Review: Kodak Black’s Just Getting Started Era Hits Ft. Lauderdale

It was a packed house for Bill Kill at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale last night, as fans filled the venue shoulder to shoulder, waiting nearly two hours for Kodak Black to take the stage. The delay didn’t dampen the crowd’s energy — if anything, it heightened it.

From the photo pit, the anticipation was electric. When Kodak finally made his entrance, he appeared above the stage — overlooking the entire room — a dramatic arrival that made it clear everyone would see him the moment he stepped into the spotlight. The crowd erupted as he launched into “Senseless,” his 2021 single that still hits hard with its mix of defiance and emotion.

His new album, Just Getting Started was released on October 31. It opens with “Project Blue,” a reflective track about making peace with his past. The album also features collaborations with Gunna, Pharrell, Lil Yachty, and Don Toliver, showcasing Kodak’s evolution while staying grounded in the raw energy and authenticity that define his sound.

From behind the lens, the balance between toughness and vulnerability was striking. One moment, Kodak commanded the stage with swagger; the next, there was a glimpse of introspection. On “Still Get Chanel,” featuring Chance the Rapper, he expresses love not through words but through gifts and designer names like Chanel and Celine — classic Kodak: a hard exterior with a soft core.

“Keys to the City” was another standout moment. Kodak actually received the key to the city of Pompano Beach for his philanthropic work — including paying rent for more than 200 struggling families — but onstage, he turned that honor into an anthem of pride and power. The lyrics became a declaration of loyalty, hustle, and ownership, a message that resonated with the crowd.

Throughout the night, he also ran through fan favorites like “ZEZE” and “Wake Up in the Sky,” each one stirring huge reactions. He closed with undeniable crowd-pleasers: “Super Gremlin” and “No Flockin,” sending the night out on a high.

Photographing the show from the pit wasn’t easy — the space was tight, the lighting constantly shifting — but every frame told a story. From Kodak’s elevated entrance to fans pressed forward in a frenzy, the night was pure energy and emotion. Raw, reflective, and unapologetic, Kodak showed once again that while he’s grown, he’s Just Getting Started.