Sometimes, we have to travel to get a closer look at our targets on The Redd Radar. We went from the Windy City to Grand Rapids Michigan, to attend the Big Jam presented by B.M. Entertainment and WYGR at the Delta Plex Arena.
The Big Jam concert was celebrating the birth of an urban radio station, WYGR 94.9 FM that has been running for about five years now. The house was packed, and hosted by the Owner of WYGR, Robert S. Womack and Ruben Martinez, on-air voice personality known as Mr. TWC on WYGR.
Keeping us in the mix was DJ Larry Maddox and DJ Nelly Nell. Headlining was the King of the South T.I., along with Mila J. and Machine Gun Kelly. There were several opening acts, Benzo of South Bend, IN, The Realist by way of NY, Ranru and The Playerway Twinz, both locals of Grand Rapids, all did a great job. We had all access to the event so we were able to see the hard work and preparation of staging, sound check, and more. We even had a sneak peek of the dressing rooms to see what the performers like to indulge in before a show and the luxury catered cuisine they would enjoy after they arrived as they awaited their time to shine.
Surprisingly, owner of WYGR, DJ Robert S opened the show after 25 years of promoting the first ever hip hop show at this very same arena. Recapping on the show, He said on his Facebook page,
“I could not walk, but I made it in a wheelchair. Our mind is our strongest muscle. Strengthen yours with intelligence and you can do anything.”
Keeping us in the mix was DJ Larry Maddox and DJ Nelly Nell. Headlining was the King of the South T.I., along with Mila J. and Machine Gun Kelly. There were several opening acts, Benzo of South Bend, IN, The Realist by way of NY, Ranru and The Playerway Twinz, both locals of Grand Rapids, all did a great job. We had all access to the event so we were able to see the hard work and preparation of staging, sound check, and more. We even had a sneak peek of the dressing rooms to see what the performers like to indulge in before a show and the luxury catered cuisine they would enjoy after they arrived as they awaited their time to shine.
We watched the excitement that poured from Mila J and her team prior to hitting the stage. We saw them as they exited the hotel on their way to the venue, and it was good to see that even though this is routine for them, they still have fun and enjoy their job as professionals. Mila J. definitely put it down, and represented for the ladies rocking her fan favorites, “My Main" and “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up” with the sexy moves to keep all eyes on her and a few glimpses of her beautiful dancers who were also on point. Don’t be fooled by the looks, this girl is here to show and prove she is indeed a star.
“Mila J. is the girl who at times may look a little shy because of her cuteness but is actually very real, she is soft and sexy to the eye but rough around the edges when she gives you a mouthful. I love her personality and music.
She sings the raw emotions we as women sometimes really feel.
When I listen to her music, it’s like 2 best friends on the phone having girl talk,
or like a real conversation I would have with my partner.” -@MzReadyRedd
She sings the raw emotions we as women sometimes really feel.
When I listen to her music, it’s like 2 best friends on the phone having girl talk,
or like a real conversation I would have with my partner.” -@MzReadyRedd
Machine Gun Kelly has the IT FACTOR. His performance and interaction with the crowd was phenomenal. His very friendly band, complimented him so very well, you would think they all started together from the beginning. We chatted and took pictures with his hype man, DJ, and producer of about 60% of the music he performed, Brandon Allen (@Slimgudz216) of Cleveland Ohio, guitarist and drummer, Rook ( @rook419) just to name a few. During the show, it was interesting to see how every patron was engaged with MGK’s lyrics, and how his energy transferred throughout the entire arena. At one point, the crowd united in screaming and yelling, MGK, MGK, MGK, MACHINE GUN KELLY, MACHINE GUN KELLY. He took time to personally involve himself with his fans, as if they were friends from day one. He made a real connection, like it was you and him in a room alone and he was talking directly to you. He jumped off the stage into the audience with the VIP guests, climbed gated guard rails to reach his fans, partied with the people, and more, all without security approval. You should have seen the guards holding on to his belt and pants trying their best to keep their hands on him, and control of the situation. He created smiles and shared loved as he shook hands, gave hugs, took pictures and had a quick word with fans, but most importantly, he left hope within many that they too can be who they are and express themselves through lyrics, emotions and music. His true artistry shows through his passion for the art. The combination of music and production, with the words of every verse, and the emotions that inspire the way he delivers along with the genres he chooses to collaborate together proves he can do anything.
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| @Slimgudz216 |
“I find it hard to categorize MGK in a box, because he is limitless.
He does what he wants and that alone is special to me
and speaks volumes when you can do that and OWN it.
I really love that he's a team player and demonstrated great sportsmanship.
He showed much respect and support after his performance
and enjoyed the rest of the show with the crowd.
Salute Kelly. You’re the real MVP.” - @MzreadyRedd
He does what he wants and that alone is special to me
and speaks volumes when you can do that and OWN it.
I really love that he's a team player and demonstrated great sportsmanship.
He showed much respect and support after his performance
and enjoyed the rest of the show with the crowd.
When you mention his name, you'll bring the whole city out. Yes, TIP, did just that. He performed all the old goodies and the new ones too. The ladies went crazy and the guys turned their “gangster” up, to take on the cocky, ultimate hustler, swag of the King himself. He did several remixes to other popular songs that had us all feeling fresh. As TIP leaned in on the crowd, the screams grew louder and tears began to roll down the faces of anxious women dying to touch his hand. The hands were high in the air waving with whatever symbols and cities they’re representing of every man in the building. They welcomed T.I. with love like one of their own. His fans wanted him to know they were there, and they did not allow him to do all the work alone. They rapped along with him, all their favorite verses, word for word the entire way through. T.I. spoke to all his “real hustlers” and encouraged them to continue no matter what. We chatted with Clay Evans, V.P. of Grand Hustle, for a moment, but as you would expect, he was very busy.
“Although I enjoyed the show, I appreciated his conversation in between songs more, because it felt real, like my brother giving a shoulder and a hand to lift you up or a push to keep you going. I feel like any person that is working hard at something can relate to Hustle Gang, it’s like we are all family and we share one thing, the Grand Hustle. Which is ultimately the Family Hustle.”
Lots of fun we had at the show. Even better afterwards in the dressing rooms, where all of us who were working could sit down, relax and mingle. We were partying to the sounds of the latest hits with the stars of the night and the ones who mad e it happen, while eating some very delicious, catered food by New York Fried Chicken. It was a real good time. Yes indeed, the DeltaPlex was very spacious, comfortable, easy to navigate and find your way through. We would gladly return and support. We’re looking forward to the next event coming soon with B.M. Entertainment and friends.
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