It's a certifiable bling-fest going on in Clearwater this weekend, headlined by former Hot Boy Lil' Wayne. He performed alongside Juvenile before "Back That Azz Up" became the latter's personal anthem. Joining Lil' Wayne is Brian "Baby (a.k.a. #1 Stunna)" Williams, a Cash Money labelmate. Underrated Philly hip-hop group the Roots (aka the rap act that plays instruments) are the highlights of this bill; their organic approach, along with the fact that they've been at it since the late '80s, has rightly earned them a reputation as a solid live act. Rounding out the bill is dancehall reggae artist Capleton, Cuba-via-Miami rapper Pitbull and up-and-coming R&B star Mario, an artist who became arguably more commercially successful covering Biz Markie's "Just a Friend" than the original artist did himself. Eye candy comes in the form of Brooke Valentine, whose album Chain Letter debuted on Virgin last month.
Wild 98.7 presents WildSplash, feat. Lil Wayne & Baby, The Roots, Mario, Capleton, Pitbull, Brooke Valentine Sat., March 12, Coachman Park, Clearwater. Tickets $17 advance, $30 day of.
-MARK SANDERS
This article appears in Mar 9-15, 2005.