Live Review: 50 Cent – The Final Lap Tour 2023 in Perth
50 Cent at the RAC Arena on 2 December 2023
Review by Harrison Chen
Photography by Andrea Vose
Get Rich or Die Tryin’
After selling more than 30 million albums since the start of the millennium, Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, has chosen gold prospecting among the trenches of showbiz. The New York rapper has entwined into a lucrative matrix – a career in acting, producing and entrepreneurship, culminating into a net worth beyond the riches of most artists. He has won a host of accolades including the Grammys thanks to the likes of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ through the mentorship of Eminem and Dr Dre.
The Final Lap Tour 2023 of the Australian leg kicked off in Perth before a near capacity crowd of 15,000 at the RAC Arena, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of one of the fastest selling albums in history. Given 50’s interest in other sectors of money generation, it could be the final lap by Curtis in Perth.
The night sparked like a magician’s act; with the lights in RAC Arena dimmed, sirens rang, although drowned by crowd’s ear-splitting cheers like a worship of the apocalyptic transience. A transparent cube rolled onto stage by crew members, followed by thick smoke billowing as a silhouette emerged. 50 Cent emerged, and launched into I’m On Some Shit, benchmarking the night with a juggernaut infusion of gritty lyrics and unapologetic demeanour, reflecting the thematic propagation of this track; one of bravado, arrogance and power in street life, and the convicted realities. A dose of brotherhood and vulnerability expelled from the psychological trauma of violence was engraved into his performance. Underlined by the theme, 50 Cent projected a constant fusion of contemplative persona and mighty bravado, reflecting the message of his tracks.
The eclectic demographic was evident, as the inter-generational passing the relay of fandom to their offspring, a curious sight of family friendly environment which was somewhat incongruous considering the life that Jackson led in his early years.
When fan favourite P.I.M.P struck, unbridled roars echoed across the arena, as if the local team had scored the winning goal. The third single from the debut album Get Rich and Die Tryin’ was an international hit, as 50 Cent blended rap, raggae and RnB. Words don’t do justice. The crowd grooved to 50 Cent’s rhythm and echoed every lyric that personifies the pimp lifestyle. The star’s eliciting grin followed as he knew he had worked the crowd, as they bopped their heads and flicking their hands in the air self-appointed back up vocalist of over ten thousand. Everyone was a pimp in that moment.
The momentum and energy in the stadium kept propagating. The pyro show, a dynamic juxtaposition of explosive lights and vibrant colours, stood as a direct reflection of the crowd’s fiery enthusiasm and electric energy. Hints of mid range dance tempo Candy Shop sparked an unbridled frenzy and trance, as the dancers gracefully swerved on stage in dripping sexual energy, the lap dancers slithering across the stage, without (arguably) being directly vulgar or obscene while surrounding 50 Cent.
As each song progressed, fans faced the reality of the night coming to an end, while hoping the next song wasn’t the last. When the initial chords of In da Club played, a mix of euphoria and nostalgia swept through the arena, knowing that 50 Cent would indeed saved the best for last. The infectious beat was as electric as the hook, sparking another round of mega dance that was once played in every radio station in 2003. There were so much of swagger in his performance that most would’ve needed a shower by eleven to midnight. The boom boom clap hand percussion was mirrored by the crowd’s enthusiasm, as everyone were drowned in one of the best party banger of all time, powered by the sing rapping style of 50.
The legend still living up to his name 20 years later. With the infusion of rap and dance propagating through mellifluous flow in metrical change ups, 50 Cent is the epitome of cultural reset. You can take man out of the streets, but you can’t take the streets out of the man.
Tickets to the remaining shows in Australia are available through Live Nation Australia
Sheldon Ang Media expresses his gratitude to Live Nation Australia, Revolutions Per Minute, and 50 Cent for the Press Accreditation and Reviewer seats.
About the Writer: Harrison Chen is a Media Sales Executive at Channel 9 in Perth. By night, he’s a passionate foodie, hunting for the best spots in Perth
About the Photographer: Andrea Vose loves to capture the raw energy and deep connection to heart and land. From concerts and commercial to the solitude of country essence, Andrea is always smiling behind the lens.
About the Editor: Since forming SAM in May 2022, Sheldon Ang has photographed and reviewed over 50 concerts in Perth, including Coldplay, KISS, and RHCP. He has also interviewed the likes of Ace Frehley (KISS), Frank Ferrer (GnR), Andrew Farris (INXS) and Rock n Roll Hall of Famer John Steel from The Animals.
