There Was No Turning Down at Lil Jon’s Dubuque Concert

The biggest hip-hop show of the year in Dubuque took place on Saturday night when both Lil Jon and Mike Jones showed up and showed out on Q Casino + Resort's Back Waters Stage. A beautifully mild and sunny afternoon gave way for a pleasantly cool evening where hundreds gathered to relive the 90s and 2000s music scene.

This was roughly 24 hours after country singers Billy Currington and Chayce Beckham performed at the venue the previous night. The Q Casino + Resort staff did a phenomenal job in assuring that both crowds of concertgoers and their desire for anthemic music was served.

Mike Jones took the stage at 8pm as a primer for the headliner. I don't know about you, but Mike Jones' catchphrase ("WHO? MIKE JONESSS!") still lives rent-free in my head, as well as his phone-number ("281-330-8004/Hit Mike Jones up on the low cause Mike Jones about to blow").

Jones still has it as a performer too. He treated fans to a few of his songs, such as "Back Then" and "Still Tippin'" before launching into a medley of other classic hip-hop songs.

From there, DJ Era took over DJ-ing duties, spinning a plethora of 90s and 2000s jams for a crowd that couldn't get enough.

Following Era was the one and only Lil Jon. Wearing a "Shakra" shirt, in reference to his recent pivot into the world of meditation, Lil Jon's "Zen" on Saturday night revolved on doing what he does best: getting any party, big or small, crunk!

Lil Jon helped pioneer the hip-hop subgenre known as "crunk," an up-tempo, club-oriented style of music characterized by its high energy, recurring chants, audience involvement in the quotable lyrics, heavy bass, and excessive synths. Who can forget "Turn Down for What" or "Snap Yo Fingers" by the man himself? These songs ooze energy and beg you to rap and jump along.

Of course, Lil Jon treated the crowd to those songs, as well as others like "Shots" (originally with the since-disbanded duo LMFAO) and "Yeah." He also pulled double-duty as a DJ, spinning everything from 2000s hip-hop to 1970s rock. I didn't expect to go from harmonizing "Don't Stop Believin'" with hundreds of people to then try and remember on the fly if I could dance along with "Crank That (Soulja Boy)."

But that's the beauty of a hip-hop show. You never quite know what to expect, and the end result is a full-fledged party with a bunch of folks who want to do the exact same thing as you: cut loose, drink some beverages, and have a great time.

Yet again, Q Casino + Resort set the standard for entertainment in Dubuque. The Back Waters Stage venue remains the best in the area thanks to a friendly and committed staff, several food trucks, quality beverages, and an elite sound-system.

Until next time, I'll see you at one of these upcoming shows on the Back Waters Stage:

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• I Prevail, Hollywood Undead, and Fit For a King will be bringing metal and rap to the venue on Friday, July 12th.
• Beartooth, Currents, Boundaries, and Nevertel will keep the rock going on Thursday, July 18th.
• Country-rapper Upchurch will be taking the stage on Friday, August 2nd.
• Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with special guest Shemekia Copeland will be performing on Friday, August 9th.
• Ice Nine Kills, along with Avatar and TX2, will bring their "In the Moment: Kiss of Death Tour Part 2" to Dubuque on Saturday, August 10th.
• Disturbed and Plush will be performing on Wednesday, August 28th.
• Riley Green brings another great country show to the area on Thursday, August 29th.