Rapper 50 Cent brought a sizzling, sexy, and high-energy performance to RodeoHouston, as nearly 75,000 fans joined him “In Da Club” known as NRG Stadium.
It was one of the highest-attended RodeoHouston shows for a hip-hop headliner, just over 800 tickets away from Cardi B’s record-setting performance (75,580) in 2019 and ahead of Houston’s own Bun B (74,573) in 2023.
The hip-hop star, who now calls Houston home, is part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, especially after spending hundreds of thousands on bottles of wine at the annual Rodeo Uncorked! events or selling his own wine at record-setting prices. Of course, a record-breaking show would be next on the list of accomplishments.
Even though it was his debut performance, 50 made the cavernous space his own with two hypemen, two keyboardists, a drummer, and DJ situated on risers that resembled a nightclub built onto the star-shaped stage. A gaggle of dancers joined him throughout, oftentimes nearly turning that nightclub into a gentleman’s club — with skimpy outfits that left little to the imagination.
If that was any indication, the night’s show was most definitely geared towards the adults. The family-focused rodeo’s no-swear rule was seemingly on hold for one evening, and there was little effort to censor lyrics and content. Not that anyone minded – cowpokes and hip-hop fans danced and swayed in the aisles, reciting the lyrics to 50’s catalog of hit songs, cowboy hats nodding along to the bass-heavy tunes.
The stage lighting, audio, and tech mirrored what was on stage, with lasers, fireworks, spotlights, and pyro synced with all his songs, including for the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ track, “What Up Gangsta,” which drew a call and response from the crowd.
The night was full of surprises as he played popular tunes, the No. 1 “Candy Shop” and “Disco Inferno” were a one-two dancefloor punch before bringing out Da Baby, who joined 50 on stage for two songs, including “Shake Sumn,” the controversial rapper decked out in a black cowboy hat, cowhide vest, and silver necklace bling.
The second guest star of the evening, Flo Rida was one of the most electric highlights of the evening with the inescapable earworms “Low” and “My House.” And sultry R&B singer Jeremih cranked up the vibe of NRG Stadium well into the red level for 50 Cent collab, “Down On Me,” and on the solo spotlight, “Birthday Sex.”
The latter featured the Usher-sounding crooner playing a baby grand piano while one of 50 Cent’s dancers grinded slowly on top, posterior firmly in the direction of the singer. The RodeoHouston cameras had to cut away when it got to be too steamy, much to the crowd’s delight.
Of course, the evening’s proceedings ended with the No. 1 smash, “In Da Club,” the song that introduced 50 Cent to the world, still his best song, so huge it landed him a guest spot in the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023. The crowd reacted accordingly, singing along to every single word before the night ended with 50 on the back of a pickup truck, sporting a feathered cowboy hat and a huge smile.
50 Cent’s live show chops certainly have grown over the years, and it was obvious that he understood what it takes to put on a crowd-pleasing show. That came across during his RodeoHouston debut as a fully realized concert. It was the first memorable performance of the year, making all 74,573 in attendance feel like it was their birthday.
Check out the sights and sounds from Black Heritage Day 2024.
