Metro Boomin Merges Classical Music And 808s At 2023 Red Bull Symphonic
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Alongside a full orchestra at the 2023 Red Bull Symphonic, Metro Boomin proved himself as a pivotal instrument. Thursday night (Oct. 26) in Hollywood, Calif. at the Dolby Theater, the 30-year-old producer joined acclaimed conductor Anthony Parnther to combine his Hip-Hop hits with classically-trained musicians for a showcase of culture, style, and sonic mastery.
A robotic voice signaled a one-minute countdown until showtime as the semi-restless crowd grew quiet in excitement. The lights dimmed and Metro Boomin appeared on top of a raised platform with Parnther and the full orchestra at center stage.
“This has been a really great opportunity to get inside of the mind and the aesthetic of Metro,” Parnther said ahead of the main event. Panther’s job as the conductor included putting together the arrangements and overseeing the musicians involved. “I just want to add to it in a respectful way, but find a way to make things as expressive and as epic as I can.”
He continued with enthusiasm, “It’s been really interesting trying to work in and around his music and his lyrics… I think my favorite part of it has been diving into the music itself.”
With the stage glowing under deep red lighting, Metro Boomin danced to an audience yelling his signature tags. An in-sync orchestra—led by Parnther’s precise direction—effortlessly modified trap hits including “Wicked” and “Metro Spider.”
“Y’all ready to go home?” asked a hype Metro Boomin as ticketholders chanted for more hits. Promising a 30-track setlist with surprises and creative changes, the superproducer delivered a memorable show.
The lighting in the sold-out venue transitioned from crimson tones to bright blue hues as the “Slidin’” performer decided to “take it back” for the “day ones.” Fan-favorite “Mamacita,” which featured recorded vocals of Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, and Travis Scott, introduced a party energy that persisted.
The robot voice returned, setting the tone for Metro Boomin and Future’s 2017 chart-topper “Mask Off,” and it was clear that both the performers and the onlookers were in for the long haul. Exchanging affirmatives during an energized call and response, the producer invited fans to celebrate all night.
“We celebrating music, we celebrating culture, we celebrating y’all,” announced Metro Boomin. “We not stopping till they kick us out this bi**h.”
After a few show-stopping violin solos and passionate performances from the wind instruments, surprise guests wowed the audience. For the performance of “Am I Dreamin’” from the acclaimed Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, Roisee hit the stage, singing the song live for the first time since its June 2023 release.
“She the future. I’ma show y’all, just wait on it,” announced Metro Boomin as the rising talent waved and disappeared behind the curtains.
Fans in the mezzanine jumped, danced, and rapped along to “Bad And Boujee,” “Creepin,” “Knife Talk” and more. Metro Boomin was joined by Swae Lee and Nav for “Callin” to a standing ovation.
As the concert neared its end, an all Black choir and pianist set the tone for John Legend to add a soulful element to the predominantly rap showcase. The Ohio native joined the ensemble for moving, Gospel-influenced renditions of “Father Stretch My Hands,” and “On Time.”
Acknowledging the show was near its end, Metro Boomin switched back to his original red lighting to close. An opera singer in an equally bright burgundy gown rang in “Superhero” with a stunning soprano. The headlining act came down from his raised platform to join Parnther on stage to take a bow, sharing gratitude for the audience, the orchestra, building security, event organizers, and all involved in producing the unforgettable night. With that, the Grammy-nominated talent moved his sunglasses from his forehead to his face and formally ended the show.
Fans unable to catch the live show can watch the show on Nov. 7 on the Red Bull 1520 YouTube channel.
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