Rutgers in the Rain

93 Comments

When I stepped on stage to do this show, I had already been warned that rain was eminent. Regardless, I made up my mind to give the most explosive show possible given the circumstances. As it began to pour, stage hands and friends did their best to cover my favorite performance board – first with towels and then with plastic. Evan did his best to cover the camera with a green cloth (you’ll see it flapping in the clip) so that I could share this moment with all of you:

Despite the rain and the shortened set, I had a blast and made a note to always bring a change of clothes. My tee, jeans, socks, and shoes were still heavy with water after a 2-hour drive home.

Many thanks to the band who rocked out with me as their instruments were drenched. God bless everyone in the audience who pulled out their umbrellas, ponchos, or just got soaked the same way I did so that they could encourage me as I performed. I appreciate and love you all.

 

Posted: May 9th, 2009 | Under: Inspiration, Live

93 Comments on “Rutgers in the Rain”

  1. 1 Scott Bergstrom said at 4:40 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Thanks for the new video…it’s been too long…was starting to get worried!

  2. 2 Arka Der Stepanian said at 4:42 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Agree with Scott. Anyhow, it was wonderful to see some of your incredible energy. Can’t wait to see more of you again sometime soon!

  3. 3 Aaron Thandi said at 4:56 am on May 9th, 2009:

    That was amazing… The rain gave a kind of cinematic and grand feel to it, really portrayed the your energy and drive the way you still rocked out…

    Come to London!

  4. 4 Kiran M said at 5:02 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Poor Keyboard…Haha, thats some UK weather for real tho… Good u soldiered on.. The Show Must Go On!

    Lets make next month happen! been far too long bro’

  5. 5 Mounir Ben R said at 5:09 am on May 9th, 2009:

    the rain dont killed the show

  6. 6 Cornelius Johnson said at 5:11 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Yeah that’s what’s up! Love how you went into that good ol’ Boosty Collins! Easy B!!!

  7. 7 Ron Rockwell said at 5:16 am on May 9th, 2009:

    FROM WATCHING THIS CLIP, I JUST SAW INTO THE FUTURE. THIS IS THE GENISIS OF AN ICONIC CULTURAL FIGURE. PRINCE. MICHAEL JACKSON. MADONNA. U2. RYAN LESLIE! I’M ALMOST NEVER WRONG WHEN I PREDICT THE MAGNITUDE OF ANYTHING IN THIS CULTURE.

  8. 8 Pras Sean Devaughn said at 5:29 am on May 9th, 2009:

    This is crazy i luv the passion

  9. 9 Drew Lewis said at 5:41 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Kind of a somber ambiance with the piano playing in the background, but I ALWAYS enjoy the video moments. -MAIJIN

  10. 10 Jonathan Hwang said at 5:45 am on May 9th, 2009:

    sickkkkk!!! ridiculous.. an artist with a heart truly for its fans.

  11. 11 Gerald 'Geranimo' Dodson said at 6:01 am on May 9th, 2009:

    ayo Ryan! I got you 100 fans outta my 238! I believe in you and been supporting you since ‘06! Keep making Great music!!!!
    -Geranimo (your future videographer)

  12. 12 Ijeme Imolorhe said at 6:41 am on May 9th, 2009:

    You simply cannot be stopped! When you tweeted that there was rain i didn’t imagine it was that much. that’s dedication.
    Although, you probably shouldn’ t challenge your immune system so much. no hospital will let u put on a show from a hospital bed! (You seem like the kind of guy who would actually try!)

    I appreciate you singing ‘I’d rather be with you’. one of my faves and it was obvious to the crowd that you really meant that.

    They say that making a good piano soundboard involves putting the wood under an enormous stress and strain until it becomes pitch perfect. you’re just like that. You can turn even the most daunting situation into something beautiful. Most others would have walked away. Keep up the good work.

  13. 13 Facebook User said at 6:45 am on May 9th, 2009:

    love the commitment and enthusiasm R-LES. INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE.

  14. 14 Travis Valentine said at 6:51 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Nice – starting off with Quicksand. It looks like the students at Rutgers got a well-deserved, great show as well as a reminder to never give up, no matter the odds (or in this case, the elements).

  15. 15 Mathieu Ursule said at 7:27 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Amazing Man Ryan Leslie My Favorite singer!!

  16. 16 Facebook User said at 7:37 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Aww….Wow!!!!…true dedication Sir!…much respect….lol…that was sooooo gangster!…lol…Keep up the good work Sir, and stay humble enough to get close to your fans…God bless you!

