As a first-time Power 105.1 Powerhouse 2013 attendee, I walked into Brooklyn’s shiny new Barclays Center with admittedly subdued expectations for the night’s events–outside of the same ol’ backstage hustle and bustle. But Hot 97 Summer Jam’s estranged equivalent proved to be a fresh balance of new talent and royal surprises.

After a slow start with R&B’s rebellious souls Sevyn and K. Michelle and a short but meaningful set from Big Sean, Philly’s own Meek Mill aimed “Dreams And Nightmares” at the crowd, finally laying the groundwork for what would be an energetic night. The first of the evening’s major surprises was the blonde-haired Queen Barbie herself, Nicki Minaj, who appeared for Meek’s “Dope Dealer” before launching into “I Wanna Be With You” and “Tap Out” for a roaring audience. [Editor’s Note: Jadakiss, Guordan Banks and SBOE helped out the MMG soldier as well.]

A$AP Mob kept things rolling with hits like “Work” and “Shabba Ranks.” But the arena’s energy lulled during Fabolous’ onstage appearance (sorry, Brooklyn), even though Nicki came out for round 2.

Perhaps due to time constraints, the lineup seemed disheveled, and no more was that fact apparent than when a gold chain-dripping 2 Chainz two-stepped and whipped his way across the stage. Running through a solid, 30-minute list of old and new gems–”No Lie,” “Used 2,” “Feds Watching,” “Birthday Song,” and “Where U Been?” included–Tity Two Necklaces made it clear he was the main event and probably should’ve been saved for closer to last.

Sure, the ladies’ excitement heightened following the ATL rapper’s high-energy dance set (insert Trey Songz’s set and bare chest here), but once Kendrick Lamar and his TDE cohorts arrived, a serious but anticipating calm washed over the crowd.

Schoolboy Q slightly warmed things back up with “Hands On The Wheel” and “Collard Greens” before King Kendrick took his rightful spot on Jay Z’s brick-and-mortar throne. But while most of the set was predictable (I’ve seen him perform four times now), the guy who outwardly proclaimed himself “The King of New York” paid respect to the home of the greatest rappers by bringing out Lil Kim for classic hits, “Get Money” and “All About The Benjamins.” Shocker, much?

Apparent questions aside (was this a middle finger-style collab directed at Drake?), the moment Kendrick embraced the original Queen Bee, one thing thing became painfully clear: Compton’s good kid has mad control over the game whether you like it or not. –Niki McGloster