The Free Larry Hoover benefit concert brought a sense of nostalgia to old and longtime Kanye West fans.
On Thursday night (Dec. 9), as Ye took the stage at the Los Angeles Coliseum to perform his setlist, he surprised the crowd by revisiting songs from his early days as a rapper. For the first time in years, viewers watched as the Chicago native covered songs including “All Falls Down” and “Jesus Walks” from his debut album, College Dropout, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” and “Flashing Lights” from his 2007 project Graduation, “Bound 2” from Yeezuz and more. The performance elicited emotions and memories from fans, who took to Twitter to reminisce on the days of Ye’s prime.
“I remember when I felt like the only Kanye fan,” wrote Twitter user @islandflowahips. “Everyone else around me was talking bout he was wack. In hindsight, I should have known their taste was lacking broughtupsy.”
I remember when I felt like the only kanye fan. Everyone else around me was talking bout he was wack.
In hindsight I should have known their taste was lacking broughtupsy.
— ✨La Morena AstraZeneca✨🇧🇸 (@islandflowahips) December 10, 2021
“Damn man. I miss this era of music,” wrote singer and podcaster Bridget Kelly. “This era of Ye.”
Damn man. I miss this era of music. This era of Ye #flashinglights
— Bridget Kelly (@IamBridgetKelly) December 10, 2021
Many were surprised and excited to see Ye perform his earlier records.
“I didnt expect @kanyewest to perform all those classics tonight,”wrote @il3ana3li. “Best show ever I’m so happy.”
i didnt expect @kanyewest to perform all those classics tonight. best show ever im so happy
— ileana⚰️ (@il3ana3li) December 10, 2021
In a similar tweet, Qias Omar wrote, “I can’t believe I just witnessed Kanye perform his classics. I never thought it was ever gonna happen again. I had goosebumps the whole night. Thank you @kanyewest.”
I can’t believe I just witnessed Kanye perform his classics. I never thought it was ever gonna happen again. I had goosebumps the whole night.
Thank you @kanyewest
— Qias Omar (@QiasOmar) December 10, 2021
The @PhotosofYe Twitter account called on Kanye to go on tour, while @aljones said the performance was a great reminder of his influence on hip hop.
That’s it, @kanyewest. We need a tour. Expeditiously.
— Photos Of Ye (@PhotosOfKanye) December 10, 2021
That Ye and Drake show last night was what hip hop needs. Kanye’s first set makes u remember about the musical force that he really is. #freelarryhoover pic.twitter.com/btUI2bC8XY
— Alex Jones (@aljonesy) December 10, 2021
Others enjoyed the moment while making sure to note that Ye isn’t the same person today.
“It’s bittersweet because we will rarely see @kanyewest perform all his hits like that again because he’s in a different space and I respect that 100% but DAMNNNN I WISH I WAS IN ATTENDANCE,” wrote @DestineDidDat.
It’s bittersweet because we will rarely see @kanyewest perform all his hits like that again because he’s in a different space and I respect that 100% but DAMNNNN I WISH I WAS IN ATTENDANCE. I guess I have to wait until he’s old and has a residency at Caesar’s lol #MyFav
— Follow Your Destinie (@DestinieDidDat) December 10, 2021
“Regardless of how I currently feel about him— I’m emotional listening to these songs… Reflecting on where I was when they came out and where I am now. I know this has to feel so awesome for Kanye,” added Gia Peppers. “The music is undeniable.”
Regardless of how I currently feel about him— I’m emotional listening to these songs… Reflecting on where I was when they came out and where I am now. I know this has to feel so awesome for Kanye.
The music is undeniable.
— Gia Peppers (@GiaPeppers) December 10, 2021