In order to drive oneself to new heights – you must obsess. Moderately, everything arrives in due time. The contextual irony cloaked within the bubbling progression shown by lowkey Nas of my generation amounts to Don’t Feed the Pigeons. One to cause contemplation, it truly remains an honor and a privilege to witness YL’s progression.
Carrier Pigeon v. Passenger Pigeon
Heretofore, any endeavor relies upon its core components. The way that YL of the RRR Music Group drops content tends to resonate. Indubitably, he facilitates his functions with multiple cryptic previews and properly timed balance of project releases. Again, core components derive from learning all facets of music – production, promotion, precision. Intellectually appealing aesthetics and scenarios never hurt either.
Aside: As a thorough interviewer and journalist – I pay attention to my surroundings. Twice a week, time is spent at the Empire State Plaza displays and interesting walks of life. Ironically, many public moments with her occur in the opposite manner – as if surrounding glances hold absolutely no weight. Yet it goes to show how incredibly poignant Upstate NY foliage genuflects the rhythmic nature of existence.
Additionally, the simplistic nature of mathematical musical lens’ lends generously beneficial outcomes. Simply done, YL provides ample time to build up hype revolving around upcoming releases. “Illusions” proved worthwhile with staying power as a skit and small verse sample hit airwaves last October. Clearly, this album serves reminiscent of previous intellectually calculated releases with thematic imagery via intros/skits/outros too.
Artistically, one of the first, Pigeon singles to drop made its way onto timelines one month before RRR dropped their project titled after their music group.
Wholeheartedly, the most ideal characteristic about thee Triple R timing propels any life joy. One thing is for sure – two for certain – any listener cannot hear their collections and resist the urge to feel. The feeling elicited by some of these smooth synchronous samples creeps up on a meticulous listener and hits ‘em where it counts.
Contextually, many of YL’s albums released within just the right era to help me navigate dark times. The songs have carried cruises for extended views and such. Alas, nobody needs to brave this world or music industry alone – big shouts to Waqas.Ghani [RRR Orchestrator] Also loved was a Roper Williams reunion – the top rope from whence the producer duo struck!
Among the highlights of Don’t Feed the Pigeons: YL lets the beat speak on Nothing’s Changed ft. Ankhlejohn, YL says: “Gettin poppin on some present day fame – kind of strange how you hate but stuck in the same place,” and Beat says: “Guess nothing’s changed”
‘Tis impossible to undermine the magnitude of giving space to three man weave with the beat speak.
Real artists make you look inward via introspection. With that being said, i find it very intriguing the way in which @youngwhybaby approaches the notion of $20 pic.twitter.com/mQczHClIUL
“Can’t dwell on what it once was – you finally getting bread that’s wassup.” – YL consistently taps in and touches upon thematic lines. He simply rearranges placements and tests out pockets where words, phrases and lingo might interact more beneficially.
Seemingly, his concept of $20 has escalated to $100 on this project – listen closely.
“$100 dollars on the floor Y’s it seem like a test?”
When it comes to making music, everyone charts different territory through various methods of approach. Some people choose to pay homage to those that came before them in order to emulate and reciprocate greatness. Such is the case with Roc Marciano, a smooth operator out of the 100 Block of Terrace Avenue in Hempstead.
Growing up in Hempstead was rough for this New Yorker but he managed to climb his way out of the, “city in the suburbs.” His residing area receives major attribution for the direction of his approach, style and taste within the genre of hip-hop.
Alchemist x Roc Marciano
Six Degrees of Separation
Coming up, many people were hip to Marciano’s talents and abilities. Once he linked up with Busta Rhymes – those recognizable traits started to gain major traction. Marciano attributes his Busta Rhymes connection to the “six degrees of separation” theory. Subsequently, he went to school with Busta’s younger brother who caught wind of some early musical efforts and passed them along to Busta.
Obviously, both of them thought highly of his capabilities and gave him the chance to shine on a brighter platform. Around 2000, Roc Marciano sparred bar for bar with some of the hardest artists in the game. Along the way, he bestowed the utmost respect to legendary artists who paved the way for him to thrive. He paid homage to those before him but also would gauge where they set the bar and try to surpass that. When he contributed to “The Heist” on Busta Rhymes’ album, Anarchy – he exchanged verses with the likes of Ghostface Killah (fresh off classic album Supreme Clientele) and Raekwon, both from the Wu-Tang Clan.
UN or U Out?
