Attending a performance of Kayne West’s Saint Pablo Tour makes it apparent why this artist is one of the most iconic, and often controversial, figures in rap music today. The September 25th concert, held at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio, proved to be a spectacle of Kanye’s musical genius and stage-performance mastery.

Kanye also came to Cleveland on October 9, making these his only two shows in Ohio. 

Attending a concert where the artist is constantly moving is incredible. A pit of people in general admission stood under and around the stage the whole concert. Because Kanye made use of the expansive stage, many people, including this writer, were able to see him and have front row seats.

Senior Kyle Ward had a the general admission ticket to the Cleveland show. When asked about his experience, he said, “It was crazy. I almost got elbowed in the face like five times, but it was worth it. I was moving the entire time with the stage, but I got to be so close to Kanye.”

Iyana Robertson, a music editor for BET, refers to this concert as a spiritual experience and writes that she believes “most gods are described as selfish entities, filled with the desire to fulfill their own wills at any cost – but Yeezus is the exception; he’s selfless as he risks his safety and is determined to enact the impulses that surround him.” Robertson used one of West’s popular nicknames, Yeezus.

Kanye never took a break or had an intermission. He floated across the platform for two hours, but the concert seemed short. However, fans were forced to wait for the concert to start. Kyle Ward complained, “He came out really late. I was just sittin’ there for two hours.”

There were no background dancers or screens, just the star attraction alone on the platform singing and focusing attention on his incredible dance moves. The lights changed often, sometimes making it difficult to see West when they shone under or next to the stage and not directly above it. 

Kanye’s song “Good Life” was definitely my favorite because he performed it right in front of my seat. “Waves” and “Stronger” were also amazing. The sound quality was terrific, and Kanye often had the crowd singing.

The iconic performer could have included more songs because the concert seemed like it was not long enough. Also, some of his catchiest and most popular songs like “Gold Digger” and “Bound 2” were not performed.  Nevertheless, the Saint Pablo concert was an experience I will not forget. The stage design was creative, and Kanye’s performance was spectacular.

I would recommend this concert to anyone who likes Kanye West’s songs. Kanye is an innovative thinker; his songs and stagecraft reflect this thinking. This concert proved he truly is a genius.