On November 11th, 2024, I embarked on a journey on the Brooklyn-bound 4 train to the Barclays Center, and experienced one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. I like to think I come from a completely objective perspective, as this was my first ever concert experience—and it did not disappoint. Don Toliver, though seemingly classic with many recognizable hits, is somewhat of an up-and-comer in the rap and hip-hop music scenes. His melodic R&B style voice paired with his unique use of rock and roll interludes and hard-hitting beats has set him apart from many others in his genre and transformed him into an artist of his own. I was lucky enough to see him live, and it was four hours of my time I am still thinking about.
First, a concert in New York City brings a different kind of energy that can’t be found in other places. Everyone on the subway train there was buzzing with exhilaration. As we unloaded to the front entrance of the stadium, the city lights and the street vendors created an atmosphere unlike other concerts in other cities. It was even the Don’s first time performing at this venue, which, as an audience member, you could feel his enthusiasm in performing and his love for the best city in the world.
The concert started with an opener, who I had heard of, but never really listened to. Molly Santana joined Don for his North American tour, and she was the first act to grace the stage. She definitely brought everything that needed to be there, to get the crowd hyped and prepare them for everyone following suit. She performed songs from her latest EP such as “Greenlight” and “Tell Me Nun.” Right after the concert I came home and listened through her discography and became an instant fan. I love the feminine touch she brings to a genre that is mainly a male dominated field.
One of the main events—after the Don himself of course—was Ski Mask the Slump God, the official opener. My roommate and I were so excited to see him; I can still remember Musical.ly dances I made to his song in middle school, and even listening to him, Juice WRLD, and XXXTentacion with my friends on Friday nights my sophomore year. It was nostalgic in a way, he even played songs from the previously mentioned, which was something that, no doubt, the entire crowd absolutely loved. For me, it was one of the highlights of my night. I knew the songs word for word, bar for bar, and it seemed like everyone else around me did as well.
Finally, the main event came out: Don Toliver!!! When I say seeing him live was life changing, I mean it. The ambience and performance quality were top notch. He utilizes auto-tune not in a way that he needs, but in a way that sets him apart as both a performer and an artist. He started the show with “Kryptonite,” a song that encapsulates the energy of his newest album, “Hardstone Psycho.” He performed it about 2-3 times, a fair amount to get the audience properly hyped. A few other songs that followed suit were, “Bandit,” “4X4,” “Tore Up.” Me personally, I’m not a huge fan of the mosh songs, I was really looking forward to the more musical aspects that I knew were to come.
One thing about Don Toliver is that he can make some great dancing hits, but his more melodic sounds and intense instrumentals is what drew me to him as a listener. Something about the combination of heavy synths and the electric guitar is so pleasing to the ear, especially with headphones. His song off his new album “Backstreetz” was what I was most excited to hear that night. The second I heard the first riff I looked at my roommate and squealed a little bit. Hearing this live was something I didn’t know I needed. Throughout the night Don was accompanied by a performer who occasionally came out to shred on the electric guitar. At one point the lights came down, the flames and explosions came to a pause, and all that was ringing throughout the stadium was the strums of a well-versed player. He played a riff that was not in the official recording but was absolutely vital to a live performance. Don began to sing a very raw performance of my favorite song of the night—no drums, back beats, or bass, just him and the electric guitar. It was so good. Simple words for an extravagant performance, but to be honest it left me pretty speechless. I was screaming along to the song and was almost brought to tears; that’s just me though, I think it was more shock and excitement than pure ecstasy or something. But like I said, it was just that good.
I think the most shocking aspect of the night was the two motor cyclists that just seemed to appear. Since the beginning of the set, there had been a sphere-shaped cage that I assumed was just lighting.. It was pretty big, about a 12-inch diameter; I would not have expected what was to come. Once the two cyclists came out, one at a time they were going into the cage. Yes, INTO the cage; they were driving around in circles, seemingly defying gravity and literally driving upside down. I was just staring with my mouth open. I think everyone there had shared feelings of confusion, but more prominently awe and pure shock. I hadn’t seen this anywhere before: no murmurings online, no TikToks or Reels, no lingering articles or comments. It was a complete surprise.
Overall, this was a once in a lifetime event. From the venue, to the lighting, to the staging and general performance, it was unlike anything I’ve seen before. I’m no stranger to the stage, but this atmosphere contributed to what was truly an event of a lifetime. I had so much fun shouting the lyrics to my favorite songs, dancing to ones I had never heard before, and laughing with my roommate when we saw high schoolers do some questionable things. Everyone was really enjoying themselves; and to me, that’s what a concert should inspire. Everyone should just have a great time.
