Real, Honest Reviews — Straight From the Front Row
Welcome to our space where music lives and breathes beyond the stage lights. Here, we bring you raw, firsthand reviews of concerts and events we’ve experienced up close—no fluff, no hype, just real talk. We share what moved us, what thrilled us, and what could’ve been better, giving you a true feel for the night as if you were there.
From legendary performances to rising stars, our coverage dives deep into the moments that matter: the energy, the sound, the vibe, and the unexpected magic. Whether it’s a flawless show or one with room to grow, we tell it like it is—because the best music experiences are honest ones.
Stay tuned for insights, reflections, and the stories behind the music that keep us coming back for more.
Drake at the Apollo Theater – My Honest Review
January 22, 2023 — Night 2 of an Unforgettable Weekend
January 22, 2023 — Night 2 of an Unforgettable Weekend
On the second and final night of Drake’s exclusive two-day takeover at the legendary Apollo Theater, magic happened. January 22, 2023, will go down as one of the most unforgettable nights in music history—and I was lucky enough to be there.
Yes, I waited outside for hours in the cold rain, but the second the lights dimmed and Drake stepped on that stage, none of that mattered. From the jump, it was clear this wasn’t just a show—it was a carefully crafted journey through his life and catalog, performed in one of the most iconic venues in Harlem.
Even more incredible? This concert was completely free. Tickets weren’t sold—they were won. And to make it even more memorable, Drake gifted the crowd exclusive OVO x Apollo shirts and cups—premium merch that felt like a badge of honor.
As if the night couldn’t get crazier, I looked around and saw Kevin Durant, NBA superstar; Aaron Judge, the face of the New York Yankees; and Ice Spice, one of the hottest new names in hip-hop—all in the crowd right beside us. The energy in that room was unreal.
Drake’s performance was top-tier. Emotional, nostalgic, powerful. He reminded us why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it. I walked out of that venue feeling like I witnessed history.
Rating: 9.2/10 — a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime night that I’ll never forget.
Shot by and edited by Antonio S. 📸
Dreamville Festival 2025: The Last of Its Kind
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
Dreamville 2025 was my first time—and the festival’s last under its name. Two days in the heat, surrounded by nearly 100,000 people. I came in blind, parked 30 minutes away, paid $20 to hitch a ride to the gate. Entry was smooth. The energy? Chaotic but alive.
General Admission was a battlefield. People dropping from heat and dehydration. If you're not built for it, don't do it. Water stations saved lives—literally.
Two stages forced tough choices. No room for indecision. I saw maybe five acts total—but I camped 12 hours for J. Cole. No food. No bathroom. Just water bottles flying into the crowd. I was front and center. It was war, and I came out with the shots I needed.
Would I return? Not to GA. Maybe VIP, if the vision feels right. But this one—this last Dreamville—I’m glad I caught it. Raw, flawed, unforgettable.
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📸 Photo credit: Image courtesy of This Is Raleigh
📸 Photo credit: Image courtesy of This Is Raleigh
Shot by and edited by Antonio S. 📸
J. Cole at Dreamville 2025: A 12-Hour Stand for Greatness
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
J. Cole’s performance at Dreamville Festival 2025 was nothing short of legendary. With 100,000 people in attendance, the energy in the air was electric—once-in-a-lifetime level.
I camped for 12 hours just to be up close. No food. No bathroom. Just three bottles of water tossed into the crowd by event staff. People were passing out left and right from the heat and exhaustion. I’m honestly shocked I didn’t collapse too. But I stayed locked in—this was an all-or-nothing moment.
I had GA, no VIP. As soon as I entered the gates, I made a straight run for the main stage and held my ground. It was a war zone. People pressing forward, trying to squeeze past—but somehow, I stayed locked in. I met a few people along the way, and that helped pass the time. Still, it wasn’t for the faint of heart.
When Cole hit the stage, everything paid off. He gave us everything—the throwbacks for day-one fans, the new hits for the younger crowd. But the moment that hit hardest? When he played “Farewell.” I never thought I’d hear that live. That one hit home.
J. Cole’s set was a 10 out of 10. Not even up for debate. If you’ve never seen him live, make it a mission. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Shot by and edited by Antonio S. 📸
Tems at Dreamville 2025: Soul in Stillness
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
Tems didn’t just perform—she floated. Dressed in a shimmering glow, her presence calmed the crowd and quieted the chaos. Her voice felt sacred—soft, soaring, and full of emotion.
She performed “Free Mind,” “Higher,” and “Burning”—and when those hits dropped, the crowd lit up. People sang every word, holding on to her voice like it meant something personal. In that moment, everyone felt seen. Everyone felt loved.
It was my first time seeing her live, and it felt intimate. She knew why we showed up—and delivered with grace.
If I could change one thing? I’d give her more time. Tems doesn’t just sing. She creates space.
Shot by and edited by Antonio S. 📸
PartyNextDoor at Dreamville 2025: Smooth Sound, Still Energy
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
PartyNextDoor’s set at Dreamville 2025 was sonically powerful—literally. The speakers were booming, and standing dead center in the crowd, you could feel every beat in your chest. He performed tracks off his recent collab with Drake, plus a few P3 throwbacks that had longtime fans lit.
His voice? Flawless. Smooth, rich, locked in.
But performance-wise, it felt like something was missing. Party barely moved from center stage—maybe a step or two the entire set. No one’s expecting choreography, but the energy felt static. Thankfully, his backup dancers brought life and movement; they were stunning and on point.
Overall, the music delivered, but I left wishing he poured a bit more heart into the moment. With that kind of catalog and crowd, there was room for more.
Shot and edited by Antonio S. 📸
BigXthaPlug at Dreamville 2025: Voice Like Grit, Energy Like Fire
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
By Antonio | sonsaunders.com
BigXthaPlug brought that raw, unfiltered energy Dreamville needed. I didn’t think I’d be into his set—honestly, I wasn’t familiar with his music going in. But by the end, I had his tracks downloaded. That says it all.
His voice carried the whole crowd. It’s rugged, bold, and demands attention. He didn’t move around much—just like a few others at the fest—but with a voice like that, he didn’t need to. His presence alone was heavy enough.
He performed “Texas,” which hit especially hard live. The bass, the grit in his delivery—it shook the place. No gimmicks, no filler. Just raw southern heat.
The performance was solid. Real. Now I’m a fan.
Shot and edited by Antonio S. 📸
