Descending upon Hyde Park to a sea of people wearing plastic bald caps, aviator shades, white shirts, and ties, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd stumbled upon a bizarre new London cult. And you probably have: introducing the Pitbull concert experience.
What began as a niche internet joke has taken on a life of its own thanks to the power of social media and a viral campaign spearheaded by Radio 1 DJ Greg James.
© RedfernsPitbull's American Express presents BST Hyde Park gig resulted in the Cuban American rapper achieving a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people wearing bald caps – and I was one of them.
The cult of Pitbull
The chart-topping star has developed something of a cult-like draw, especially with millennial women. It seems so unlikely when his songs are filled with misogynistic, overtly sexual lyrics like "she said she won’t, but I bet she will" and backing dancers "twerking in their bras and thongs" (to quote his seminal hit, 'Timber').
However, a quick scroll through social media shows that millennial women everywhere are claiming the concert was the best night of their lives, better than their wedding days, and was even akin to a religious experience.
© RedfernsPitbull's music is reminiscent of a happier time when music (and life) was just about partying and having fun. His hits are catchy, over-the-top anthems with big beats, made to get people on the dancefloor; they don't take themselves too seriously, just like the self-professed Mr. 305.
The rapper promised us a party, and the crowd happily obliged.
Don't Stop the Party!
Pitbull certainly brought the party to Hyde Park, with a set list jam-packed with certified 2000s bangers. I danced the night away to songs buried in the back of my mind, including 'Don’t Stop the Party' and 'Hotel Room Service', unlocking memories from sticky-floored nightclubs.
Is there anyone Pitbull hasn’t collaborated with? He blazed through an endless stream of chart-topping hits featuring chorus vocals from megastars including Jennifer Lopez, Usher, and Christina Aguilera.
© RedfernsThe rapper brought two of his favourite collaborators on stage with him, including close friend Lil Jon, who has joined him on the road for his global I’m Back tour, successfully getting the crowd 'Jumpin' in unison.
A personal highlight saw Pitbull joined by BST support act Kesha to perform 'Timber' live for the first time together in 13 years.
The anthems of my youth created the ultimate party playlist worthy of dusting off your old iPod Mini. Pitbull also reserved a couple of surprises for the UK crowd, including a very unexpected rendition of Wonderwall.
Dancing the night away in 31-degree heat, sweating under a plastic bald cap with a soul patch drawn on my chin, I’ve never cared less about how I looked at a gig. In true millennial style, we also experienced some of the longest bar queues I've ever seen at BST.
© Getty ImagesPitbull left 'speechless'
Pitbull seemed genuinely emotional when he thanked all his "baldies" for helping him beat the world record. The star also set the record for the highest recorded attendance for a BST Hyde Park show to date, bringing together a staggering 69,999 fans.
No one seemed more surprised at becoming a viral sensation three decades into his career than Mr Worldwide himself. "I'm just taking it all in," an emotional Pitbull told the crowd.
© Redferns"It's hard for me to say I'm speechless. But all I can think of right now is what my family went through in order for me to be able to be someone free.
"An immigrant family out of Cuba. To be able to pursue my dream and be on the stage like this, represent with all the baldies around the world. This is priceless. There's no way I can say thank you. There are no words I can say what I feel right now."
In a world where modern artists' personas are so carefully curated, Pitbull is authentically himself. The 45-year-old rapper is clearly still having the time of his life onstage, and it certainly inspired this millennial woman to let loose for one evening.
