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The result? The show’s energy level never flagged from muscular opener “Take U There” with Kiesza to confetti-flooded finale “Where Are U Now” and throbbing funk encore “Show Me Love.” Pairing remixes of radio hits by Rihanna and Fetty Wap with fan favorites cherry-picked from each artist’s catalog — such as “Lean On,” “Bangarang” and “Revolution” — Jack Ü’s set-list sported the look of a greatest hits.
Jack Ü’s combined star power and recent chart success have also given them the clout to pull a continual stream of special guests at their shows. Sunday featured the fresh-faced Silentó performing his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” as well as a fierce version of “No Chill” by Vic Mensa — who wore a black uniform with “Fuck” scrawled over its “Police” insignia to honor the #BlackLivesMatter movement on the anniversary of Michael Brown’s death.
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But it was Korean pop star CL (of girl group 2NE1 fame) that drew the evening’s loudest cheers for her steamy renditions of “Dr. Pepper” and “Dirty Vibe.” Managed by Scooter Braun Projects, the Seoul native has crossover in her crosshairs with a full-fledged solo LP set to drop next year — and the commanding stage presence she showed on Sunday night should aid her pursuit.
Dance acts have long struggled to hold their own as headliners. For many, the solution has manifested in a stage production arms race that saw deadmau5‘s “Cube,” Dillon Francis‘ “The Gary,” and countless others channel Daft Punk‘s famous Alive 2007 pyramid. It’s an approach that Skrillex adopted as well during his Mothership tour. But no spaceships were needed on Sunday night — Jack Ü’s raw energy was enough to enthrall their young audience and perhaps set a new performance standard.
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“Tonight is probably our best Jack Ü show ever,” gushed Diplo during the finale. “I want to say that right now.”
That may be true for now, but it’s unlikely to stand for long. These two artists are only just beginning to explore their partnership’s full potential.
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— MDBP (@MDBlockParty) August 10, 2015