Rap and New York City were brought low yesterday as the T.I. concert at the Irving Plaza was interrupted by gunfire backstage. T.I. himself never made it to the stage as the shooting took place during the opening acts, Maino and Uncle Murda. One person lost their life and three people were injured, including rapper Troy Ave. The rest of the evening’s show was cancelled following the tragic shooting.
This unfortunate turn of events came just hours after T.I. had recorded a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The rapper joined an incredible performance from Anderson . Paak, who was also scheduled to appear at the Irving Plaza concert. Recorded during the day for The Tonight Show, .Paak performed the intro to Heart Don’t Stand A Chance, and the full version of Come Down. One of the standout tracks off his most recent album, Malibu.
Though undeniably marred by the later events that evening, .Paak delivered a blazing rendition of his track. Accompanied by his band, The Free Nationals, .Paak moved between frontman duties and some impressive time behind the drum kit. Taking over the beats as T.I. took the mic for a verse, both artists brought all of their energy to the performance.
This awful turn of events was particularly affecting after such a triumphant recording for Fallon. Anderson .Paak took to Twitter himself soon after to voice his frustration in a string of Tweets which have since been deleted.
Such a weird feeling man
— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016
My dude TIP the free nats and I bodied Fallon but some asshole fucked up the whole night at Irving plaza
— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016
TIP had a sold out show and sole asshole fucked everything up.
— Andy PinDröP (@AndersonPaak) May 26, 2016
(via. Pitchfork)
As yet, no arrests have been reported following the shooting at the Irving Plaza.
Image: Billboard