The Biggest Star in the Universe? Probably

"I love this shit, because I own this shit."

It took nearly an hour of non-stop performing before Kanye West finally talked to the audience at last night's Hartford stop of his Glow in the Dark Tour. And the man spoke the truth--he does own the music world.

Following shorter segments by Lupe Fiasco, N.E.R.D., and Rihanna, Kanye went on an over hour long space traveling hit parade, touching on every major chart he's ever had. He was at times thrilling, inspirational, and egotistical. Throughout, he was freaking amazing.

With spaceship "Jane" there to guide him along, Kanye went on a bizarre trip through the Universe, filled with crash landings and shooting stars. It was at times depressing to see hip-hop's biggest star talk to a make believe space ship, but overall, the space theme added much to the set, including some wit and theatrics.

Kanye sang the new stuff--"Stronger," "I Wonder," "Flashing Lights..." The old stuff--"Gold Digger," "Diamonds are Forever," "Jesus Walks." And the unexpected--"All Falls Down," "Spaceship," and even "Don't Stop Believing." Every song was tinkered with for the live-concert, some more than others, to infuse them with a remarkable energy that kept the audience hopping and asking for more.

The highlight and climax of the concert was undoubetdly "Stronger," though "I Wonder" came in a close second. In both, Kanye's terse lyrics were clearly audible amid the chaos of screaming fans, blaring backgrounds, and impressive pyrotechnics.

The only down moments of the concert were "Get Em' High" and "All Falls Down," when Kanye went a bit overboard with the live-concert changes. When it takes you 30 seconds to realize what song is being played, that's not a good thing. But these were just minor flaws in a set that managed to touch every single big hit I wanted to hear ("Roses" would have been nice, but I realize it's a little to slow and depressing for a live concert.")

I'm pretty sure the rest of the concert was good, though my memory of everything before Kanye has been kind of scrambled. Lupe opened the concert with a short, sweet set. Though the seats were mostly empty, Lupe's goofy style connected with those who were there.

N.E.R.D. was simply LOUD. Every song sounded pretty much the same, as dueling drums covered up anything Pharell tried to sing. "Spase" was one of the craziest, psychedelic songs I have ever head, but other than that, N.E.R.D. did little more for me than destroy my hearing.

I was more anxiously awaiting Kanye than listening to Rihanna during her set, but the screaming girls seemed to like her. "Please Don't Stop the Music" was the highlight for me. "Umbrella" could have gone on a little longer, and it was really bothersome that the dancers never opened up the Umbrellas they were dancing with. I also didn't know Rihanna sang the "Come Mr. D.J." song, so that was cool.

Yet, the first acts could have been trash, and this still would have been the greatest concert I've ever been (note: I've been to very few concerts, but even if I'd been to a hundred, I'm pretty sure this would hold true). The "Glow in the Dark Tour" was not merely a concert, it was a spectacle.

Kanye West is not one to hide his greatness, and for that I am grateful.

"If this concert is rated B, then I want to know what is a fucking A."

So do I Kanye, so do I.