BY MAUI CABRAL Coastal Credit Union Music Park was LIT up in a whole different way this time around. Instead of fists flying in the pit, ...
BY MAUI CABRAL
Coastal Credit Union Music Park was LIT up in a whole different way this time around. Instead of fists flying in the pit, it was hands in the air, dancing, and nothing but good vibes all night long. This one was straight nostalgia and Raleigh showed up ready to party.
Chingy opened the night and the second “Right Thurr” dropped, the crowd lost it. His set was full of those early-2000s classics that instantly take you back to feel-good energy that had everybody two-steppin’ before the sun even set.
Next up, Ja Rule. The man came out swinging with that gritty New York energy and you could feel the whole place vibing with him. Tracks like “Always On Time” and “Livin’ It Up” had the entire crowd rapping word for word. Say what you want but Ja still knows how to command a stage and bring that raw hip-hop presence. I still remember my first time listening to Ja, back in Lefrak City Queens. Back when the first Fast & Furious movie came out. lol MONICAAA
And then... Nelly. Talk about surreal. Growing up, Nelly’s music was everywhere--on the radio, on TV, blasting from car stereos... and now to be standing there shooting him live? That’s the kind of full-circle moment you don’t forget. Just wild to see where this photography journey has taken me. PHEW!
From “Country Grammar” to “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me” to “Dilemma,” it was nothing but hit after hit. The crowd turned into a giant sing along, and you could see generations of fans all vibing together. The man has timeless stage presence--smooth, energetic, and still rocking the mic like it’s 2002.
For me personally, it was wild to step out of the heavy shows I’m usually behind the lens for, and into a night where it was all about groove, fun, and nostalgia. Being able to capture that joy on people’s faces, the dancing, the energy, that’s what it’s all about. Another beautiful show that allowed me to revisit my childhood. Shout out to Lefrak City for making me a dreamer child. Little me, look where we are now!
Raleigh, you showed up with your Air Force 1s laced up and ready. Nelly, Ja Rule, and Chingy gave us a night to remember, a throwback party we didn’t know we needed.
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- JOSH "MAUI" CABRAL
Hey! I'm Maui. Originally from Queens, New York, now making Raleigh, NC my new home. I'm a touring photographer and Nomadic Motorcycle Rider, obsessed with seeing the world through different lenses!
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