**WARNING: Explicit language in below embeds**
On Friday (April 21), the Ruff Ryders reunited for the 20th Anniversary Reunion Tour at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Before the show even started, I peeped countless amounts of RR fans decked out from head to toe in Ruff Ryders gear. From people who were closer to my age, to older heads who grew up on the label's music, everyone was ready to celebrate Ruff Ryders rocking in the game for the past 20 years.
As someone who lowkey has wanted to be a Ruff Ryder ever since she saw Eve on her screen for the first time as a little girl, I was all into seeing her perform. Along with Swizz Beatz, Drag-On, The LOX and DMX; I knew this show was going to be lit from the moment I learned about it months ago.
First, Ruff Ryders new signees took the stage and warmed up the crowd. Lil Waah (who’s the Ruff Ryders’ CEO’s son), Drew James and Quadir Lateeef showed out. Then, nostalgia was about to kick in, in 3…2…1…
Drag-On took the stage and performed some of his smashes from the good old days. Then, one of my queens EVE came through being as bossed-up as ever before. She performed some of her hits like "Blow Your Mind," "Love Is Blind," "Satisfaction," and "Who's That Girl?" She even spit her verse from Missy Elliot's "Hot Boyz (Remix)." In between songs, Eve stressed how much she wanted to give her fans the best show possible, since she was only woman on the bill. She also repeated how much the love she’s been getting from fans over the years meant to her, and how happy she was to be there.
Swizz Beatz hit the stage next and the show only got more turnt. The famed hip hop producer got busy during his set. First, he performed some of his MANY classics like "Money in the Bank," and "It's Me B------s," and the choruses of Drake's "Fancy," T.I.'s "Louie Rag" and Jay Z's "On to the Next." But then, Swizz took things to a whole new level with some surprise guests he brought out.
Before the audience realized what was happening; Fat Joe and Remy Ma came out and started spitting “All The Way Up.” French Montana soon joined them to perform “Cookin.” But, it wasn’t over. Montana also rapped a bit of his new “Unforgettable” single. Up next came Cassidy. His set went viral when he came for Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert’s necks in a freestyle. Before Swizz’s set ended, he even made a point to put Pharrell and Timbaland on blast and urge them to compete in a beat battle, similar to the one he and Just Blaze had weeks ago.
The LOX followed Swizz’s set. The rap trio repped New York to the fullest. They spit hits like "Last Day" and "Wild Out;" as well as some individual hits like Styles P's "I Get High," Jadakiss' "Why” and Sheek Louch's "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye." They even brought out Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s Lil Cease and he performed "Get Money" and more. Soon afterward, Uncle Murda came out and rapped “Cam’ron Voice.” M.O.P. pulled up and performed “Ante Up,” as well.
Then, the grand finale was about to go down!!! Grrrrrr…..
DMX closed the epic concert with some of his smashes that will never get old in our eyes – or shall I say in our ears. He performed hits like “What These B**ches Want,” “Party Up,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” “How’s It Goin’ Down,” and more. Throughout his entire set, X took breaks to speak about a few obstacles that life has thrown his way, and how he’s overcome them. Man was he full of emotions this night. There was even a tiny moment where he almost cried onstage!
Overall, it really did my heart good to see the Double R familia reunite to celebrate 20 years of the label and its artists still standing. Here’s to 20 more!