Industry Weekly

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The JLo show brings more hip-hop than the Strip has ever seen

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Don’t be fooled by the rocks that she got.
Photo: Charles Sykes / AP

Since it opened inside the Axis at Planet Hollywood resort in early 2016, Jennifer Lopez: All I Have has been hailed as one of the most energetic headliner productions of Las Vegas’ modern entertainment era—an all-out singing and dancing showcase for its smoldering star. It has also emerged as the most hip-hop-influenced resident show the Strip has ever seen.

Other dance-centric productions like Jabbawockeez and Michael Jackson One share the inspiration. But the JLo show—which just started selling tickets for 2018 dates from February through June—is saturated with hip-hop culture, not a huge surprise considering both the star and the sound were born in the Bronx. Lopez didn’t just grow up with the music, dancing, art and attitude all around her; she participated in every opportunity. Once a fly girl, always a fly girl.

All I Have starts strong with a glammed-up “If You Had My Love,” but it really explodes when a musical interlude featuring the inimitable voice of Kid Capri introduces a New York City subway scene where JLo drops electricifying versions of “I’m Real,” “Feelin’ So Good” and “Jenny From the Block”—the latter fueled by that infectious Beatnuts sample—and keeps everyone dancing, transforming the Axis into the biggest club in Vegas. Hip-hop is always borrowing from funk, soul, R&B and rock ’n’ roll, and so does the show, with JLo capably shifting from seductive balladeer to reggaeton booty-shaker to James Brown-esque bandleader. She can do it all, but given the opportunity to create a full-scale spectacular that represents her story and style, it’s clear JLo’s heart remains with hip-hop. Jennifer Lopez: All I Have at the Axis at Planet Hollywood, September 6-October 7.

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Brock Radke

Brock Radke is an award-winning writer and columnist who currently occupies the role of managing editor at Las Vegas Weekly ...

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