[Review/Video] Trina & Crime Mob Rocked “Nothin’ But Anthems” For NCCU Homecoming

Raleigh, NC – First Class Lifestyle brought Nothin’ But Anthems, a night of straight hip-hop and R&B hits featuring performances by Trina and Crime Mob, to The Ritz on Nov. 9th. From the moment I stepped out of my extremely warm car and walked through the ice-cold parking lot to get inside the club, I could feel the energy in the air surrounding this year’s North Carolina Central University (NCCU) homecoming. The frigid weather could not stop the massive crowd of NCCU students who patiently waited outside to get inside the venue.

Nothing But Anthems, or ‘NBA’ for short, is a series of parties/concerts that are produced and promoted by Triangle area-based promotion group, First Class Lifestyle, consisting of current and former NCCU students. Afam Nwongalayan, one of the original members of First Class, said he is proud of what has been established with these events.

“Our plan is to make this event happen on a regular basis going from city to city,” Afam explained. “If the crowds we draw out are anything like the one that was in attendance tonight (Nov. 9), then we have a successful operation in the making!”

Starting the night’s festivities was a DJ set with DJ Chubb E. Swagg and DJ Double J that ‘literally’ had the crowd shook. The two headlining MC’s for the night, “Wild N’ Out” comedian Darren Brand and actress/comedian Jasmine Brown (better known by her stage name “Watch Jazzy”) kept the night and the crowd rolling nonstop with amazing stage presence and extra crowd participation to hype up the young NCCU Eagles.

Once primed and ready, the MC’s stepped aside to allow the first act to hit the stage…and they surely did not disappoint.

Crime Mob, an Atlanta-area based hip-hop group, is among the ‘founding fathers and mothers’ of the hip-hop phenomenon from the Dirty South known as “crunk.”   The original group of six is known for their hype lyrics, intense stage demeanor, and aggressive rap lyrics/hooks. The remaining four that make up the current group tore down the stage as they came out to their hit single “Stilettos” which debuted off their self-titled 2004 album “Crime Mob.” As the leading ladies, Princess and Diamond took over the crowd with their lyrical tone, the rest of the Crime Mob crew, M.I.G. and Killa C, kept the audience hyped up.

The set was a mixture of crowd participating chants, stage dives, and above all else, the most anticipated point of their entire set…the performance of arguably their most famous song to date, “Knuck If You Buck.”

After the epic set that was Crime Mob, Trina, also known as ‘Da Baddest B***h’ hit the stage! Since the 90s Trina has turned the rap game on its head by giving us a female MC that has brash lyrics and a sex appeal to match. Trina performed anthems such as “Pull Over”, “Here We Go”, and “Look Back At Me.”

Although Trina caters mostly to women, her lyrics are universally known by everyone. That was proven as the crowd sang word for word with her to pretty much every song she performed. 

Trina’s performance at The Ritz has proven why the acclaimed performer has stood the test of time amongst her fans. One of the queens in the rap game, she carried the show in an effortless fashion combined with her swag and the beauty that is her stage presence. Trina is truly ‘Still Da Baddest!’

For more information about First Class Lifestyle and more Nothin’ But Anthems events, CLICK HERE