Kanye West and Q-Tip play secret Knitting Factory show

The evening's lineup was rooted in Kanye's GOOD Music Records, featuring label mates Big Sean and Consequence among the openers. But before Kanye himself materialized halfway through the latter's set, with Q-Tip following a few songs later, the night played out like Waiting For Godot with beats and rhymes: More than three DJs and six acts (Goldie Lookin' Chain was set to perform as well but canceled) went on before the grand finale.

Harlem native and opening act 88-Keys didn't help matters when he announced that Kanye would be joining him on stage for "Stay Up (Viagra)." It wouldn't have been a stretch-- Kanye collaborated on the track and served as executive producer on the album-- but instead Keys took the opportunity to take a Be Kanye Pill and came out wearing Kanye's signature sweater and Max Headroom glasses while lip synching his lines.

But it was evident that Kanye wasn't in Chicago when he peeked out from the balcony to catch Kid Cudi (by far the best opener) rhyme. When Q-Tip and West finally appeared, it was about as monumental as expected. Girls screamed, camera phones flashed and the show truly felt like a homecoming for Q-Tip more than his stage mate, and if his live performance was any indication, his next album should be worth the 8-year wait.