The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

LIKE the international rapper Meek Mill says in his popular “Dreams & Nightmares” song, “Hold up, wait a minute, y’all thought I was finished.”

Well, apparently the American hip hop artist is not done with the Bahamas just yet, as he is currently gearing up to perform at Club Luna in Nassau tomorrow night.

Just in time to ring in the Easter holiday festivities, Starforce Productions, Heineken, Island Spice and MVP Entertainment have all collaborated to put on this highly anticipated show.

Tom “Terrible T” Butler of Starforce Productions and Island Spice, said this is Meek Mill’s second time performing in Nassau. He said the rapper has become a crowd favourite and it is only right to bring the Maybach Music recording artist back to the island.

“The first time he came here to Nassau the show didn’t go as good as planned because of things like venue. MVP Promotions did it in Freeport last year and it was an epic show. I went over and got a chance to see it. And after seeing the crowd’s response in Freeport, I got a lot of calls from folks in Nassau wanting to see him. A lot of Nassau natives flew into Freeport to see that particular show as well,” he told In Ya Ear.

Mr Butler said Nassau is usually known for hosting reggae and dancehall concerts, but lately people have been asking for more hip hop artists.

“We figured with Meek Mill being at his prime, it is the right time to have him here. Starforce Promotions along with Island Spice, we decided on it and collaborated with MVP Entertainment because of their good relationship with Meek Mill. Nassau will now have the chance to have this hip hop experience,” said Mr Butler.

Many may ask, ‘Why hold the concert on a Thursday night?’ Mr Butler said they have done shows in the past that were held on a Thursday night with a specific holiday following the next day, and they have all turned out to be successful.

“We had an earlier date with Meek Mill, but the timing wasn’t adding up, so they told us to pick another date. We know a lot of people travel to the islands around Easter so we figured if we place it on the day going into the holiday, people would enjoy that. He is excited about Nassau especially after his experience with the Freeport show. He knows that Nassau’s population is much bigger and he really wants to get everyone out to catch the show,” he said.

Mr Butler said Heineken is also currently hosting an online talent competition where contestants can win a chance to open up for Meek Mill. Two winners will be chosen. He said the winners also perform with the possibility of networking with Meek Mill’s management team, if they are good enough that is.

“We didn’t want to just randomly pick someone and put them on because they work so hard, and we wanted the lucky person to earn a space on the stage,” said Mr Butler.
Most Meek Mill fans know of his love for motorbike riding, as he often posts photos and videos via his social network pages of his hobby. Mr Butler said they are working on organising a Bahamas safe bike riding experience for the rapper.

“He is going to abide by all of the rules and regulations of road traffic. The law is to wear a helmet and they have to abide by that. He enjoys taking videos and photos of himself while riding in every country he goes, so that is good exposure for the Bahamas,” said Mr Butler.

After the show, Mr Butler said there are many more events in the pipeline for Starforce Productions and Island Spice.

“We have partnered with Florida’s ‘Best of the Best’ event, and last week we got the Bahamas Rat Pack signed on again this year to perform in Miami at the show. People were really impressed with them last year, so the international promoter requested that they come back and take part. After that we also have another show; PlayHouse Entertainment group members are going to be doing their talent search competition. Starforce and Island Spice are going to be working with the Guinness talent show concert. Later down in the summer, we have the Hennessy Artistry concert. In September, the Arthur’s Day Guinness show will be coming,” said Mr Butler.

Ticket prices for the Meek Mill concert are $40 for general admission, $70 for VIP and $100 for platinum. They are all on sale at Airbrush Junkies, Obsession Boutique, Island Spice at the Fish Fry, Signature Styles and Butler and Sands JFK. For the sky box and more information on the concert, contact 468-0778.