The 2023 Lovers and Pals Competition was every thing earlier festivals like Dreamville and One thing In The Water weren’t — and I imply that within the worst method doable.
Kicking off their second 12 months in Las Vegas this previous Saturday (Might 6), the 2023 Lovers and Pals Competition introduced A-list musical icons like Mariah Carey, Summer season Walker, Christina Aguilera, 50 Cent, and Missy Elliott collectively. Basically, it was a clusterfuck of hip-hop and R&B artists from the ‘90s and ‘00s, the competition pushing a synchronized theme of nostalgia that followers additionally participated in. Strolling by the competition grounds, you would see younger girls carrying pink Juicy Couture units with Air Pressure 1s or Aaliyah and Tommy Hilfiger recreations, and males dressed as Nelly or Dem Franchize Boyz with outsized white t-shirts and dishevelled denims. However it was clear that there was a disconnect between what the competition aimed to ship and the ultimate product, leading to an underwhelming occasion meant to have a good time a first-rate period of hip-hop and R&B.
The primary downside was the chaotic lineup. Cramming all of its performers into someday throughout 4 levels was a logistical nightmare, particularly when bearing in mind how far the principle levels — the Lovers and Pals levels — had been from the Bling and Crunk levels. This, paired with the artists often hitting the stage later than scheduled solely added to the issue, making it a lot tougher for attendees to bounce to totally different levels to see the artists they wished to.
Once I arrived, I hopped round to get meals and take within the massive scale of the competition’s arrange earlier than heading over to the Pals stage to see Jhené Aiko carry out. This was first efficiency since giving delivery just a few months in the past and the set was stable, with Aiko performing standouts like “Keep Prepared (What a Life)” and “Again to the Streets,” which featured an look from Saweetie. There was a touching second with Massive Sean, too, the place he praised Aiko for her dedication to her craft, saying that she’s been so targeted on being a mother that she pulled away from that simply to prepare for this competition. That touching sentiment of sacrifice was sadly minimize brief as Aiko’s mic and sound had been shut off throughout her final tune, the artist rushed off the stage to prepare for the subsequent performer — Pitbull.
Picture Credit score: Cash Mick for Okayplayer
Over on the Crunk Stage, Grasp P & No Restrict Troopers — actually, it was simply Grasp P and Mia X — placed on a enjoyable efficiency as they ran by classics like “Mr. Ice Cream Man” and “Make ‘Em Say Ugh.” Having watched all of Grasp P’s set, my pals and I headed again over to the Pals Stage to complete watching Chris Brown’s set. Brown’s set was one of the vital anticipated of the night, and never due to the music. After rumors circulated round Vegas of an incident that had allegedly taken place at Brown’s party between himself, Teyana Taylor, and Usher, everybody wished to see if Brown would reply, particularly since Usher could be acting on that very same stage proper after him. Taking a extra skilled route, Brown didn’t reply in any respect, taking the stage to do what he was imagined to do — carry out.
In between Brown and Usher’s units was 50 Cent over on the Lovers Stage. A run by of a decade full of hits, 50’s efficiency was a reminder of simply how good his catalog is. However it was additionally a reminder of how messy he tends to be, too. Though Brown and Usher refused to make any touch upon the birthday incident throughout their performances, 50 addressed the elephant on the competition and made jokes about “R&B niggas” punching one another within the face.
Again on the Pals Stage was a delayed begin for Usher’s set. However with outfit adjustments, pristine lighting, revamped variations of his iconic choreography, and a rolodex of basic hit data, the marginally late begin was excused, with Usher leaving me amazed at his simple showmanship. The late begins continued with the Pals Stage’s last performer of the evening, Mariah Carey. Beginning half-hour late, the legendary singer started with “Imaginative and prescient of Love” earlier than going into the remixed model of “Fantasy” that doubled as a efficiency of Latto’s “Massive Vitality.” If Mariah wished to piss me off, she ought to have simply mentioned that. I’ve by no means seen so many individuals cease and go searching in confusion, with Mariah’s set an underwhelming assortment of gradual ballads and an sudden home remix of “Feelings,” as an alternative of the hits individuals got here to listen to. (A minimum of we obtained to see Boyz II Males and her carry out “One Candy Day” although.)
The actual winner of the weekend was Missy Elliott. Lately introduced as part of the 2023 class of Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame inductees, her efficiency at Lovers and Pals was the rap equal of Beyonce’s headlining efficiency at Coachella, providing the followers the one factor they didn’t get all day from the competition — an precise expertise. The eye to element from her artistic course, group of her setlist, cohesiveness of her dancers, outfit adjustments, and set design was practically flawless. A shock look from Monica and a video montage from acts like Pharrell Williams, Fantasia, Teyana Taylor, and Busta Rhymes, applauding Missy on her greatness and induction, solely added to an already unbelievable set, with Missy reminding attendees why she’s one in all hip-hop’s most proficient figures.
Lovers and Pals was a failed try at relishing in on our love for nostalgia. Some followers may not know any higher however we do, and so they deserve higher than what this competition supplied.
Picture Credit score: Cash Mick for Okayplayer
