DUBAI: After years of absence from the country’s stages, Eminem, dubbed the greatest rapper in history, returned to Abu Dhabi for a concert at du Arena.
The performance was part of the artist’s world tour to promote his latest album, “Kamikaze.” The album, released in 2018, is Eminem’s ninth work in a row to debut as number one on the Billboard charts in the US.
As the music was starting to cue his appearance on stage, the crowd inched closer and cheered with excitement.
The audience was of different ages, ethnicities and interests. From youths dressed in hip-hop styles of wide long T-shirts to older people in more formal dress, and even children, everyone was humming, dancing and waving their hands to the songs.
The rapper was accompanied on stage by Denaun Porter, who is his hype man and was also part of the D12 hip-hop group with Eminem. Hype men/gals are usually the backup rappers/singers who support the main performer and try to excite and interact with the crowd.
He was also joined by DJ The Alchemist, or just Alchemist, who is considered one the genre’s leading producers.
Eminem brought along Skylar Grey, a US singer, songwriter and record producer, to sing the female vocals in songs such as Love the Way You Lie, Walk on Water and Stan.
A percussion and strings section backed classic hits such as Without Me, My Name Is, Real Slim Shady and newer releases such as River and Lucky You.
After almost 30 songs, Eminem made his exit while the crowd continued to shout “Lose Yourself” to a dimmed stage.
The rapper came back on stage to the demand of the audience to perform the hit, and colorful fireworks shot from behind the stage as the concert came to an end.
