Whether you want to admit it or not, Wiz Khalifa is one of the big boys in this rap game right now. Fueled largely by his Taylor Gang fan base, which really emcompasses every social group possible (think thugs, hipsters, prepsters, sorority girls, etc.) the Atlantic Records rapper is one of the few hip-hop artists able to put on an arena show nowadays. Moreover, the fact that Wiz has consistently put out quality music for almost five years now, largely based on a beloved plant, makes his rise that much more special.

All photos courtesy of Jason Chambers/The Visual Perception

Wiz didn’t bring his sold out 2050 Tour to the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis last Thursday without letting some of his Taylor Gang soldiers share in the shine. The newest Taylor, Tuki Carter, hit the stage first followed by TG’s first lady, Lola Monroe. The artist formerly known as Kev the Hustla ran the stage next. Chevy ran through a decent amount of hits from Gangland, Red Cup Music, The Cookout and Taylor Allerderice.

Juicy J came next. While I would have much rather seen Juicy cause a riot in a crowded, ratchet club, the arena floor turned into something close enough that I could smell the sweat mixed with cocoa butter. Juicy ran through a bevy of hits that has spanned two decades. With 50 girls giving it their all dancing behind him, Juicy ran through smashes like “Dancing Like She…,” “Zip And A Double Cup,” “Get Higher,” and of course “Bands A Make Her Dance.” It wouldn’t be a Juicy J show if he didn’t show love to his Three 6 Mafia material. Some of these selections included “Slob On My Knob” and “Stay Fly.” The audience went dumb when the DJ dropped Juicy and Mac Miller’s collaborative effort,“Lucky Ass Bitch.”

All photos courtesy of Jason Chambers/The Visual Perception

Not long after Juicy J bounced off stage, a winged bong was wheeled to the back of center stage. As the smoke began to pile out of it and the tuning of instruments faded out, the TGOD captain strolled out to “Phone numbers.” Standing behind a mic stand that was accessorized with long scarves à la Steven Tyler, you got the feeling that this wasn’t going to be a typical rap show. For the next hour and change Wiz and his band, Kush and Orange Juice, turned songs from all of Wiz’s big projects into musical movies. The drum tracks remained the same, but with added guitar and keyboards songs like “Gang Bang,” “It’s Nothin’,” “Never Been” and his latest concoction with The Weeknd, “Remember You” came to life with high energy codas perfectly placed. Wiz closed the show with his first single off O.N.I.F.C., “Work Hard.” While it’s not Wiz’s best song by a long shot, the black hippie dude and his band played it like it was.

Wiz’s live show has come a long way. With Chevy only showing up briefly in the cap’s set, it was all on Wiz, his band and the smoldering 20-foot bong in the background. That’s all that was needed though.

All photos courtesy of Jason Chambers/The Visual Perception

All photos courtesy of Jason Chambers/The Visual Perception

The post Exclusive Photos and Concert Review: Wiz Khalifa and The Taylor Gang’s 2050 Tour appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.