B2K, Bow Wow are “Boys 4 Life” while bridging R&B, rap in mammoth United Center blowout

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The combination of B2K and Bow Wow first blew up the box office together at the turn of the century, and now more than two decades later, the co-headliners are making additional history by bridging their blockbuster brands of R&B and rap for yet another generation.

There was indeed a full house when the Black Promoters Collective brought the “Boys 4 Life” Tour to the United Center, presented by “The Millennium” Tour, where throughout nearly four hours, those superstar acts and an extensive list of supporters made sure fans of all ages got their money’s worth.

A major aspect of the draw was surely the 25th anniversary reunion of B2K, who after producing a pair of gold and platinum projects, then going their separate ways, were once again comprised of Omarion, Raz-B, J-Boog and Lil Fizz.

In fact, it was more or less a mix of their self-titled debut and the “Pandemonium!” that followed, alongside a few solos and collaborations, including “Uh Huh,” “Gots Ta Be,” Omarion’s “Ice Box” and Bow Wow joining “Let Me Hold You.”

Towards the tail end of a tightly-packed and choreographed hour, “What A Girl Wants,” “Why I Love You” and “Bump Bump Bump” came across as relevant now as before, cementing B2K’s renewed brotherhood and ongoing significance.

Multi-platinum artist/actor Bow Wow is also celebrating 25 years in the game, and to begin, boldly broke out of a fenced-in cage labeled “Beware Of Dog” during “Bounce With Me,” quickly proving he was still ferocious behind the mic.

The hip-hop hero continued commanding attention, assertively delivering the anthems “Bow Wow (That’s My Name),” “Take Ya Home,” “Shortie Like Mine” and “Like You,” always building the intensity towards the fireball-enhanced finale “Can’t Believe It.”

Those arriving prior to the main events got the greatest by a multitude of other notables, including Pretty Ricky (“On The Hotline,” “Grind With Me”), Waka Flocka (“No Hands,” “Grove St. Party”), Franchize Boyz (“White Tee,” “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It”), Crime Mob (“Rock Your Hips,” “Knuck If You Buck”), B5 (“Say Yes,” “All I Do”), Yung Joc (“Buy You A Drank,” “It’s Goin’ Down”) and Amerie (“Why Don’t We Fall In Love,” “1 Thing”) in short but satisfying bursts that prepared the masses for a mammoth UC party.

For additional information on B2K and Bow Wow, visit B2KTour.com and BowWowOnTour.com.

For a list of upcoming Black Promoters Collective concerts, visit BlackPromotersCollective.com.

Upcoming shows at the United Center include Lewis Capaldi (Apr. 25); Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band (Apr. 29); Demi Lovato (May 1); Katt Williams (May 2); Peso Pluma (May 7-9); A$AP Rocky (May 27); Summer Walker (May 29); Megan Moroney (Jun. 2-3); Don Toliver (Jun. 11); The Strokes (Jun. 17); Rosalía (Jun. 20); Joji (Jun. 23); Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire (Jun. 26); “Weird Al” Yankovic (Jun. 27); Alex Warren (Jun. 29); Windy City Smokeout (Jul. 8-12); Rush (Jul. 16, 18, 20 and 22); Daniel Caesar (Jul. 26); Zayn (Jul. 27); Ariana Grande (Aug. 3, 5 and 6); J. Cole (Aug. 11-12); Jungle (Sept. 10); Eric Clapton (Sept. 11); Robyn (Sept. 12); Lily Allen (Sept. 13); Weezer (Sept. 22); Teddy Swims (Sept. 25); Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds (Sept. 29); Doja Cat (Oct. 3); Gorillaz (Oct. 8); Disney’s “Descendants,” “Zombies” and “Camp Rock” (Oct. 19); Matt Rife (Oct. 25); Sombr (Nov. 4); and The Neighbourhood (Nov. 18). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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B2K, Bow Wow are “Boys 4 Life” while bridging R&B, rap in mammoth United Center blowout

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