Opening for Florida rapper, Denzel Curry, were three acts — more than I’m used to seeing at one show — but it proved to be a great showcase of up-and-coming artists. First up was Clip, a New York-based artist known for her introspective style dubbed “Sad Girl Rap.” She definitely brought that emotional depth to her performance, kicking off the night with something refreshingly different and setting the tone that this wasn’t going to be a typical rap show.
Next was 454, a Florida rapper with a style that echoed Curry’s in its alternative leanings — a blend of rap with rock energy that bridged nicely into the final opener, Kenny Mason.
Kenny Mason’s fans showed up in full force, cheering nearly as loudly for him as they did for Curry. He hit the stage with palpable passion, instantly charging the room with energy. While his stage setup was minimal, his presence was anything but — and the crowd was with him every step of the way. He didn’t just perform; he connected, not only through the music but through the authenticity of his performance.
Eventually, it was time for the main act. Saying Denzel Curry’s performance was exciting is an understatement. He exploded onto the stage with unmatched energy, and it stayed at a 10 from beginning to end. While I haven’t been to many rap concerts, I can confidently say I’ve never seen a rapper perform with that level of intensity — it was incredible to witness.
He leapt and glided across the stage with each song, making sure every fan in the room felt involved from start to finish. His performance was backed by oversaturated, hyper-stimulating visuals, and even though there were some I wasn’t the biggest fan of, there was no denying that each graphic matched the vibrancy of his presence. Between tracks, he checked in with the crowd, made sure everyone was feeling good, and kept an eye on mosh pits, encouraging safety and warning against any “weird antics.” If it wasn’t already clear from his music, his live show made it obvious just how grounded and kind he is — a sharp contrast to his otherworldly visual aesthetic.
Some of the night’s most memorable moments came when he brought out Clip and Kenny Mason to perform their collaborative tracks — each of them holding their own alongside Curry. One especially fun moment came when he invited a fan on stage to perform TiaCorine’s verse from his hit “Hot One.” As much fun as she was clearly having, even she struggled to match his energy — a testament to just how unique and dynamic he is as a performer.
All in all, Denzel Curry’s concert was one of the most exciting shows I’ve ever attended. The crowd was jumping, the energy was infectious, and he left fans wanting more. Even if you aren’t a fan of his music, there’s no denying he puts on a performance that just might change your mind.
