The ‘concert reviewer’ gig is an interesting one. I have been exposed to lots of great bands I may have never seen otherwise, and get to share my experience for those that aren’t able to attend. Sometimes when I go to a show to review it’s because of our readership. There are many artists that – for whatever reason – have resonated with the LGBT community, and I feel obligated to review their shows for those fans. Even if I don’t entirely get it.
Such was the case for the August 18th Pinkprint Tour stop at the Saddledome for Nicki Minaj. Eight thousand fans – mostly young women and gay men, along with a surprising number of kids for a performer who sings a lot about dicks and having her ass eaten like a cupcake – partied at the dome with what amounted to four hours of music.
A point to my lack of connection, my initial response to the announcement: "Nicki Minaj, featuring Meek Mills, DeJ Loaf, Tinashe & Rae Sremmund" had me going what language is this? Another commitment meant missing the openers, although reports from other shows reviewed most of the openers positively. I walked into a Dome dancing to a DJ set and awaiting Minaj, who was nearly half an hour late when she finally took the stage. Yet all was forgiven as she hit the stage for "All Things Go". With a pack of tremendously energetic dancers Minaj took control of the stage and, even to someone that wouldn’t consider themselves a fan, you couldn’t help but be impressed. Vocally she shines when she sings on the chorus of "The Crying Game". "Anaconda" – the aforementioned song about really big dicks – was cut short but high energy as was mega-hit "Super Bass". The choice to have her boyfriend Meek Mills do his set (originally scheduled to ope, and opening in Edmonton) mid-show ground the momentum to a halt. But things picked up again when Minaj returned.
Minaj didn’t allow photographers for her show; a surprising move as she looked amazing as she stalked the stage. Taking a moment to shout out to her "independent women" who don’t need a man, her blend of female empowerment and taking control of your sexuality is in many ways inspiring. I love Divas. I have seen many of the biggest female pop stars – Janet, Cher, Katy Perry and Pink, to name a few – and the production and ‘show’ is as much a part of the experience as the songs. In comparison, which may not be fair, Minaj lacked this aspect, performing on a fairly basic stage with large screen and light show.
Am I going to go out and buy Minaj’s back catalogue now? No. But I’m not her target audience. It was evident that those in attendance were absolutely ecstatic. Some of them may absolutely despise a show that I loved. It’s all perspective and what you connect with. On this night, a connection was made. Any artist that can do so with an arena of people deserves some respect.
