NEW YORK — The King of the South ruled the Big Apple last night as T.I. brought a live band to lower Manhattan's Capitale to perform a "secret show" sponsored by Axe deodorant body spray. The show was Tip's first since returning home from prison several months ago.

Wearing a hoodie, Tip addressed the crowd from the side of the stage before coming out. "Y'all act like y'all scared to get this muthaf---a started," he said. Moments later, the King came out to "I'm Back." Tip took off his hood to reveal a red Anaheim Angels hat, then started "Beat Down Low."

The star of the upcoming film "Takers" (due August 24) then leveled the venue with a flurry of his street classics including "Rubber Band Man," "24s," "Ride Wit Me" and "U Don't Know Me." The transitions were seamless and Tip was in prime form, sounding crisp and full of energy. The Grammy winner did take a couple of breaks though, to let his guests rock.

Cam'ron came out for one of his signature bangers, "I Really Mean It." Then the head of the Diplomats and the U.N. introduced fellow Harlem native Vado for "Speaking in Tungs." "This is king amongst kings," Tip said. "Since I had the King of Harlem, I had to bring out the King of Brooklyn."

Maino was then introduced and performed his platinum hit "All the Above."

Tip then shared a mini-set with his Grand Hustle artist B.o.B. First Bob came out for Paper Trail's "On Top of the World" and stayed for his collabo with Tip "Bet I Bust." T.I. then handed over the full reigns of the stage to the man with the alias of Bobby Ray. And B.o.B pulled out his number-one guns with "Nothing on You" and "Airplanes."

Tip returned and asked could he get his grown man on. Mary J. Blige then came out to the stage for "Don't Forget Me" and "Good Love."

When Tip was at a point in the concert when some artists began to falter and lose the fans' attention, T.I. went in the opposite direction and turned up the dial.

Swizz Beatz came out for "Fancy" and the audience yelled along, "You fancy, huh?" The enthusiasm was maintained on possibly the most energetic two records of the night: the Tip/Swizz collaborations "Bring Em Out" and "Swing Your Rag."

From there, the catalog kept rolling with vintage records like "Swagger Like Us," "ASAP" and "Live Your Life."

Keri Hilson was the last guest to perform, with "Got Your Back." And as the night came to a close, Tip kept his attention on the ladies with "Whatever You Like."

Friends and fans alike are still buzzing about T.I.P.'s secret show. Find out what Hilson, Yelawolf and others are saying and join the conversation on our RapFix blog.