OVO fest was undoubtedly one of the best music experiences I’ve had to date- and that’s saying something. The caliber of hard work, beautiful musicianship, masterful words, and performance ability was ineffable (but I’ll try anyway). The Weeknd opened the festival with chilling vocals and melodic urban vibes that prepped the audience well for what was to come. Stunned by the ability of the lead singer, Abel, to perform with a vocal talent that put even his own recordings to shame, I knew that this concert would be one to remember. Next up was Rick Ross, whose high energy beats sent hip-hop fans into overdrive. I’m not a huge fan, myself, but I’ll use any excuse to break it down among thousands of other people in heated anticipation for Drizzy Drake himself.

One intermission (that felt like a lifetime) later, Drake came onstage and I, briefly but surely, lost consciousness. Clearly elated to be performing in his hometown, with 16,000 fans there to support him, the theatre swelled with adrenaline. The chaotic energy practically jumped off of his skin as he bounced around, spitting some of the sickest flows I’ve ever heard; Take Care is going to be Drake’s best album by far, mark my words. With lyrics akin to poetry, beats that rival Dre’s, and a voice that has seemingly been worked at tirelessly, it’s evident the amount of respect that was amassing throughout the crowd for this young Torontonian native.

Two of my favourite parts of the evening were when Drake finished his solo version of “What’s My Name”, with an acoustic legato version of Destiny Child’s, “Say My Name”, and when he rapped a part of “The Calm” dedicated to his mother. Corny? Some could see it that way, but it was so beautifully and cleverly written, with such a refreshingly different theme (and revolutionarily charming). After Drake’s introduction to his new album, and obviously rapid advancements in musicianship and lyricism, he shared the stage with a lineup of equal and greater talent.

J. Cole performed a duet with Drake that I’m pretty sure had even the male audience members a little hot and bothered, followed by the one and only Nas himself, icon and legend Stevie Wonder, and last but not least, Weezy baby! An eclectic and timeless compilation of artists, Drake showed his gratitude towards each performer with grace and vehement appreciation. His words to the audience were moving as well, as he took a little time to preach about his honest thoughts on what makes a good man (or woman). Each belief was genuine, intelligent, and a far cry from “stay in school kids”. The audience swooned, as Drake repeatedly showed love for his city, his fans, and all of the important people in his life, leaving every audience member honoured to have experienced something so special.

- Sara Starkman

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Young Jeezy was forced to pull a gig at the University of Delaware last week after four students tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus, or swine flu.

The show was supposed to take place Thursday but was postponed “in light of the recent incidents of influenza,” according to a statement posted on the university’s website.

Ticketmaster said officials were working on rescheduling the gig and refunds will not be offered until a new date is announced.

Young Jeezy’s show isn’t the only one that has been affected by the swine flu – several concerts have also been pulled in Mexico, where the outbreak was first reported.

According to Billboard, American band Los Lobos and Mexican singers Alejandro Fernandez and Marco Antonio Solis are among the acts who have been forced to cancel shows in Mexico City, after the Mexican government banned public events in the nation’s capital and closed schools nationwide.

Metallica and Jonas Brothers are still scheduled to perform in the country in the coming weeks, following the scheduled re-opening of schools on May 6.

The swine flu has also delayed film premieres in Mexico, with “Star Trek” and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” among the movies affected.

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1. Jonas Brothers Postpone Mexico Shows Due To Swine Flu Concerns
2. Young Jeezy Arrested At Strip Club
3. MTV Postpones Latin Awards

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