The Blood Money Tour; The Game’s first return to the UK since his sell-out tour in 2011. As one of the most critically acclaimed rappers of the current crop and, arguably, one of the all-time greats, this has been one of the most eagerly anticipated tours in recent history. Alongside an eclectic crowd composed pretty much equally of hardcore fans  and the obligatory posers, I was at the O2 Shepherds Bush Arena for the opening show of the tour.

It all started with Nu Jerzey Devil running around on stage proclaiming “It’s bigger than Hip Hop”. Unfortunately, L.A. Kings weren’t really much bigger than a mouse, never mind Hip Hop. Unlike Jerzey and Kid Red, L.A. Kings have made little impact in the UK and based on their uninspiring performance I’m not surprised. Kid Red, whilst undoubtedly more talented than L.A. Kings, was also unmemorable and for this reason also receives little mention. Then came the tipping point, a fresh rendition of Jay-Z’s ‘Public Service Announcement’ performed by Nu Jerzey Devil. The Jay-Z classic providing exactly the right tempo for the crowd to reach batsh*t crazy.

The Game entered to the heavy-hitting anthem ‘Scared Now’ and immediately the crowd stepped up; moshpits appearing everwhere in the standing section. The 2012 hit ‘Ali Bomaye’ from the album ‘Jesus Piece’ followed; maintaining the atmosphere and ensuring all posers were now feeling included too. My personal favourite ‘Dopeboys’ provided the first throwback; released as a single as well as on the 2008 album ‘LAX’, a high-energy performance from The Game and all his guest acts ensuring the high-tempo hit received the reception it deserved. A powerful solo version of ‘The City’ came next, before clever wordsmanship allowed a seamless transition from ‘My Life’ to ‘Martians vs Goblins. ‘Compton’ and ‘Higher’ were also fused into one song, providing a somewhat confusing yet entirely enjoyable new track built from renowned classics. A homage to Tupac in the form of ‘California Love’ was followed by a touching remembrance of fellow pioneers Nate Dogg and Notorious B.I.G..

As the show drew to a close, The Game’s mood visibly altered and it became clear it was now all about the audience. This is what the true fans were here for; early classics ‘Start From Scratch’, ‘Hate It or Love It’ and ‘How We Do’ all being performed in succession and after each song the crowd grew even louder. In those last moments it dawned on me, as I suppose it did on many others, that this would probably be the last time we saw this prodigal son of rap in the UK for some years to come.  That made the last song, ‘It’s Okay’, all the more special; The Game inviting the front rows of the audience to join him on stage and live the dream of performing a classic with their hero.

Appearances from Kid Red, Nu Jerzey Devil and L.A. Kings. Chants of “We Want Game”, “F**k Fifty Cent” and “G-Unot”. A stage invasion ordered by The Game. Dirty jokes about stewardesses.  The Game necking a bottle of Grey Goose to Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Swimming Pools’. A long set full of recent hits and long-loved classics. This was as close as a Rap fan will ever get to the perfect gig.