In 2001, he formed his own clique called “UN Crew” with his Uniondale High School counterparts, Dino Brave, Laku and Mike Raw. They received cosigns from major influential artists such as Large Professor, Madlib and Just Blaze. The group rapped over Pete Rock beats called, “Petestrumentals” and navigated their way into a record deal.
After their deal with Loud Records fell through, the UN Crew would ink an agreement with Carson Daly and 456 Entertainment. Roc Marciano grew tired of obeying commands and having to rap over beats chosen for him and eventually disbanded from the UN Crew and the record label they were signed to.
After a while, Roc began to truly differentiate himself from his peers. Rather than constantly trying to rap over the “hardest” beat, he strayed from the typical path and shifted the paradigms of his artistry. Large Professor played a monumental role in the encouragement of Roc Marciano’s solo career. Large Professor encouraged this burgeoning artist to tap into the twisted sounds within his brain and individually produce every track for his forthcoming album.
Often, rappers have a leg up on their competition when they are able to rhyme over self-produced beats and melodies. Furthermore, Roc Marciano executes his verses well with an off-kilter and complicated form. He received widespread internet acclaim when he dropped Marcberg in 2010. On his debut album, he received high amounts of underground reception because he was able to display the intricacies of his artistry. By rapping over his self-produced beats, Marciano was able to deliver sounds in pristine form and enter a zone that made him truly stand out.
Smooth Maneuvers
Roc Marci exists as a New York individual that keeps it fresh – stylistically, metaphorically and within his approach to the genre. His casual intensity makes what he does seem effortless, with a highly stylized stream of consciousness. Alas, every move made on wax and between the scenes requires a great deal of calculation, rehearsal and craftiness. Being both smooth and strange has yielded beneficial results for this New York artist. Roc Marciano puts forth masterful bodies of work regardless of theme/concept, ultimately serving the hip-hop ecosystem with compositional lyricism.
As an unpredictable, risk-taking and edgy performer, Roc Marciano keeps it very interesting when it comes to creating tunes. In order to change the landscape of the genre and push culture forward he consistently tests the boundaries and takes risks to improve himself as an artist. He chronicles his endeavors extravagantly and uses a hyper syllabic percussive flow. By doing so, he extricates great detail through the use of imaginative imagery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNxCljW2uWQ
Verse Starts at 1:03
He paints narratives with specific skill and prolific penmanship by layering images via dense wordplay. Hence, he masters his entire process with non-traditional methods. Roc Marciano illustrates so well that his verses could be translated into movie scenes. With carefully crafted concoctions, he aims to develop scores for cinematic production.
With psychedelic wordplay, Roc is a hip-hop natural. By proceeding upon an organic path, the music that he releases allows the audience to follow the voyage of a time traveling wordsmith who is magic whenever he graces the mic. As a lowkey legend, Roc remains recluse and observant. In general, he does not care for radio spins as long as the checks come in and those who truly appreciate the music continue to catch wind of his endeavors. He has extremely high standards and tries to outdo himself every time he steps in the booth. He is constantly reinventing his craft and submits his ultimate contribution to the game by submitting songs that sustain with longevity.
Roc Marciano x Flee Lord Delgado
Verbal Technician
Roc Marciano nonchalantly devastates his opponents. As a descriptive and introspective emcee he illuminates the virtues of a true player in the game. His stone cold delivery accentuates elements of linguistics and exuberance. He flourishes with precise timing, cadence and tonality. His hyper-controlled nature allows for him to direct the process in the direction he sees fit for his persona.
He amassed a significant following in part to his extremely impressive flair for storytelling. He attributes his gravitation to the art of rap to the group, Ultramagnetics. They showed him the “scientific” aspect of rap and Roc was highly intrigued by the possibility of evolution within the genre. With an innovative approach, authenticity and discrete nature – no wonder why people appreciate him and his music.
Salt-N-Pepa will make their third appearance at the NYS Fair on Opening Day, Aug. 23, celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop.
Cheryl James (also known as “Salt”) and Sandy Denton (also known as “Pepa”) first linked up in the mid-1980s when they were both Queensborough Community College students and Sears colleagues in Queens. Their coworker – and Salt’s boyfriend at the time – asked them to rap on a song he was producing. That song, “The Show Stopper,” became an underground hit and landed on the national R&B charts, leading to a record deal and the duo’s debut album, Hot, Cool & Vicious.
