Anticipation grew for fans waiting as the queen of rap took an extra hour to start her show, chanting her name as they jump to their feet, quickly singing along as soon as the smoke cleared.

As a solo artist, Nicki Minaj has steadily risen to prominence as one of the best female rappers in the world. Minaj sold out her very last show in the U.S. at Concord Pavilion, on her headlining tour The Pink Print.

Openers Dej Loaf and Tinashe were first on stage to kick things off before Rae Sremmurd really got the crowd going by throwing out beach balls and performing their 15-minute set with their most popular hit single “No Flex Zone.”

Minaj chose to open up with the powerful personal song, “All Things Go,” which deeply corresponds with the familiar feeling of love, loss and recovery. It made sense for Minaj to open up with that particular song that senses a mourning and grief; which is a major theme with the entire new album, “The Pink Print.”

From the subtle and deep opener “All Things Go,” to the popular upbeat rap featuring Beyoncé, “Feeling Myself,” to the hit throwback “Moment 4 Life,” Minaj indulged in her own unique musical variety. She surprised fans with a display of her own vocal dexterity with “Save Me,” from her 2010 debut, and another single from her new album, “Grand Piano.”

She thrilled the crowd with a dive into her older music with songs like “BedRock” and “40 Bars,” that seemingly would have stayed on stage all night if time did not permit so. Nicki also continued her tradition of speaking to the crowd on matters and issues that are important to her. Nicki often has a message that she wants to send out and share with her fans and this concert was no exception. Nicki spoke with emotion and conviction regarding her belief that women should be strong and independent. Nicki stated that women should never rely on a man to define who they are, she stated women must stand on their own and create their own success, she stressed the importance of staying in school, getting an education and from this a good job and career. This is such an important message for Nicki to be sharing with her fans, especially all the young women in the audience that value her input and guidance.

From her very first album Pink Friday, to Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded and the current Pinkprint; Ms. Minaj’s collection of hits, is unstoppable. For the short time that she had on stage, It was very impressive with how many songs she fit in her performance (not to also mention costume changes). Of course the crowd loves the fun and upbeat “Anaconda” and “Super Bass” but everyone lived for the moments when Nicki took us way down memory lane. Nicki gave an ode to the dedicated fans since 2008. Teasing us with her pre-YMCMB days, laying out various tracks off of her old mix tapes and remixes. She then broke out into her early YMCMB with songs “Your Love” and “Right Thru Me.”

Overall, Nicki’s performance was an incredible, inspiring and empowering one. Nicki had everyone on their feet the entire night with her dominating presence, immaculate flow and infectious smile. Of all places for The Pinkprint Tour in the U.S. to come to an end – the Bay Area was the lucky city for that final and outstanding show. And I can assure you, all fans there were honored to be a part of it.