Concert Review: A BOOGIE WIT DA HOODIE TAKES ON MATTHEW’S ARENA
by Matthew D'Andrea -
In mid-October of 2023, Northeastern’s Council for University Programs (CUP) made an exciting announcement: popular rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie would be performing in the historic Matthew’s Arena in early November for the university’s homecoming week. On November 9th, the highly anticipated day finally arrived.
The night was charged with excitement as A Boogie closed out his Me vs Myself college tour, which included a stop at UMass Amherst. This tour has served as a testament to his popularity amongst the college demographic – tickets for his Northeastern show sold out within hours of going on sale. As anticipation filled the air while fans awaited his performance, it was clear that this was more than just a concert; it was a journey through time, revisiting his classic hits that defined many student’s high school days.
Known for his distinctive blend of melodic hooks and raw lyricism, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie brought his unique flavor to the show. As a trailblazer in New York City’s hip-hop scene, A Boogie’s ability to seamlessly weave between genres and deliver chart-topping hits has solidified his place as a modern rap icon. His first chart-topping hit “Drowning” with Kodak Black put him in the spotlight, and his 2018 project “Hoodie SZN” delivered a plethora of iconic hits, including “Swervin” with 6ix9ine, “Demons and Angels” with Juice WRLD, and “Look Back at It.”
As fans trickled into the arena, A Boogie’s supporting acts, DJ Guru Sanaal followed by DJ Ominaya, took the stage. Both helped to hype up the crowd by playing a combination of nostalgic pop tracks as well as iconic rap tracks, with some electronic dance music mixed in. The sold-out arena filled with students on the balcony, in the bowl seating section, and the floor, which was divided by a walkway through the middle.
From the moment A Boogie hit the stage, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. The stage presence and charisma he exuded kept the audience on their feet, creating a high-energy atmosphere that never waned. The production design was a visual feast, with dynamic lighting, striking visuals, and a booming sound system that reverberated through the arena. The audio quality was top-notch, allowing every beat drop and lyric to hit with maximum impact.A Boogie connected with the audience on a personal level, interacting with them as he walked through the split on the floor addressing the crowd with gratitude. He also included a variety of tributes to recently deceased icons of today’s hip hop culture in his setlist, with songs honoring Pop Smoke, PnB Rock, and Juice WRLD. The call-and-response moments and crowd engagement added an interactive layer, transforming the concert into a shared celebration of hip-hop culture.
His setlist concluded with his hit song “Drowning,” which he played multiple times before leaving the stage. From the electrifying performances to the immersive visual and audio elements, every aspect of the concert contributed to a memorable night for fans of A Boogie and hip-hop enthusiasts alike.