Eminem joined his longtime buddy and business partner 50 Cent on board at Pine Knob Music Theatre on Sunday night to assist give 50 Cent a heartfelt Detroit sendoff.
A half-hour into 50’s performance, the Detroit star took the stage, drawing cheers from the crowd of more than 15,000 people there for the most recent stop on the New York rapper’s farewell tour, Final Lap, which has been going on since July.
After 50 Cent finished the first verse of “Patiently Waiting” from 2003, you could feel the crowd getting more and more excited as the music neared the point where Eminem entered the song on record.
As Pine Knob went wild, he appeared from behind the platform wearing his trademark hoodie, starting his lines, and pacing the stage.
Eminem made a second appearance on stage in recent weeks, following his unexpected collaboration with Ed Sheeran at Ford Field in July.
Even though it was unexpected, Sunday’s arrival wasn’t entirely unexpected: In fact, given the situation—50 Cent’s presumably farewell performance in Eminem’s backyard—it would have been more unexpected if the Detroit rapper hadn’t turned up.
Fans who saw Hailie, Eminem’s daughter, enter the location earlier in the night only fueled the fire.
The multiplatinum first album “Get Rich or Die Tryin‘,” published by Eminem’s Shady Records, is being commemorated by 50 Cent’s farewell tour.
That album’s debut in 2003 was supported by a remarkable State Theatre performance in Detroit, where Eminem performed “Patiently Waiting,” “Love Me,” and “Rap Game” with the band.
The Imposing Entrance of Eminem
About 30 minutes into the performance, Eminem attacked the stage as 50 Cent shouted out the classic “Patiently Waiting,” sending explosive shockwaves through the audience.
“Detroit! Eminem yelled, lending his voice to the stirring anthem, “Don’t f—ing act pretend you weren’t aware I had planned to be here. The energy on stage when the two legends performed together was palpable.
Not only was Eminem’s appearance a nod to their joint song, but it was also a celebration of their long friendship and shared history.
Star-Studded And Surprising Night
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The unexpected entrance of Eminem was only one aspect of the evening. Following suit, Detroit’s rap aristocrats Kash Doll, Peezy, and Icewear Vezzo added their individual touches to the unforgettable evening.
Not to mention that the night commemorated the 20th anniversary of the publication of 50’s breakthrough album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which launched him to international recognition.
In keeping with his heritage, 50 Cent did not perform alone on stage. The city, the music, and its history were all important.
He cycled through his discography, letting each special guest perform, exuding a mood of celebration and cooperation. Naturally, the evening had all the glitz and glamour of a star-studded concert, along with dancing aplenty, lasers, and pyrotechnics!
The evening acted as a reminder of 50 Cent’s unwavering passion and talent for those who were unsure of his ongoing influence. If this was really his farewell, Pine Knob experienced a momentous occasion that will live on in the memories of all who attended.
But the performances must go on, as the saying goes. One thing is certain: Detroit will always have tales to tell, icons to honor, and shocks up its neck as it proceeds to develop and appreciate talent.
Music from D
Bob Seger, a Detroit native, has performed at Pine Knob more than thirty times. The street that the theater is located on is known as 33 Bob Seger Dr. in his honor. Seger performed at Pine Knob for the first time in July 1972 and performed his final performance there in 2019 before retiring.
The Temptations became the first Motown performers to perform at a theater in July 1973. In 2008, The Temptations returned to Pine Knob, but there was only one surviving original member.
A few years later, in 1975, Motown star Aretha Franklin performed at the theater. In 2014, Franklin returned to Pine Knob.
In 2003, Detroit artist Eminem attended the theater and shared the stage with 50 Cent. He only performs once at the event.
