PartyNextDoor Turn up the Energy With Lasers, Fire, and Special Guests at The Wiltern

Joseph Baura

It’s safe to say that anything that falls under the OVO label basically turns into gold. While that is true, there’s something special about a young man from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Not many artists can finesse the type of sound that PartyNextDoor is able to create, yet many try. This Canadian artist pushes out his lyrics over bass-thumping, somber music that has become his signature. Artists such as Bryson Tiller and The Weeknd currently heading the new age of R&B artists and PartyNextDoor can claim his spot comfortably beside them. Now three albums into his career, and a co-sign from fellow Canadian and OVO label mate, Drake, it’s just a matter of time until PartyNextDoor becomes a household name. Currently on his “Summer’s Over” tour, PND played two days at LA’s Wiltern to sold-out crowds.

The first night of the show was solid and memorable. As the image of a sunset faded on the backdrop of the stage, PartyNextDoor – birth name Jahron Anthony Brathwaite – began his performance, opening with “High Hopes,” the intro track to his latest album, “PartyNextDoor 3.” The fans greeted the song with wild enthusiasm as they heard the first few notes of the song and sang along as the vocals came in.

The first surprise guest of the night was Bay Area rapper, G-Eazy, who performed a set that included his single, “You Got Me.” Then PND brought out Ty Dolla Sign to perform “Blasé,” and “Campaign.” If that wasn’t enough, Long Beach rapper, O.T. Genasis, stepped to the stage to perform his hit single, “Cut It,” and “CoCo.”

Meanwhile, throughout the concert, PND put on an elaborate stage production as lasers and fire danced around the stage. And then Drake, one of the big stars of the music scene at the moment, emerged from backstage and was greeted with over-the-top cheers. The two artists then treated the Wiltern to their collaborative songs, “Over Here” and “Come and See Me.” Drake closed out with “One Dance” and “Fake Love.” It’s a show that will live on as a landmark in this year’s concert history.

PartyNextDoor played The Wiltern on Dec. 9-10.