Much like Al B. Sure! and R. Kelly did in the decades before him, New York native and R&B crooner Ryan Leslie used a mixture of charm, sex appeal and raw talent to woo his hometown crowd Monday night at SOB's in a show that was nothing short of amazing. It had a vibe reminiscent of the Studio 54 era, where those behind the velvet rope held all the clout. While standing in line to enter, I'd see women walk up to the resident teddy bear in charge at the door (I see you, Junior!) and inquire, with some practically begging to know how they could get in, once they heard that RLes was the night's entertainment.
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But, alas, it was a sold out show and a packed house erupted in thunderous applause when he took the stage. His first song, "Addiction," ignited the crowd, but the entire building shook when surprise guests Fabolous and Lloyd Banks graced the stage. Another of the night's surprises came not from Leslie himself, but from a member of his inner circle when his guitarist Chris got down on one knee and presented his girlfriend with a diamond and a marriage proposal. She, of course,said yes and it was then that Leslie sang the only song befitting the moment: "Diamond Girl."
And after waiting for the crowd to die down for what seemed like forever, I scored a great personal moment when I was able to snag a picture with Ryan himself just as he was walking out the door. Yay me! I'd say it was a great ending to an awesome musical experience.
