In collaboration with Rock Nation Inc., La Familia Entertainment and 5 Star Protainment hosted “J. Cole Live in Houston,” a concert in which Jay Z’s first signed artist to his newly found label performed along with other up-and-coming artists throughout the area on Jan. 23 at Warehouse Live in Houston, Texas.
With a variety of opening acts performing prior to J. Cole’s appearance, the audience was allowed the opportunity to be exposed to many different artists who were attempting to expand their fan bases with their exciting performances. Beginning the event’s list of talent, were local hip-hop artists Absolute, a duo consisting of Mike B. and former Prairie View A&M student Papa G. representing southwest Houston who performed two of their newest singles, “Trunk Food,” featuring Young Felz of southwest Houston, and “Drop it Down low.” After a series of other artists like Propane, C-stone, Eskabel, and Drastik displayed their talent, sophomore Kirk Randle aka Kirko Bangz representing East Houston, took the stage to perform “What’s Your Name,” and “H-Town Presidents.”
Kirko said, “I’m just doing music, which is something I love. I hope to contribute to the underground music movement that is taking place at my school right now, just to prove the statement ‘Prairie View produces proud and productive people’, to be true.”
In addition to Kirko Bangz’s performance, the audience also got a chance to see artist Le$, who also represents the east side of Houston, perform his newest single “Something Like a Pimp,” from his mixtape “Settle for Le$: The Fixtape.” As the crowd further anticipated J. Cole’s appearance, they were entertained with a performance by the “Nice Guys,” of Houston, Texas who performed several singles from their mixtape titled “The Green Room.”
Then finally, after a series of talented opening acts, the artist from New York City by way of Fayetteville, NC made his way onto the stage to begin his electric performance. Performing “Dollar and a Dream,” “Take What’s Mine,” and “Last Call for Alcohol,” J. Cole certainly began his performance in an intriguing and expected fashion. He also performed his smash single for the ladies titled, “Lose Your Balance.”
Rai P., Co-C.E.O of 5 Star Protainment, said, “I think that this event helped spread a positive influence in the city, showing that 5 Star Protainment can bring new and promising music to the Houston area.”