92.3’s The Real Show Pulls Rap and R&B Heavy Hitters to The Forum

Joseph Baura

The weekend belonged to radio 92.3 for presenting The Real Show at the Forum, a stack of the most popular acts out today. Wildly popular artists Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla Sign, Bryson Tiller, Chance the Rapper, Usher and others lent their talents to one of the best mini-festivals of the year.

And even though the lineup seemed like it might be too power-packed for one evening, a few special guests came out to play, too.

Opening the show was the big-bodied swagger-dripping, Belly. The emcee has been on a tear after recently releasing “Another Day In Paradise.” Belly’s performance focused on the album and was a great appetizer for the events to come. Next up was Desiigner, who took the stage with his signature ad-libs and erratic dancing. Desiigner’s energy was infectious as he jumped around the stage for his whole set, playing his hits “Timmy Turner” and “Panda.”

Hat tip to the producers for moving right along with only short breaks between sets after that. A rotating stage design allowed the upcoming artist to set up in the back while the music was going strong at the front.

Kid Ink and Ty Dolla Sign followed, with Ty promising to bring out a few surprises for the crowd. First, was an outlandish but fan-approved appearance by Camron and Juelz Santana (formerly of The Diplomats), who performed their hits “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma.” Round two of Ty’s surprises was to bring out Compton rapper YG, who performed his single, “Who Do You Love.” Last of the surprises was an appearance from label mate, Wiz Khalifa, who strolled onto the stage with a lit blunt already in his mouth. The crowd went crazy for each big entrance in a 25-minute set.

It seemed like it might be tough to follow the energy of Ty Dolla Sign’s performance. But the rest of the slate was up for the challenge. After a great performance from Toronto’s own Tory Lanez, Bryson Tiller took to the stage, pleasing every female fan in attendance who screamed their lungs out as soon as the R&B phenom took to the stage. Tiller performed all of his choice hits from his album, Trapsoul, including “Don’t” and pumping up his fans up with “Sorry Not Sorry.” Playing his own surprise act card, Tiller brought out one of his mentors, Big Sean. The crowd was popping as Big Sean performed his new song, “No More Interviews,” then gave a bombastic reading of his ode to everyone’s ex, “IDFWU.”

Chance The Rapper hit the stage with The Social Experiment providing the usual backup instrumentation. As always, Chance provided a stellar performance that forced fans to get up and dance along as he performed the party favorite “No Problem,” then sing along to his verse from Kanye’s “Ultralight Beam.” Lastly, Usher took to the stage with his dancing prowess. Usher provided an emotional rollercoaster going from “You Don’t Have to Call,” to “You Got It Bad” and introducing his surprise guests, Chris Brown and No Limit’s own Master P.

November might be thought of a slow month for concerts, but 92.3’s The Real Show proved the exception to that rule.

92.3’s The Real Show was a non-stop party at The Forum on Nov. 5