Jay Z & Kanye West Reassert the Throne at SXSW 2014
In case there were any doubts on who currently occupies rap's throne, Kanye West and Jay Z reasserted their combined majesty Wednesday night during a Samsung-sponsored show at the Austin Music Hall.
Sure, SXSW is supposed to be about up-and-coming artists, but when you're watching two of the most relevant, consistent rappers performing in a venue usually occupied by artists with one-fifth of Jay or 'Ye's fame, you can't help but let your jaw drop and stay open for the full two-hour set.
Even in the intimate space, Kanye and Jay managed a few theatrical surprises. Instead of taking the stage the ol' fashioned way, Jay and Kanye emerged from two metallic boxes at opposite ends of the venue. So while Kanye emerged facing the audience, Jay began the show atop a platform that was actually behind the ground-level fans—but right in front of the balcony crowd. Balcony-bound fans who had consigned themselves to witnessing the show from afar were suddenly confronted with Hova at a five-foot distance. Naturally, they freaked.
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