After a nearly decade-long feud between two of hip-hop’s most prominent figures, Kanye West and Drake, finally laid their beef to rest with their collaborative Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert on December 10, 2021. The Amazon-sponsored live-streamed event served as a space for Drake and Kanye to bury the proverbial hatchet, as well as to bring attention to Larry Hoover, an incarcerated man serving multiple life sentences for a 1973 murder. Kanye and Drake’s momentous performance wasn’t the pinnacle of 21st-century hip-hop; however, the sight of music’s biggest stars performing again made up for most of the concert’s drawbacks.

While the heavily publicized concert gave off the aura of grand theatricality, the intentionally distant production style left viewers feeling cold and isolated. There was sparse footage of the nearly 70,000 audience members in attendance, other than their countless illuminated cellphones. The interspersed wide shots of Kanye and Drake didn’t make the concert feel larger than life; instead, these faraway camera angles made the performers feel distinctly human, unlike their monolithic celebrity personas. The stage design was quirky, as if Kanye and Drake were rapping atop a bone-white UFO through an abundance of smoke and fog.

Unfortunately, this two-hour-long show felt lackluster due to Drake’s inferior setlist. Kanye brought out all of his classic hits, from “Gold Digger” to “Jesus Walks” to “Stronger.” In contrast, Drake told the crowd he came “to do new sh*t,” and sang a plethora of songs from his latest, mediocre album, Certified Lover Boy. While Kanye performed the cream of his discography’s crop, Drake only sparked audience interest when he sang crowd-favorite anthems like “Life is Good” and “God’s Plan.” Drake’s performance felt underwhelming because he mostly resisted performing his greatest hits–this, coupled with the bizarre stage design and poor cinematography, made the Larry Hoover Benefit Concert somewhat of a disappointment.

The most significant musical moments transpired when the artists covered each other’s songs. Kanye’s rendition of Drake’s “Find Your Love” exemplified the pairs’ reconciliation as Drake euphorically swung his arms and danced backstage as his idol performed his tune. The track’s boyish harmonies and impassioned dancehall-leaning groove left the audience deliriously screaming for more. Drake’s version of Kanye’s “24” angelically praised God’s glory, with Drake crooning to the crowd that “God’s not finished.” Complete with a robust backup choir and hauntingly melodic organ, Drake’s “24” was a beautifully chilling hymn.

It was delightful to see the two legends in each other’s good graces. Watching Kanye giddily sling his arm over Drake’s shoulder felt momentous as two cultural goliaths finally let their feud go. Unfortunately, the Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert wasn’t the perfect celebration because of the show’s underwhelming production choices and Drake’s subpar song selection. If you’re not already a fan of Drake or Kanye or weren’t invested in the duo’s tumultuous relationship, this concert is probably not for you. However, if you love hip-hop and know Drake and Kanye’s history, this televised event is a one-of-a-kind musical experience.