The Nike + Human Race proved not only to be an extraodinary sporting and charity event, it also ended up being a great night for music enthusiasts like myself!
At the end of the night when all the participants finished the race, Kanye West and Common took to the stage. Unfortunately, I couldn't get an interview with the Grammy-Award winning performers; apparently their people cut off all media interviews. Boo, just boo! However, I was able to get some cool shots and video from the concert.
Kanye began his set like a champ. The first cut he performed of the night was "Champion" from his latest album Graduation. Next up he performed "Flashing Lights" as the setting transformed into a futuristic mirage of blue laser lights thrashing throughout the stage.
Kanye's percussion ensemble pumped through "Homecoming" and "Testify" while audience members mimicked the lyrics word-for-word.
Mid-way through Kanye's set, fellow hip-hop artist and friend, Common joined Kanye on stage. The energy was fierce and both Common and Kanye's stage presence was certainly felt by the thousands of adoring fans and runners. Both performers stuck to their mainstream hits (it would've been cool to hear some other cuts from past albums).
Kanye performed an a capella piece, but just as the beat was supposed to drop, Kanye's DJ missed his cue, and of course, Kanye put him on blast in front of thousands. "You effed it up, man. Well, there goes the exclusive!" Kanye said. Kanye and his crew quickly moved on to the next song, crowd favorite, "Gold digger." The audience couldn't get enough of the College Dropout, and honestly, I was impressed with his stage presence and overall commanding performance.
Kanye ended his set with one of my favorites, "Stronger." A wave of hands swayed back in forth moving in sync with the electronic beat. Kanye exited stage left as the audience was left wanting more of the self-proclaimed "king."
The concert ended with a spectacular fireworks display hovering over the Coliseum stage. A perfect ending to a great night full of sport, music, and charity!
If you have about ten minutes to spare, check out these EXCLUSIVE SCENES I captured from the concert on Sunday night!
