Humanity Hallows Issue 5 Out Now
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Pierangelly Del Rio
Having recently been named the best selling act of 2016 and awarded two Grammys for ‘Hotline Blink’, Aubrey ‘Drake’ Graham is one of the most influential artists of the moment. The Boy Meets World Tour recently brought the Canadian rapper to the UK, taking in several cities including Glasgow, London, Leeds and, of course, Manchester. Ever since, Drake’s presence has been felt everywhere in the country, with tickets being sold out and the media constantly reporting on his extravagant and expensive nights out.
Last Sunday, Drake performed for a second consecutive time at Manchester Arena. At half past nine, the lights dimmed and the rapper began his show, opening with the hit ‘Headlines’ followed by ‘Started from the Bottom’. With his well known charisma, the singer quickly won the crowd over and had them singing his verses. He called Manchester “a second home” and kept repeating, between songs, how he was told the Manchester crowd was the loudest ever. He also showed his gratitude to the audience, reminding them how his fourth studio album Views became the best-sold album in the UK soon after its release.
The show was a visual spectacle, supported by multi-coloured lights and purple balloons which floated in front of the stage. Drake, engulfed by dry ice, was accompanied by a drummer and a DJ (also his manager). There were also four female dancers who joined him for ‘Hotline Blink’, perhaps his most famous song. Nevertheless, regardless of the mostly empty stage, he was able to make his presence felt across the whole arena, constantly talking to the public and addressing those who were in the farthest areas.
The rapper managed to perform over 30 songs from his albums in the 90 minute long show and Drake’s performance was charged with energy and great vocals, clearly free of autotune. Some of the tracks, however, to the disappointment of some fans, were inevitably shortened to a couple of verses and the chorus.
Towards the end of the show, while singing ‘Fake Love’, a projection of a giant ball that represented the world appeared in the middle of the stage. Drake took the opportunity to spread a message of unity, saying that while the audience might be from different races and backgrounds, they had been all united during that night.
The Boy Meets World Tour continues in Sheffield on 17th of February and Birmingham on 22nd and 23rd.
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