  17. 17 Sean Mador said at 7:59 am on May 9th, 2009:

    haha wow this is an awesome vid and performance. Nice job Ryan!!! Nothin can stop you… not even the pouring rain. And props to Evan. Yal are insane!!!

  18. 18 Niyi Abomide said at 8:09 am on May 9th, 2009:

    That was beautiful….you show alot of passion as per usual. I got one of those Korg R3’s really good kit…Keep up the good work Ryan…!!! SpaceBoy

  19. 19 Jazzy Brown said at 8:14 am on May 9th, 2009:

    I loved your energy and performance…it really takes alot of power to do a great performance like that in the rain and dat shows dat theirs nothing impossible that you cant take on
    <3 Jazzy

  20. 20 Alfred L. Watkins III said at 8:15 am on May 9th, 2009:

    As a musician who has put his all into his music, As a creator that left all he has at the instrument, As a member of humanity that believes that notes of music strike chords of emotion… Ryan Leslie, just like myself, do it for the love of music and the joy it brings to whoever would listen! It’s an unselfish love… a love that is dependent on YOU. -Al Watkins III

  21. 21 Mi Gee said at 8:20 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Boys and girls, this is a lesson in dedication! Ryan Leslie in the rain, keeping it moving, and smiling when his instruments get ruined. LOVE IT!!!

  22. 22 Denise Behler said at 8:23 am on May 9th, 2009:

    lol @ what you did to your keyboard… like a rockstar^^

  23. 23 Joshua Lawrence said at 8:27 am on May 9th, 2009:

    R-Les! The Best. What it do, son loving the new music.

  24. 24 Jason Curren said at 9:19 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Legendary!!!

  25. 25 Facebook User said at 9:36 am on May 9th, 2009:

    That is unbelievable! Man Ryan, when are coming to San Diego, CA?! You are one of the best in the game right now, hands down. Rain, sleet, hail or snow, Ryan will give ya’ll a show.

  26. 26 Facebook User said at 9:52 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Simply.. WOW

    This is why iSupport the R-Les movement

    Keep doin ya thing Ryan, your unstoppable =]

    …x<3

  27. 27 Matthew St Clair said at 10:07 am on May 9th, 2009:

    keep ‘em coming Ryan!!!

  28. 28 Facebook User said at 10:07 am on May 9th, 2009:

    I was there and even though it was pourin t R Les kept us hyped..the energy was CrAzY!!!!

  29. 29 Marie Carleen Tatjana Leblanc said at 10:26 am on May 9th, 2009:

    wow..luv the clip…this showed how dedicated you are to performing and music of course…it madd..

  30. 30 Bill Reichert said at 10:29 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Like someone above said, its been a while since ive seen a posting and I was worried. Diamond Girl came on at a Cleveland Cavs playoff game I was at not once but twice. So happy to hear your music anywhere I go

  31. 31 Jon Escobar said at 10:37 am on May 9th, 2009:

    very dope…I wish I was still in Jersey to see it. It would have been nice to see at my alma mater…keep doing your thing

  32. 32 Ben DiNapoli said at 10:37 am on May 9th, 2009:

    “Do what you love and love what you do”…looks like you definitely love what you’re doing, and so we! Can’t wait for the album; keep locked in!!!

  33. 33 Bhavin Jansari said at 11:34 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Absolute RUSH!!!!!!
    High respect for your passion and love for keepin us fans happy :)

    Shame bout the keyboard but now you can go buy a better one! (jokes!)

    Keep it up and dont wait so long till you post the next vid ;)

    NS 4 LIFE BABY!!!!

  34. 34 Hrvoje Smoljić said at 11:36 am on May 9th, 2009:

    Incredible performance, Ryan you rock!
    Next selection!!! :D

  35. 35 Facebook User said at 11:37 am on May 9th, 2009:

    ahh mann, i cant imagine ever doing that to my R3

  36. 36 Dameron Mr Maestro Growe said at 12:11 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    Just thought I should tell you that your CD stays in constant rotation on my Ipod and CD player. We’re waiting for you to come to Dallas.

  37. 37 Emmanuel Osei said at 1:10 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    For real R-Les, I’ve been playing insturmentss for years but have never been more dedicated than now. Watching your love for music has really inspired me that your mind is the limitation on what you can do and innovate. Thanks for your passions. Will be in B- more to see you. Front and center. God bless.

  38. 38 Robbie Small said at 1:16 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    My Boy R.Les is like the mail man he delivers Rain,Sleet or Snow. Thats what im talkin bout!!!

