The longest running Hip-Hip show in America celebrated 41 Years of setting the city ablaze. Friday night, Power99 held their annual Powerhouse concert at the Wells Fargo Center and the stars were out.
The stadium was filled with fans eagerly awaiting their favorite artists. Nasa from DJ Diamond Kuts‘ Diamonds in the Rough contest warmed the crowd up. Next, WanMor hit the stage and brought the R&B vibes in all black ensembles with smooth choreography. The group performed their hit singles: The One, Alone With You, and Please Don’t Go. 2Rare and DJCrazy took the energy to another level bringing out D Sturdy and Mora. His set alone had the crowd on their feet and prepared them for Philly’s rising pop star, Lay Bankz. She dazzled with her background dancers in sparkling camo outfits. After giving fans an exclusive listen to some unreleased music she sang hits like Tell Your Girlfriend and as her final act she shared that the single is now RIAA Certified Gold. Bankz then presented DJ Diamond Kuts, DJ Cosmic Kev, DJ RL, and DJ Qlassick with a plaque for always spinning her records.
In between sets Power99 played a collage of music videos featuring upcoming artists in Philadelphia, most notably Amir Ali and KayGlizzy. It was great to see our radio stations uplifting new artists.
Then it was time for Diamond Kuts and friends. Mizz, Sturdy Youngin, Skrilla, Jordan Adentunji, and Capella Grey all performed their viral hits: BUMBAA, G*D DAMN, KEHLANI, and GYALIS. In addition to all of the surprise guests Remy Ma stunned the arena when she came out and performed her classics.
My favorite act of the night was Kur. He’s been a fan MVP and the city has been rooting for him since he bulldozed his way onto the music scene with Straight from the Kur in 2012. He performed songs from his Billboard charting debut album THURL, including 123 and his anthem with Meek Mill, Confidence Level. Of course he had to do an encore of his smash hit single Peach Snapple and had the entire crowd doing his signature dance (IYKYK).
Back in the city by popular demand Sexyy Red took the stage and had everyone in attendance singing at the top of their lungs “BAE I LOVE YOU, YOU MY EVERYTHING.” In true Sexyy Red fashion she commanded the room with her presence and made sure the audience had a great time. Right after Sexyy, Gunna performed Prada Dem, One of Wun, and Drip Too Hard. A Boogie showed love to his close friend PNB Rock with a heartfelt tribute of his music and some touching videos. He also brought out Lola Brooke and welcomed Jordan Adentunji back to the stage. Then he closed the show with his chart topping song Drowning.
I can’t wait to experience next year’s Powerhouse. Shout-out to the radio station doing it for the culture, Philly’s Power99.
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