The Real is back. J. Cole brought Dreamville to Los Angeles for 92.3’s annual “Real Show” at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. on Saturday (Nov. 18).
Closing out the evening, Jermaine turned the famed “Fabulous” venue into Cole’s World. Sporting a camouflage top, baggy pants, and combat boots, North Carolina’s finest ran through highlights from his celebrated discography, including some of his most recent smashes like “No Role Modelz,” “Neighbors,” and “Deja Vu.”
Backed by a live band, Cole didn’t just stick to his newer records. He also treated the Los Angeles area crowd to a few of his more beloved tracks from the past, including “Nobody’s Perfect” and “Work Out.” Jeremih also hit the stage for the raunchy “Planez” as well as his Wale collaboration “The Body.”
Just as it would close, the star-studded event kicked off with a Dreamville bang, courtesy of Cozz, who ran through fan favorites like “Dreams.” He was followed by the energetic Zoey Dollaz and the soulful sounds of Jessie Reyez. Belly came through with a barrage of hits, including “Might Not,” “Man Listen,” “Ballerina,” and “Consuela.”
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As J. Cole showed, surprises became a running theme throughout the evening. The Real’s DJ collective Young California put on for the West with a series of guests, including SOB x RBE, RJ, O.T. Genasis, and Ty Dolla $ign, who served up new (“Ex”) and old (“Paranoid”) hits.
The surprises continued during Yo Gotti’s set, when he played his own bangers like “Rake It Up” and “Down in the DM,” while also bringing on Rae Sremmurd for “Perplexing Pegasus,” “Swang,” and “Black Beatles.”
Cardi B got the memo and delivered some of her famous “rich friends.” Following “Lick” and “Bodak Yellow,” the fashionable Bronx spitter welcomed G-Eazy and A$AP Rocky for “No Limit.” After showing off her “money moves,” she flaunted her dazzling engagement ring, courtesy of Offset, before strutting off stage.
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French Montana made it an “Unforgettable” evening, performing his Jungle Rules smash with Swae Lee. Rocky also returned for his French collaboration “Said n Done.”
Last year’s “Real Show” was also a star-studded fest, with performances from Chris Brown, Usher, Bryson Tiller, and Big Sean.
–Words and photos by Andres Tardio