  39. 39 Tahkyia Willis said at 1:20 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    ooooooooommmmmmmmgggggg! not the R3. omg…devastations!!!!!! damn…good job putting it down in the rain…omg..im not over the R3..u can use mine lol

  40. 40 Nancy Girguis said at 1:25 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    come visit SC in Los Angeles! =)

  41. 41 Nikolay Lazarov said at 2:47 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    WOW incredible performance! What a show!
    Ryan Leslie is the BEST!!!

  42. 42 Facebook User said at 3:02 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    I loved the whole rocking out with your piano part! That was so awesome Mr. Leslie. The entire performance was very energetic and inspirational. Can’t wait to see you live!

    ~Ms. Instrumental~

  43. 43 Justin Adams said at 3:53 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    crazy performance man…just crazy…LOVE IT!

  44. 44 Facebook User said at 4:20 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    #1 thts all i got to say Ryan Leslie rocks

  45. 45 Natalie Feldman said at 5:19 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    YOU (Ryan Leslie) never cease to amaze me!! I saw you perform @ FIU (Florida International University) and became an instant fan. Your performance was eclectic and moving but from watching this clip I realized it wasn’t just that particular performance @ FIU, it’s YOU, as a person and an artist. Watching you perform inspires me to accomplish my goals so that I can be as passionate as you are about what I do. You are amazing and I thank you : )

  46. 46 Facebook User said at 6:27 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    hi ryan my name is trista and i have a question for you. i was wondering what kind of internships do you have? also if someone was to call you would you answer?
    i love your music keep up the good work.

  47. 47 Karimah Farrell said at 6:31 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    Agree w/ #1…was a lil worried…even tho. i follow on twitter…NO new vids scared me!!
    Gr8 job but its a shame the keyboard cudnt survive! =D
    K…x.

  48. 48 Phumlani Mbokazi said at 6:51 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    luv th dedication 4 real 4 real!!!
    R.LES 4 Pres……

  49. 49 Krystal Brielle Gilbert said at 6:58 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    yup. you are officially the sexiest man alive! wit the rain and your wet shirt huggin your body and the muscles and the sexy voice and the…uh…let me quit, lol! YOU ROCKED IT!!!

  50. 50 Kahina كاهنة said at 7:09 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW IS ALL I GOTTA SAY MAN WE YOU’RE MY DIAMOND BOY ;)

  51. 51 Facebook User said at 7:26 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    So I really like that song ‘Valentine’ and thought I’d do a cover – here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxQvldzUk1I&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D3411476%26ref%3Dprofile&feature=player_embedded

  52. 52 Ashlee C said at 8:57 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    Probably the best performance I’ve seen yet. I was right there with you soaking in the rain, but it didn’t even matter. You gave a great show and really ended my junior year at Rutgers on a good note! Keep doin ya thing!! You are the besttttt

    ROCK OUT! whoooooo

  53. 53 Kevin B Jennings said at 9:26 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    Thanks for the video, homey. I was anxiously awaiting the next post… That was so crazy. Seriously, bro, watching this video makes me so proud to call myself a fan! Keep going hard! R-Les for Prez!

  54. 54 Larry Davis said at 10:24 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    HEY RYAN – AS USUAL YOU BROUGHT ELECTRICITY TO YOUR SHOW AND I WISH YOU ALL OF THE BEST, ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AND WORKING WITH YOU- LOVIN THE GIBBERISH JOINT- M.G. PRODUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL

  55. 55 Cindy 'Cuvée' Mai said at 10:34 pm on May 9th, 2009:

    Mista Leslie! Thank you so much for bringin down the gymnasium @ Stony tonight! No matter how many times I’ve seen you live, you still bring joy to my heart & tears to my eyes, especially when you talk about how you are a living testament to pursuing one’s dreams! You rocked it OUT despite the technical difficulties during Valentine! (PS: Stony Brook is known for having AV problems!) Thank you again & many blessings to you. I can’t wait to hear the new album!

  56. 56 Clarisse Adriana said at 12:27 am on May 10th, 2009:

    so passionate! gotta love ‘im lol loved how he put a little beyonce in there… (unless that’s from an older song i’m too young to kno about lol) and uh… sasquatch ending?!? lol

  57. 57 Theresa W. Garrett said at 12:50 am on May 10th, 2009:

    LOVED it!! Thank you for doing what you do. Can’t wait to see you in VA this June.

  58. 58 Theresa W. Garrett said at 12:51 am on May 10th, 2009:

    Oh and the invitation to graduation is still on the table…May 16th, 8am, NC Central University…See you there!

