Thousands of music enthusiasts flocked to San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza over the weekend to celebrate the indie label Empire's 15th year with a massive free concert headlined by the eclectic country and hip-hop sensation Shaboozey. The artist not only performed to an energetic and diverse crowd but also received a prestigious RIAA Diamond Award for his hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," indicating over 10 million in sales and streams. "One of the greatest things you’ve done, humbly, is put your belief in another person," Shaboozey told KTVU, giving a nod to Empire's founder Ghazi in his acceptance speech.
The concert featured performances from Bay Area artists like P-Lo, Larry June, and Mistah F.A.B.. It was a partnership between the city and Another Planet Entertainment, bringing much-needed vibrancy back to the city. Speaking to the diverse assembly of fans, Mayor Daniel Lurie lauded the event as a symbol of the city's revival, saying, "They were talking smack before and now they’re saying San Francisco’s on the rise," KTVU reports. Having presented Shaboozey onstage, Ghazi also highlighted the event's impact, considering it a "zenith point" for both Empire and the local community.
Shaboozey, meanwhile, added more to his celebratory reasons as he recently inaugurated his own label and was named the voice of Thursday Night Football. Addressing the crowd with a song that landed higher on the Billboard Hot 100, the artist turned emotional, visibly moved by his own lyrics, needing help in a poignant moment captured by SFGATE: "‘And if there’s someone out there that can help me, I want you to hear me right now.’"
