Drake and J. Cole wow old and new fans at PPG Paints Arena

Two legends can co-exist, and they did it Friday night as the Drake with J. Cole: It’s All A Blur Tour-Big As The What? hit the PPG Paints Arena stage for the first of two nights.

It might have been snowy and cold outside, but Drake and J. Cole brought the heat, literally and figuratively as multiple fireworks and flames went up after popular songs. From old fans to newcomers, there was something to appreciate.

Drake took on the theme of the Super Bowl or a football game, coming out in a jersey that donned a star. The theme was complete with football field stage images, cheerleaders and an opening from ESPN “First Take” host Stephen A. Smith.

Drake’s first songs started off with “Virginia Beach” and then consisted of top charting hits like “Marvins Room,” “Teenage Fever,” “Feel No Ways,” “The motto,” “Headlines” and “Know Yourself.” A drumline band played “Trophies” from his “Young Money: Rise of an Empire” album.

Drake also performed songs from “For All The Dogs,” including “Daylight.”

Each song seemed to build more momentum — from “Energy” to “Sicko mode,” what made the night even more spectacular was the use of sometimes raunchy props like a huge brassiere that took up at least a quarter of the stage and inspired an audience member to throw their own onto the stage.

Drake danced on stage and sang directly to the audience, expressing his appreciation for his fans — particularly his Pittsburgh fanbase.

This tour is a reminder that not only does Drizzy have hit after hit for an OG fan, but also shows his growth and progression as an artist.

In true Drake fashion, he had in-depth, even emotional, monologues between songs focusing on the importance of understanding that you don’t know what the person next to you is going through, and the need for empathy. The monologues flowed with genuine appreciation from the audience, followed by the chance for audience members to dance and vibe out.

They were the perfect interlude, all to the background of Drake classics like “Controlla,” “Passion Fruit,” and “Find Your Love.” As people danced, Drake flew up above in a large lighted box, keeping the crowd on their feet the entire night.

It was amazingly fun.

Just as the music began to fade in the background, another ESPN announcement flashed across the Jumbotron, this time introducing the next player, J. Cole.

He began his set with “Middle Child” and followed with “Wet Dreamz.”

The crowd went wild when J. Cole rapped “G.O.M.D” from “2014 Forest Hills Drive.” As the songs became more intimate, Cole grabbed a seat on a stool and rapped, and at times sang during “Love Yourz.” Cellphone flashlights lit up the arena.

When the sounds sped up, you either recalled or were introduced to the greatness that is J. Cole. The founder of Dreamville Records has an authentic cadence to rap that translates to poetry at times for his fast flows and raw sound that’s reminiscent of the talent and energy of rap ciphers in Queens or Brooklyn, places familiar for the alumnus of St. John’s University. When Cole is rapping, it’s necessary to take a moment to appreciate his style and talent, like during “The Secret Recipe,” by Lil Boat, followed by “No Role Modelz.”

A beautiful moment of the show was when both artists came on stage together, singing hits that they have collaborated on from 2010 to now — “In the Morning,” “First Person Shooter,” and “Pipe Down.” The feeling of brotherhood, friendship and overall rooting for each other translated throughout the atmosphere in the arena. It was also serendipitous that this moment was happening during Black History Month, as often throughout hip-hop culture, there is division and competitiveness, rather than the comradery that was on stage Friday.

Even after J. Cole and Drake’s performance together, Drake continued to give the fans all he had, going into some of the songs from his album with 21 Savage, “Her Loss,” and a few songs with SZA like “Slime You Out,” where an unfortunate fan was slimed with a vat of green slime.

Lil Durk opened for the artists, singing his hits “Back in Blood,” “Every Chance I Get” and “All My Life” featuring J. Cole.

The night really was as big as the Super Bowl for those in attendance.

Tickets are still available for Saturday’s show. For more information, click here.