  59. 59 Tom Nguyen said at 11:12 am on May 10th, 2009:

    Ur an Inspiration, ur the Best example to let me know what someone can achieve when he follows his Dreams !!! Stay the way you are Ryan

  60. 60 Jill Coscarelli Pitre said at 11:55 am on May 10th, 2009:

    So good to see a new clip. High energy and mad passion as always. I loved that you stayed and rocked it out with the band. Some artists would have “diva”‘ed up and not performed in the rain. What a show for those fans! Always love you……when you coming to Phoenix?!

  61. 61 Kenniss Mc Donald said at 2:52 pm on May 10th, 2009:

    Exquisite performance met with unquenched dedication ……….continue being an inspiration for us all. Not even the weather can sooth your passion… RLes & Next selection music evolutionist…….. Bless.

  62. 62 Marq C said at 6:59 pm on May 10th, 2009:

    Loved the show and was inspired (As Usual)……….. MAY I HAVE THE DRENCHED BOARD? PLEASE! http://www.youtube.com/MarqCTV

  63. 63 Vincent Coakley said at 7:03 pm on May 10th, 2009:

    Wasssup Ryan, good video as usual. Can’t wait to check you out at the Tabernacle next month with Jasmine Sullivan. Hopefully you’ll rock it out just as you did there.

  64. 64 Christina Collier said at 11:16 pm on May 10th, 2009:

    Loved the clip!!! I loved how you kept going eventhough it was raining and your keyboard wasn’t working, that shows real passion for your craft and dedication to your fans!!!! You handled yourself like a true artist does and the crowd was showin’ you mad love!!! They did not care that it was rainin’. They came out for a great show, and that’s they got, and then some. Ryan, I can’t wait til you come to Cleve.,Ohio next month, 4 days ofter my birthday. Hopefuly I’ll get to see you in concert!!! Pray for me ya’ll!!! I do not want to miss this concert, cause I know it’s going to be awesome!!!

  65. 65 Nico Spyrou said at 2:48 am on May 11th, 2009:

    amazing Ryan – iconic status when you were holding the keyboard up to the crowd at the end. when are you coming ot the UK?!

  66. 66 LaRitta Norseweather said at 4:42 pm on May 11th, 2009:

    OMG Ryan…I was totally blown away by this particular performance!!! You are by far one of the MOST talented and passionate artist out there and I will ALWAYS support you. I CAN NOT wait until I see you live myself…and I will get nothing but FIRST row seats!!! PLEASE COME TO TEXAS!!!

  67. 67 Derrick Williams said at 8:48 pm on May 11th, 2009:

    Love your music man, wish I could rock with you haha, Until then keep up the faith and stay encouraged to change the world. Cuz your truly are doing it!

  68. 68 Raymond van der Giessen said at 1:12 pm on May 12th, 2009:

    Hi Ryan,
    Love the energy! Great for the ppl that took the efforts 2 be there for you in the rain.
    god bless.

  69. 69 Tatianah'T for Trendsetta'Green said at 7:16 pm on May 12th, 2009:

    Congrats RLes on the BET nomination!!!

  70. 70 Stephen Hough said at 12:08 pm on May 13th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan – surely the rain was imminent (meaning happening soon) not eminent (meaning esteemed)!
    Look at me correcting the english of the best thing to happen to R&B in years!

  71. 71 Xavier DeJesus said at 5:45 pm on May 13th, 2009:

    BOUT TIME U HAVE A NEW VIDEO RYAN!!!…lol thanx

  72. 72 Igor Bar said at 2:01 pm on May 14th, 2009:

    Dumb Ass, drop R3 on the ground; I hate when such Idiots handle so with Music Instruments!!

  73. 73 Tanisha Gardner-Haskins said at 10:44 pm on May 14th, 2009:

    Felt like I was there, except I was dry lol. Great performance. nothing like a live band. Love ya RL….

  74. 74 Franklyn Kakyire said at 6:50 am on May 15th, 2009:

    you’re fuckin’ crazy man ……i love it

  75. 75 Mujtaba Shaikh Ali said at 7:46 am on May 15th, 2009:

    R les Rocks when r u gonna release another album!!! and please please can u release the track “Rescue U” its amazing if ppl heard that song it wud like be the greatest love song ever released!!

  76. 76 Zena Nyxon' said at 6:16 pm on May 15th, 2009:

    speechless, dear.

  77. 77 Facebook User said at 1:14 pm on May 16th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan! I got the great honor to see you perform at my school! Rutgers was SO excited to see you and we all stuck through the rain to watch you, an amazing individual, perform. Thank you for your dedication :) I absolutely LOVE your music and keep it up <333 Karen.

