A powerful showing of West Coast rap

Radio station shows usually try to throw as many artists on the bill as possible. Power 106, however, went for quality over quantity at its annual Powerhouse show Saturday at the Arrowhead Pond with just five acts -- Snoop Dogg, the Game, Busta Rhymes, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and NB Ridaz (by comparison, the KROQ Weenie Roast the same day featured 17).

It worked because of the strength of the artists, all of whom were given time to stretch out. And by allotting Snoop 90 minutes in the closing spot, the night built to a proper headliner.

Following a brief opening set from Arizona’s NB Ridaz, the veteran Cleveland act Bone Thugs got fans on their feet quickly. The near-capacity crowd remained standing for a 40-minute showcase by Brooklyn’s Busta Rhymes and his frequent MC companion Spliff. While mixing a variety of beats, Rhymes capitalized on his high-energy showmanship and fast-paced flow.

West Coast rap took center stage at Powerhouse with Compton’s the Game, the West’s newest platinum star, and Long Beach’s Snoop.

Showcasing material from his Aftermath debut, “The Documentary,” the Game (real name: Jayceon Taylor) used his authoritative vocal style against the more methodical beats of the album’s title track and “Westside Story.” He also showed surprising poignancy during “Start From Scratch,” a song dedicated to a fallen friend.

It was an impressive performance, one that only a pro such as Snoop, who received a hero’s welcome, could follow. Backed by a live band and multiple DJs, Snoop reminded why he became a pop culture icon, drawing on classic material and more recent fare that showed that his laid-back style and sound, which combines elements of R&B; and gangsta-style rap, remains unique.