If you missed the Swisher Sweets NOLA Takeover last night, I feel bad for you.
The Orpheum Theater was the place to be on December 28th. Machine Gun Kelly, Fetty Wap, Gucci Mane, and Desiigner co-headlined the second annual Swisher Swisher Artist Project NOLA Takeover in New Orleans. With the Artist Project, Swisher Sweets provides a stage for emerging performers (that were voted for by fans), awards thousands of dollars in grants and offers various unique promotional opportunities. A well-respected brand in the hip-hop community, Swisher Sweets uses their Artist Project as a platform to help artists to create, share, and pursue their passion.
Cardi B headlined last year’s NOLA Takeover along with Machine Gun Kelly and DJ Mannie Fresh. This year concert-goers got to see not only some of the biggest names in hip-hop but also some of the hottest upcoming artists from around the country. The 2018 NOLA Takeover line-up included J Soulja, Charles Bryan, Rizzoo Rizzoo, Desiigner, Snap Dogg, Fetty Wap, Iman, Kelechi, Machine Gun Kelly, Gucci Mane, and New Orleans own DJ Mannie Fresh.
The Co-Hosts. The legendary DJ Mannie Fresh along with Comedian Rude Jude, co-hosted throughout the night and kept the crowd entertained. From sing-offs to Saints chants, they kept everyone in the building full of energy as we waited for the next artist to hit the stage.
The emerging artists. As mentioned, Swisher Sweets Artist Project is a platform for emerging artists. Not only did those artists get the chance to perform in front of a crowd of potential new fans but the concert-goers got the chance to see six upcoming hip-hop artists live who may be the next Gucci Mane or Fetty Wap! Two of my personal favorite opening acts were Kelechi and Charles Bryan!
Desiigner’s entire freaking set. You may know the 21-year-old Brooklyn native as the rapper behind the hit singles such as “Panda” or “Timmy Turner” but I now know him as the wildest performer I have ever seen live. From the moment he walked on the stage, he oozed nothing but high energy. He surfed the crowd. He climbed from the stage to the balcony of the Orpheum Theater. He brought fans up on stage for his final song, “Panda”. He sprayed the crowd with at least seven water bottles throughout his 30 min set. What didn’t Desiigner do?!
The Free Meet & Greet. During the show, Swisher Sweets gave fans the chance to win a pair of meet and greets by simply sharing a picture from the show on social media and using the hashtag #NOLATakeover. About 5 or so fans were chosen and had the chance to meet Machine Gun Kelly before he hit the stage!
The smooth flow of the event. There’s a special place in my heart and in concert heaven for shows that run on time especially with so many acts on a line-up. The NOLA Takeover did not miss a single beat. From start to finish, the event ran smoothly and in a timely manner. And it was greatly appreciated considering the event started at 9 p.m. and went until 2 a.m.! Also, instead of all of the opening acts performing before the headliners, they were scattered in between so everyone had a chance to be heard throughout the night!
If you missed this year’s Swisher Sweets Artist Project: NOLA Takeover, don’t make the same mistake again next year! Each year, the NOLA Takeover seems to get bigger and better. Can’t wait to see what Swisher Sweets Artist Project has in store for 2019!
Want to re-live the night? Check out my Swisher Sweets Instagram Highlight to watch clips from the show along with the photo gallery below.
