Louisiana rapper NBA YoungBoy brought his MASA tour to a sold-out T Mobile Arena on November 9, delivering a performance that had the crowd on their feet from start to finish. Among the thousands in attendance were students from Shadow Ridge High School, who made the show to witness one of hip hop’s most prolific artists in action.
The 25 year old rapper, born Kentrell Gaulden, rose to prominence through YouTube in 2015, releasing mixtapes from Baton Rouge that quickly gained millions of views. His raw storytelling and prolific output, often releasing multiple projects per year built, a devoted fanbase that has made him one of the most streamed artists on platforms like YouTube and Spotify.
Tickets for the November 9 show ranged from $89 for upper level seats to $350 for floor access, with VIP packages reaching upward of $500. Despite the steep prices, the arena was packed wall to wall with fans eager to see the rapper perform live.
NBA YoungBoy opened the show with fan favorite “No Smoke,” immediately setting an intense tone for the evening. The stage production featured dramatic lighting and pyrotechnics that complemented his raw, energetic delivery.
“The energy was insane from the first song,” said Aaron Jones, a Shadow Ridge senior who attended with a group of friends. “You could feel the bass in your chest. Everyone was jumping and singing every word.”
NBA YoungBoy performed hits spanning his extensive catalog, including “Outside Today,” “Bandit,” and “Make No Sense.” The setlist balanced his tracks with harder hitting anthems, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Shadow Ridge junior Tatum Phaler described the crowd’s reaction as electric. “When he performed ‘I Admit,’ the whole arena lit up with phone flashlights. It was honestly beautiful,” she said. “You don’t expect that kind of moment at a rap concert, but it was really special.”
The show ran approximately 90 minutes, with NBA YoungBoy rarely pausing between songs. His stage presence commanded attention despite minimal interaction with the audience, letting his music speak for itself.
“He doesn’t need all the extras,” noted Shadow Ridge sophomore Jayahna Hood. “His flow and delivery are so strong that he keeps you locked in the entire time. This was definitely worth the ticket price.”
The MASA tour continues through the end of November, with NBA YoungBoy hitting major cities across the country. For Las Vegas fans and Shadow Ridge students in attendance, the November 9 performance solidified why the rapper remains one of the most streamed artists in hip hop.
