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Korn, the Game, Nas, +44 Rock Youth Volunteers in Hollywood

Last Friday, 3,000 very excited teenagers packed into Hollywood’s Kodak Theater—home of the Oscars—to see an exclusive concert by Korn, the Game, Rise Against, Young Jeezy, and +44 (featuring Mark Hoppus and, when he’s not injured, Travis Barker from blink-182). The star-studded Boost Mobile RockCorps concert, hosted by Nick Cannon, was a reward to Los Angeles-area volunteers (largely youth) who logged at least four hours of time in communities like South Central L.A., fixing up basketball courts in playgrounds, picking up trash from vacant lots, and giving a fresh coat of paint to a rundown community center, among other activities.

Despite energetic sets from +44 and Rise Against, and an elaborate and intense closing set by Korn, the rappers dominated the evening in both stage time and crowd response. Native son the Game literally brought the roof down—or at least a part of it—when his relentless bass dislodged a light bulb from the ceiling and sent it smashing to the feet of an unflappable usher.

In addition to the announced headliners, fans were also treated to guest appearances by Nas, Xzibit, and the Fixxers (DJ Quik and AMG).

RockCorps volunteers were responsible for around 40,000 hours of community service in 8 cities last year; this year, the program has expanded to 13 cities. In each city, marquee live performances will be offered in exchange for four hours of service—"Got 2 Give 2 Get," as the organization’s slogan goes. Judging by all the people leaping out of their seats at the Kodak for several hours, the concert was a satisfactory reward.

—Adam McKibbin
04.03.07