  78. 78 Daniel Black said at 8:52 am on May 18th, 2009:

    One word……Amazing! Mr. Leslie has done it again! I know u were kinda blown the midi keys got wet! lol i was waitin for the solo!

  79. 79 Facebook User said at 5:21 pm on May 28th, 2009:

    AWESOME!!

  80. 80 Facebook User said at 10:29 pm on May 28th, 2009:

    Ryan.. I was there watching you perform.. you are amazing. You get so in the zone when you perform- it was so worth it to get wet in the rain. Do you remember me though? I was the girl who shouted out to you “RYAANN!!’” when you were exiting from the back.. you blew me a kiss and then got in your jeep. I couldn’t see you then but I stood there watching hoping I would get to see you once more but then I didnt want to scare you.. haha so I left :( but I am determined to meet you again.. I know I will. I just want to be able to tell you in person how good I think you are. Love you muchos!

  81. 81 Christal Alicia said at 6:02 pm on May 29th, 2009:

    I was so upset I couldnt be there! I had track practice; yu were in my hometown ogosh much love r-les! come back

  82. 82 Nicholas Jones said at 12:36 pm on May 30th, 2009:

    you are truly an inspiration. liked the video, and im glad you stayed out in the rain to perform for the fans.

  83. 83 Keyur Patel said at 12:04 pm on June 3rd, 2009:

    i was there in the pourin rain and r.les you did work big time!
    that was good shit

  84. 84 Ikeda Walker Williams said at 1:13 pm on June 3rd, 2009:

    Wow, musical genius! Rutgers in the rain just about had me in tears. From a true music lover, how often do you see a true artist such as Ryan?

  85. 85 Allison Wilson-Lubonski said at 12:16 pm on June 5th, 2009:

    a standing ovation to you. not many artists will face the rain with their fans and give a raw, inspiring performance.

  86. 86 G.No Gardelino said at 4:15 am on June 8th, 2009:

    G.No aka The Latin Bird LatinRnB remix of RYAN LESLIE song “something that I like”!

    FREE DOWNLOAD: http://bit.ly/17NpwI

    More Infos: http://www.gardelino.com/g.no

  87. 87 Facebook User said at 2:23 pm on June 9th, 2009:

    Amazing…. thats true dedication to your fans i have a lot of respect for you r.les you set Jersey off =) keep doing what your doing…

  88. 88 Ife Anikpe said at 8:35 pm on June 25th, 2009:

    RYAN!!! I was there at rutgersfest! You actually waved at me. I was the girl who was waving ur CD. I completely freaked out, crying and everything, never thinking Id be the type of gurl or person to react in such a way.

    Im a youngun at 19 but I truly appreciate your musical talent, instrument selection, lyrics, and all! You had me from the moment I saw ur youtube videos.

    And I heard you on V103 this afternoon. The new song u dropped was crazy!!! Cant wait for the nxt album this fall!!

  89. 89 Facebook User said at 11:44 am on June 30th, 2009:

    I just wanted to say—-You put it Downnnn in Richmond, VA!!!!! Wish YOU could have been on stage the whole concert ;0)
    Love your work…keep believing in your dream and giving us that GOOD MUSIC!!!!

  90. 90 Liz Dove Villagran said at 1:41 am on July 6th, 2009:

    Drenched from head to toe and you still didn’t hold back from giving a great performance. I can watch you move to your music for hours whether it’s a video of a performance or you coming up with one of your many amazing concoctions in the studio. I especially love how you really get into it with jumps, nods, waving arms, and every other crazy motion you throw in there. It really brings a lot to your music. Everything together makes it embracing.

  91. 91 Tom David Lilley said at 9:43 pm on July 22nd, 2009:

    hahah thast brilliant. when ur walking in the rain at the end, it kinda reminds me of that famous big foot video footage HAHA :)

  92. 92 Marcus A. Godfrey said at 7:30 am on July 26th, 2009:

    That performance really puts you in an totally different lane…For you to continue the set in the rain is purely iconic, then to smash your keyboard was just over-the-top Jimi Hendrix-ish…Wow. You are in a different lane. Not too many artist will dare the elements to connect with their fans. That’s why I purchased your album regardless if I listened to many of the tracks via your studio sessions. You’ve got the blueprint for reviving record sells. Keep going.

  93. 93 Charles Dickson said at 7:42 pm on August 12th, 2009:

    the ending was HISTORIC….KEEP GOOD MUSIC ALIVE!!!

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