There are two things you need to know about Manila: the traffic is crazy and the live crowds are crazier. And for Russ’ concert last Saturday, those two things proved true once again.

On 5 November, the American rapper made his return to Manila, with Karpos Multimedia, as part of his The Journey Is Everything world tour. The show was initially slated to start at 8 PM but with traffic barely moving along nearby roads (which is a classic staple of a true Manila experience), Russ made the call to push back his set, wanting everyone to make it for the beginning of the show. 

So, for an hour, the walls of SM Mall Of Asia Arena were treated to party anthems and remixes by DJ Calvin da Coordinator, as the crowd trickled in, mingled, and prepared themselves for an incredible night.

As the lights dimmed and excited screams filled the air, Russ emerged on stage to the familiar instrumental procession of ‘BET’, bringing everyone to their feet and jumping in excitement. In an instant, MOA Arena became witness to one of the biggest parties of the year. 

“I can’t believe we’re at Jesus’ concert,” someone from the VIP pit joked to their friends. And while Russ was far from a deity, his concert definitely felt like a hallowed experience. For a little over an hour, the entire crowd was one, dancing without a care in the world and singing and rapping every song as if it was their own (which is more impressive when you have a discography as vast as Russ’).

Across the arena, whether you were in the standing pit or up in the stands, you could see everyone dancing and rapping along as Russ performed his hits ‘HANDSOMER’, ‘Seduce’, ‘Too Many’, ‘Civil War’, ‘What They Want’, and more. 

Even as he slowed things down with tracks like ‘Psycho Pt. 2’, ‘Losin Control’, ‘Ride Slow’, and ‘Ain’t Nobody Takin My Baby’, the crowd was right there with him, singing their hearts out and waving their flashlights in the air. 

Russ, taking no breaks throughout the entire concert, put on an unforgettable show, ending the night with confetti, an incredible sing-along of ‘Missin You Crazy’, and an encore of ‘Do It Myself’. The energy was palpable, the kind we've so dearly missed. 

“There’s something special about the Philippines,” Russ said, and he wasn’t lying. 

The rapper’s story is one that’s been defined by exceeding expectations and his Manila concert was no different. Performing to a packed and eager audience, the night was a showcase of love (quite literally, there was a proposal up in the stands) and pure fun.