“My dream is coming true because I’m performing in front of New York!” Tyga shouted to a packed crowd at Irving Plaza, last night (July 28). The 21 yr. old Young Money MC was joined by rising stars Diggy Simmons, Mindless Behavior, Trevante, Jawan Harris and Lil Twist as part of the “Closer to My Dreams” tour, presented by BET’s “106 & Park.”
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There is a set standard for performing like a teen idol and the gentlemen showed they did their homework. Removing clothing and throwing it into the audience? Check. Asking, “Where are all the single ladies?” Check. Serenading a girl on stage and thrilling her with a kiss? Double check.
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The first young man on deck was 17 yr. old Houston native Trevante, who pulled a Mike Jones move, giving out his real phone number to the fans. The singer performed songs “Bad Girl,” “Be Your First,” “Be My Girl” and even covered Usher‘s “Nice and Slow” and Michael Jackson‘s “Lady in My Life.”
Jawan Harris also paid homage to a legend, performing Stevie Wonder‘s “Lately.” “A song my mom used to always sing to me,” Harris said of “Lately.” Just 14 yrs. old, the YouTube star showcased incredible vocals and dance moves. Jawan delighted the crowd with singles “Another Planet” and “Keisha.”
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The audience’s excitement rose to new heights when 16 yr. old rapper Diggy Simmons hit the stage, spitting fiercely to “Everybody Late.” The former TV star also talked about his struggles. “Coming off ‘Runs’ House,’ a lot of people didn’t believe in me,” Simmons said. “If you have a dream like we did, put your finger up!” Simmons held his own through songs such as “Thinkin’ Bout You,” “Copy, Paste” and “Great Expectations.”
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Boy band Mindless Behavior followed Diggy, performing songs such as “#1 Girl,” “Future” and “The One.” The quartet danced with extraordinary precision and kept up the stamina of professionals. They brought out special guest Ciara for her part on “My Girl” remix. Diggy joined the group for “Mrs. Right.”
After a video introduction from Lil Wayne calling him the “future of music,” Lil Twist took the stage for a lively set featuring songs “At the Moment,” “Wind It,” “Love Affair” and “Little Secret,” which the audience sang from the top of their lungs.
Twist’s Young Money commrade, Tyga hit the stage soon thereafter. The rapper performed tracks “I’m So Raw,” “T Raw,” “Well Done” and stunted on a bike for “Real or Fake.”
Other songs performed included “Hypnotized,” “Don’t Wake Me Up” and Chris Brown‘s “Look At Me Now.” He tore through crowd favorites “Roger That” and “Deuces” then brought up 15 girls to the stage for “Bed Rock.” The standout moment, by far, was Tyga’s performance of the sentimental “Reminded,” which samples Adele‘s “Someone Like You.” Two ribbon dancers joined Tyga for the song.
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Tyga closed his set with “Far Away” and left the young crowd with words of wisdom. “If you ever had a dream, I need you to put your hands in the sky. Tell the haters not to wake us up. It’s all about reaching your goals.”