I can count on one hand the number of Hip-Hop artists that put on a good live show, but for a show to have all three acts perform well is unheard of in any genre. Ladies and Gentleman introducing Smoke Dza, Curren$y Spitta, and Mississippi’s own Big K.R.I.T. The Hip-Hop trifecta is often attempted, yet rarely achieved, but the other night at SOB’s was the rare occasion it happened.
The Harlem native Smoke Dza opened the show with a gripping wave of energy, pouring all he had into a passionate and commanding set. The mood was set for the night as Smoke was offered a doobie from an audience member during his first song, resulting in a Kush cloud that lingered for the rest of night. It’s a beautiful thing when the opening act has as much talent as the headliner.
Curren$y hailing from New Orleans, has made quite a name for himself, if not for his vivid word play, it would be for his stage show. His charm and humor makes it feel less like a concert and more like a conversation between good friends. Spitta starts the set right with portly doob, and then proceeds to rip through his set. Spitta often signals the DJ to cut the background music, giving his performance a spoken word vibe, and intimate look at the view from his helicopter rocking chair. Did I mention the Kush cloud?
As Big K.R.I.T. walks upon the stage cognac in hand, he bears a striking resemblance to another Mississippi rapper; David Banner. And like David Banner, K.R.I.T. produces his own tracks. There is something to be admired of an emcee that writes meaningful lyrics and produces hard knock beats in the age of just add water radio friendly jingles. K.R.I.T. and a large member of his entourage hit the stage with a speaker-thumping tune. K.R.I.T. destroyed the first song with staccato bars in a perfect rhythm. Although Big K.R.I.T. put on a confident stage show, that confidence melted into sincere desire when speaking of his goal to put Mississippi on the map of southern Hip-Hop. If Big K.R.I.T. continues to write, produce and perform the quality of music heard the other night, that desire will easily evolve into reality.
Images by Patrick Sykes-Craig for Parlé Magazine
LeeLee
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