Early On, It Was Quite a Show

Until the violent outburst that ended the concert Sunday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Summer Jam was a celebration of the strong creative and commercial state of R&B; and hip-hop these days. The show’s opening act, Amerie, is coming off a Top 10 debut on the Billboard album chart with her “All I Have.”

The lineup, which ranged from hot R&B; newcomers such as Avant and Tweet to established hip-hop icons Snoop Dogg and LL Cool J, was as impressive as any concert venture in Southern California this summer and avoided the lulls of most daylong radio station shows.

In only three songs, Atlanta native Tweet, backed by an eight-piece band that included three female vocalists, displayed an appealing stage presence and the shy, yet sultry personality that permeates her debut album, “Southern Hummingbird.”

Of the divas though, none shone more than Truth Hurts, the Dr. Dre discovery who just released her first CD, “Truthfully Speaking.” Dressed in white shorts, white boots and a white blouse, Truth Hurts combined a commanding persona with a playful side that won over the crowd, particularly the ladies.

She delivered a half-hour set that proudly displayed old-school influences. If the songs, save for the single “Addictive,” which featured a guest appearance by rapper Rakim, didn’t have the same forcefulness, her banter and stage command made an impression.

On the hip-hop side, the show was, of course, incomplete, as the two hot young guns, Ja Rule and Nelly, never took the stage.

New Orleans rapper Mystikal, notable for his gruff vocal delivery, proved to be a crowd favorite during his 45-minute stint but it was an old lion that roared loudest.

Playing early in the afternoon, Snoop Dogg turned in a masterly 45-minute set. Drawing on classics such as “Gin and Juice” and new material, Snoop reminded just how fluid and effortless he makes his sing-song rhymes. He also appeared very spry, clad in gray sweat shorts and a gray tank top, dancing around on stage.

It’s the type of memory that people should’ve left Summer Jam with instead of the violence by a few that left the day incomplete for the many.