FOR OUR COMPLETE IDENTITY LA 2018 COVERAGE CLICK HERE!
LOS ANGELES, CA- Two unnamed backup dancers took to the stage as fans watched in suspense. One of the most infamous intros in K-hip hop history, “I need a Cha Cha beat boy” blasted from the speakers. Those who knew, thought they knew exactly what was about to go down on that stage. The intro to “Replay” produced by AOMG’s Cha Cha Malone and performed by none other than CEO, producer, singer-songwriter, rapper and dancer, Jay Park kicked off what was one of the most intense sets in Identity LA’s history.
As the track played and backup dancers seemingly stalled, suspense built and escalated until finally Park waltzed on stage and joined them. The 10,000+ crowd sounded like a 20,000+ crowd and photographers surrounded the stage. Before he started singing, Park first teased fans with an enticing dance number. Enticing as in lip biting while body rolling and hip thrusting with his jacket slowly taken off shoulder; no one was complaining.
Lights dimmed and when it came back on Park’s presence had completely shifted. An English version of “Me Like Yuh” invoked higher energy from Park and his screaming fans. Those who weren’t familiar with Park’s hits were won over by his top tracks like “Forget About Tomorrow,” “Yacht,” and “You Know,” which were all accompanied by equally enticing dances.
Jay Park’s performance was also filled with surprises appearances. First surprise special guests of Park, The Flavr Blue was brought back onstage for their collaboration track “365”. The bunch of Seattle-based artists charmed fans with their comfortability performing together. Shortly after, second surprise guest, Hoody joined Park onstage for a number of their song collaborations such as “Solo,” Korean version of “All I Wanna Do,” and newest releases “Golden,” and “Why.” The two delighted fans with their compatible voices and visuals. One couldn’t help but think they’d be the cutest (not to mention the most talented) couple.
After the duet and just as the set seemed like it was coming to a close, Park took off his ROC Nation, AOMG and H1GHR MUSIC repping jacket and started spitting bars. You didn’t forget he could rap did you? Park performed English tracks fans might not have heard live before such as “On It”, “Put ‘Em Up”, “Ain’t No Party Like an AOMG Party” and even a surprise dance routine to “Lemon” by N.E.R.D featuring Rihanna. With this, the performance transitioned from enticing and charming, to a tougher, rougher, more playful set.
Showing his versatility, the set transitioned once again as Park stripped off his Gucci T-shirt to “Mommae” without warning, throwing fans into a feverish frenzy. Now topless with tattoos exposed, Park made his way off-stage and onto the makeshift platform, closer to fans that Year of The Ox had used earlier that excitement filled day. Press swarmed as Park travelled to and fro in front of shrieking fans.
Sadly the intense 45 minute set had to come to a close. But of course, Park wouldn’t end it without completely over satisfying and guaranteeing his fans a show to remember. He finished with an unreleased track “SOJU” and an old favorite from his days on the Korean rap show Show Me The Money, “Who You.” Alas when the set was all over, Jay Park thanked his still shrieking fans and officially ended what he called “the party”.
The crowd didn’t want to leave, even screaming for one more song. Jay Park repeatedly proves himself as one of the most versatile performers in South Korea and the fans can attest. His stamina and skill truly made this year’s Identity LA one for the books.
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FOR OUR COMPLETE IDENTITY LA 2018 COVERAGE CLICK HERE!
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