Live Review: Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Action Bronson, 360, M-Phazes

When his silhouette appeared behind a hanging white curtain, the roar from the crowd was deafening, with every person on their feet at a packed-out ANZ Stadium as Eminem launched into a rendition of Survivor. The self-proclaimed “Rap God” had a lot to live up to, following the likes of Kendrick Lamar and J Cole, two of the hottest rappers on the scene at the moment, who warmed up the crowd and showed why they are the new golden boys of hip hop. 

360 and Action Bronson also took the stage, opening the night to a steadily growing crowd made up of an eclectic bunch, from teenage wannabe rap boys with their parents to gangsta guys smoking joints and guys and girls in their 30s who have been with him since the beginning. Marshall Mathers had the entire crowd on their feet from start to finish, rapping along to every lyric as if the songs only came out yesterday – proving that, some 15 years on, he is definitely still the “lyrical genius” he has proclaimed himself to be.

Hypeman and former D-12 member Mr Porter joined Eminem on stage, allowing him to duck off for a quick breather every now and then. He did well revving up the crowd, although at times the banter between the two did seem a little awkward and rehearsed. Lighters proved to be one of the night's highlights, with the star beckoning for the crowd to hold their mobile phones in the air, illuminating the stadium from top to bottom with a beautiful sea of lights.

The real Slim Shady still cuts a mean figure, sending the girls in the audience wild as he flicked up his shirt while rapping, exposing the 41-year-old's still enviable physique. Playing a mix of the old and the new, a female backing singer joined Eminem to perform Rihanna's part in Love The Way You Lie and The Monster and Dido's part in Stan. He ended the night with Not Afraid, which he dedicated to anyone who had lost someone to addiction, followed by an explosive encore of Lose Yourself. Before leaving the stage flanked by a vibrant display of fireworks, the big softy said, “I fucking love you, Sydney.”  Well we fucking love you too Eminem. Please come back soon.