Kanye West dominated the final night of the annual South By Southwest music conference and festival on Saturday in Austin, Texas.
The rapper was expected to perform at the event, but was not officially announced as part of the lineup earlier in the evening. His presence was soon confirmed when he took the stage beneath a tent as part of a party sponsored by Fader Magazine and Levi’s.
His lengthy set alternated songs with lesser known rappers from his G.O.O.D. Music record label, including Consequence and Kid Cudi.
“It feels so good to rock for you tonight,” said West, who also streamed the concert online.
His set ended with appearances from Common and Erykah Badu, both of whom were cheered wildly by the thousands in attendance.
A few hours later, West also made an unexpected appearance at gossip blogger Perez Hilton’s party, held a few block north in downtown Austin in a converted grocery store. Hosted by the celebrity gossip blogger, the party has become one of the bigger private events at SXSW.
West performed a handful of songs (this time without guests) and said he respected Hilton (whose real name is Mario Lavandeira) for being “real” even when he has made fun of the rapper.
