving tribute to stars such as Paul Walker, Kobe Bryant, and a host of late musicians including Nate Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, DMX, Juice WRLD, Takeoff, XXXTentacion, Lil Peep, Mac Miller, and many others. This moment, teeming with love, respect, and a shared sense of loss, offered a poignant pause amidst the exhilaration. It unified the crowd, artist and audience alike, in remembrance of those no longer with us.
The evening concluded with the same dynamic energy it had started with, the performance of "Young, Wild, and Free" acting as the closing bookend. The lyrics of liberation and joy echoed throughout the arena, the crowd joining in, their voices becoming an integral part of the performance. This song, a celebration of youth and freedom, encapsulated the spirit of the night, marking the end of an unforgettable concert.
The "High School Reunion" tour has only just begun. The Vancouver show, with its roller coaster of emotions and breathtaking performances, has set an incredibly high bar for the remaining 32 cities. As Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and their talented entourage continue their journey, they carry with them more than just their music - they carry a promise. A promise of a night teeming with energy, unforgettable performances, shared emotions, and a profound celebration of the past, present, and future of hip-hop. As the tour moves forward, fans across the country wait with bated breath, eager for the chance to experience this in their hometowns.
More photos by Tage Stenner / Backspin Canada:
