LIFEbeat AIDS Benefit: March 11, 2004: Float Nightclub:

A small army gathered inside the Float club off of Times Square to see one of hip-hop’s best talents, Kanye West, and to help raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s organization to help find a cure for AIDS and to reach out to those afflicted. There was such a demand for this show, which also included a host of acts from Roc-A-Fella Records, that there was a last minute change in venue, and the starting time was pushed back a couple of hours.

After a few unsigned acts had performed, the Roc acts made their way to the front. First on was soul singer Allen Anthony, who performed for about 10 minutes. His voice was smooth, but he didn’t seem very comfortable in front of the crowd. The atmosphere became elated when Young Chris and Neef (also known as the Young Gunz) hit the stage with a gang of massive security guards and some friends. They were joined by State Property’s Oschino and Sparks, and ran through cuts from the recently released debut Tough Luv, as well as some from the State Property album. R&B singer Rell also joined in on the celebration, performing strictly for the ladies, and serenading those brave enough to be in the front. The highlight of the set came when Philadelphia’s prodigy Freeway came up with Chris, Neef, Oschino and Sparks for "Want Me Back," as well as renditions of "What We Do" (minus Jay-Z and Beanie Siegel), and "Flipside" from his Philadelphia Freeway album. The Young Gunz ended with "Can’t Stop Won’t Stop" before their massive entourage exited the stage to the back of the club. Then Freeway came back on and threw up the Roc-A-Fella sign, making way for the next act, Memphis Bleek.

A stark contrast to the Young Gunz, Bleek was on stage completely alone, his beats supplied from the DJ booth in the back. He energetically ran through a number of his songs, including "Is That Your Chick?" Despite Bleek’s hungriness, the time was growing later, and the crowd was going restless, awaiting the headliner.

In addition to performing his songs, Kanye also takes the role of storyteller and comedian. "Spaceship," he explained, was written about his experience working retail at the Gap, and being given discounts to Old Navy and Banana Republic as a result of said employment. "All Falls Down," which illustrates Kanye’s own self-consciousness, preceded the new single "Jesus Walks." With a beat consisting of a cappella, almost barbershop vocal melodies masterfully combined with each other, "Jesus Walks" is Kanye’s attempt to get an emotional song about his religion into mainstream music and clubs, which is a difficult feat for anybody. Judging by the response it has garnered, Kanye’s goal for the song was fulfilled.

The night ended with three songs. John Legend played his keyboard and soulfully sang Luther Vandross’ "A House Is Not a Home" as an intro to "Slow Jamz," where Kanye introduced some new verses to make up for the absence of Twista. Then came "Through the Wire," his breakthrough hit about the car accident that almost ended his life and resulted in having his jaw wired shut. Everyone in the room rapped along with Kanye and sang the Chaka Kahn sample at the same time. The last song of the long night was "Last Call," a track Kanye said he always ends with, and the part of the show where he really bares his soul to his audience, sharing stories of hard work, sacrifice, bull shit and success in his life.

When all was said and done, this was a very successful night of mostly great and inspired music, and all for a great cause.