Rapper Fetty Wap gives free concert for students in his hometown of Paterson

PATERSON, N.J. (WABC) -- Crowds gathered in Paterson Friday evening for a free concert from a hometown singer.

Rapper Fetty Wap performed for hundreds of students, in the city where he grew up.

The mega-rapper is now giving back to his hometown. Fetty Wap, whose real name is Willie Maxwell, has given the students of Paterson a sense of pride. The football field at PS 15 has been rocking.

"I'm just so glad he came back to the city and did us right," said Christopher Foreman.

Every student had to show either a school ID or report card to get into the show. Each one got a wrist band as the lines stretched down the block, but the process of getting into the stadium moved with relative ease, even through the security process.

The students were excited to see Fetty for free. "It's good because you don't have a lot of celebrities that come back to the neighborhood, and it's good he gave back to us, a free concert. Celebrities don't do that," said Kiara Hall.

Fetty Wap's welcome home has left quite an impression on his hometown fans.

"It symbolizes urban America, and that if you believe in your dream and pursue your dream, you can reach your goals and that's Fetty's story," said Paterson Mayor Joey Torres.

Each of the students received a backpack of school supplies when they leave. But they close out the summer of 2015 with a show that puts Paterson in the entertainment spotlight.

Police Director Jerry Speziale told NJ.com officials were prepared in case some mistake the concert as free for the general public. The Thursday event was free for Paterson high-school students.

City officials were worried they would be swamped by teens for the show but 500 tickets remained unclaimed on Wednesday.

The ticket giveaway failed to draw crowds on Monday and Tuesday.

To help with the ticket distribution, the school district was expected to provide city officials with a list of all students who are enrolled.

Fetty Wap performed at Bauerle Field.

(Some information from the Associated Press.)