For industry watchers, this is a benchmark moment. Rap tours historically have proven to be iffy affairs, hindered by dubious artistic success, erratic commercial appeal and a reputation for violence. On opening night June 15 outside San Diego, with Ice Cube emerging from a cryogenic chamber, Snoop and Dre hitting the stage in a hydraulically enhanced low-rider and a stage design rivaling the wildest Kiss shows, all concerns were set aside. We were light-years away. The show starts on time.
Set changes are quick and tidy.
Eminem, who's getting to perform for some of the biggest crowds of his career, is getting a kick out of just playing fan. I don't think there's ever been a rap show like this. Believe me, this is a tour that comes at no small cost to Dre and everybody else. It's got all the production values of big-time rock show. On disc, hip-hop is crisp and tight.