USF Bulls Radio

A small, devoted assembly of Hip Hop fans enthusiastically exchanged predictions, each one of them foreseeing a mind blowing show as they crammed into the Hard Rock Live in Orlando to see N.E.R.D. & Common. Astoundingly, both acts far exceeded the audience’s already high expectations by sustaining tremendously focused, energetic performances throughout the entire duration of their sets. Refreshing showmanship combined with the involvement of a boisterous, hyped crowd made the Hard Rock Live somewhere truly worth being on the night of Thursday, 10/9/08.

Opening act Chester French, a quirky pop/rock ensemble under Pharrell William’s Star Trak Entertainment label, performed a speedy set, receiving a warm audience response. The real show began about 40 minutes later, as N.E.R.D. took the stage setting the tempo of the night by immediately launching into their explosive track “Anti Matter,” instantly propelling the crowd into frenzy. Pharrell, with his unmistakable swagger, fostered the crowd’s insanity by singing directly to the front rows, jumping, running and dancing around the stage. Rather than solely “putting on” a show, Pharrell acted as a co-conspirator in the mission to get lost in the music, as he appeared to be just as entranced in the experience as anyone in the crowd, continuously bringing the venue to the brink of madness with songs like “Rock Star,” “Kill Joy,” “Spaz” and the politically fueled explosion, “Lapdance.” N.E.R.D.’s act came to a titillating close as Pharrell pulled dozens of willing female audience members on stage to grind up on him during the songs “Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line at the Bathroom)” and “She Wants to Move.”

A slightly more relaxed atmosphere took form as Common appeared on stage serving up his socially conscious flavor of hip hop for the audience to devour. The crowd bobbed their heads and followed every lyric to songs like “The Light,” “Go!” and “Sex for Sugar.” Common vigorously scaled the stage, presenting songs with tremendous heart and fervor; the audience mimicking his convictions by remaining right with him at every word.

Despite Common’s inspiring performance, it seemed that the same crazy vibe of N.E.R.D.’s set was never fully reclaimed during his time on stage. Both acts were incredible, but it seems unfair to ask any artist to follow the outrageous performance of N.E.R.D.