Drake made his first stop at oracle Arena in Oakland during the first of four sold-out “Summer Sixteen Tour Bay Area shows.
The Canadian Hip-hop artist took the stage around 9:30 after his relaxing openers Roy Woods and DVSN, as well as a surprise performance by Oakland native Kamaiyah. Drake was dressed in a #35 Kevin Durant Warriors Jersey that was very well received by the Warrior Faithfuls. He opened the two-hour show with “Summer Sixteen” – this tour’s namesake. Drake dazzled much of the female audience with his pop-flavored material – including recent singles “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance”. With the help of dazzling pyrotechnics and an impressive lighting set that moved above the audience, Drake had the crowd dancing for his entire performance. The surprise of the night was when Drake closed out the show, by bringing out the Warriors’ own Kevin Durant who was well received on his new home court. It was the best assist of the night.
“Future” the co-headlining act. who took the stage in the middle of Drake’s own show.,for a 40-minute set- performed a set of his own songs, with help from Drake on collaborations such as “Big Rings” and “Jumpman.” Future’s gruff rapping and calmer vibe had the crowd swaying together and was a welcome rest between Drake’s high-energy sets. Future wore a green hoodie with jeans which were set off with tight braids to complete the look. As Drake acknowledged at the end of his show, the Bay Area dutifully showed up from all backgrounds, races, and ages in a show of our long-running love affair with this hip hop legend.
If you missed his show in Oakland you will have a chance to catch his performance in the Bay Area again on September 24th and September 25th at the SAP Center. For tickets go to http://www.ticketmaster.com