Concert Review: Rolling Papers Tour

The Rolling Papers Tour hit Greensboro, NC on Thursday evening. While I’ve seen both Big Sean and Wiz Khalifa live before, this was my first time seeing their full sets. Chevy Woods opened up the show, at which point I was still getting settled into the venue.

After a feisty crowd was tired of being teased by the DJ, the G.O.O.D. music signee Big Sean stepped out and gave his audience what they were waiting for. With his camo tank top and red Jordan fives, Sean went in. He gave the performance his all, engaging his audience with a plethora of cuts off of his new album, Finally Famous.

When the music cut to Roscoe Dash’s vocals shouting “Early in the morning, When she’s all alone” the energy of the crowd noticeably increased, pumping their arms in the air and rapping the song as if they were the performers. His “Supa Dupa Lemonade” freestyle merited similar reactions, as he went into a dance frenzy on stage and made various gestures to the ladies. Also performed were “My Last” and “Memories,” one of my personal favorites off the album. A more mellow track, it was the perfect song to calm the audience and put us all in a celebratory spirit. “I Do It” then followed, getting everyone hype again before it was time for Wiz to come out.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Wiz Khalifa’s performance was his animated facial expressions. From the time I first saw him sell out Greene St. Club last summer to now, there has been a dramatic improvement in his performance. His set was very cinematic, from the photos you can tell his stage presence was fully turned up. Thankfully my shutter speed could keep up with Wiz!

Khalifa performed the majority of his album, Rolling Papers as well as a few throwback cuts from past mixtapes. Despite his current state of stardom, he entertained as if he had something to prove. One of the first songs of the night was “When I’m Gone,” however he gave us a more spirited version than that on the album. The show wouldn’t be complete without “Black and Yellow” and “Roll Up,” his singles off of the album. But he was sure to please the long-time Taylors with tracks off of Burn After Rolling and Kush and Orange Juice. For those wondering, Amber Rose was not on this stop of the tour…so no PDA for us here.

Wiz brought out fellow tourmate Big Sean for a dual performance. If Curren$y had been there (which would have been a pretty great combination being that his stage presence is out of this world), it would of made the trio complete as they gear up for their collaborative mixtape.

From front row to the lawn seats, I don’t think anyone in the venue could have been left disappointed that night. Once you get past the stroking heat and second hand ganja, it was great entertainment.

For more pictures from the Rolling Papers Tour, click here.

Related: Exclusive: Big Sean Talks Initial Hesitation On “My Last,” Writing Style & More