Since then, Salt-N-Pepa has received several Grammy awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, as well as a Lifetime biopic. Some of their hits include “Push It,” “Shake Your Thang,” “Shoop” and “Whatta Man.” Through party anthems, big beats, and pro-feminist lyrics, the group broke down barriers for women in hip hop and were one of the first rap artists to experience success in the pop music realm and played a big role in solidifying the acceptance of rap and hip hop in the mainstream music world.
Joining in the celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Salt-N-Pepa will pay homage to their classic hip-hop roots, while entertaining the audience all night long. Don’t miss the group perform at Chevy Court at the NYS Fair on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. For more information about the Fair, visit here.
New York State Fair Lineup
Chevy Court
Aug. 23 at 1 p.m.- Chubby Checker
Aug. 23 at 6 p.m.- Salt-N-Pepa
Aug. 24 at 6 p.m.- Quiet Riot
Aug. 26 at 1 p.m.- Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Adventure
Aug. 26 at 6 p.m.- Julio Iglesias Jr.
Aug. 27 at 1 p.m.- The Prodigals
Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.- Matt Stell
Aug. 28 at 1 p.m.- Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.- Anne Wilson
Aug. 29 at 1 p.m.- Tommy James and the Shondells
Aug. 29 at 6 p.m.- Bret Michaels
Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.- Danielle Ponder
Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.- Chapel Hart
Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.- The Fray
Sept. 2 at 12-9:45 p.m.- JAMS Funk Fest Featuring: Brick (6:45 p.m.) & Dazz Band (8:15 p.m.)
Sun. Sept. 3 at 1 p.m.- Disney Junior Live On tour: Costume Palooza
Sept. 4 at 12 p.m.- The High Kings
Suburban Park
Aug. 23 at 2 p.m.- Steven Page
Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.- Lainey Wilson
Aug. 24 at 8 p.m.- Theory of a Deadman
Aug. 26 at 8 p.m.- George Thorogood and the Destroyers
As a part of her “Scarlet Tour” across North America, Grammy award-winning star Doja Cat will stop at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Nov. 29 with special guest and Bronx native Ice Spice. This coincides with the recent release of Doja Cat’s new track “Attention,” to critical acclaim.
With a start on Soundcloud at the age of 16 in 2013, Doja Cat first was catapulted into the mainstream through the release of “MOOO!” in 2018. One of her most popular tracks to date is the Grammy-nominated record “Say So” which has been RIAA certified 6x platinum. Doja Cat has over 20 billion worldwide streams to date.
Recently, Doja Cat was named one of TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2023, featured on the cover issue in April 2023, and performed at the TIME100 Gala in New York City. The artist has a total of 16 Grammy Award nominations, as well as nominations for 20 Billboard Music Awards, 10 MTV VMAs, nine AMAs, nine BET Awards, eight MTV EMAs, and 5 BMI Awards alongside dozens more.
Joining her on the tour are special guests Ice Spice and Doechii, who will appear at different shows in select cities during the 24-date tour. For the Brooklyn show, Ice Spice will be performing. General sale begins June 30 at 10:00 a.m., with VIP packages and experiences available. While the precise packages can vary, they may include premium tickets, a photo op in front of the stage, pre-show VIP Lounge access, and specially designed VIP gift items. For more information, visit here.
Presented by the Kupferberg Center for the Arts, Live at the Gantries brings free music to the banks of the East River. The concert series runs every Tuesday from July 11 through August 15. Performances are set to take place at Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens.
Each concert is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM. The series looks to support and foster some of the most talented local artists and bands in NYC. This year’s lineup features music from several different genres, including R&B, Afrobeat, Soul, Dance, and Jazz.
The beauty of Live at the Gantries is that it brings together the vibrant Queens community and showcases the incredible musical talent. It’s a celebration of diversity, culture, and the power of music to bring people together
Jon Yanofsky, Director of Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Gantry Plaza State Park sits on 12 acres of land and gives attendees a pristine view of the Manhattan skyline. The park provides the perfect venue to enjoy the sounds of live music as the sun sets over the Big Apple.
Live at the Gantries Lineup
TUE, JUL 11, 7 PM: AJOYO
AJOYO is a groovy mixture of jazz, electronic, and pop all grounded in strong West African rhythms. Spearheaded by Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Yacine Boulares, and Jesse Fischer, their unique sound is perfect for summer.
TUE, JUL 18, 7 PM: Bartlett Contemporaries
Bartlett Contemporaries with the Uptown Funk Sound is a dynamic band influenced by the diverse sounds of Queens, NY. Their music often lies somewhere in the realm of hip-hop. Blending bebop, hip hop, dance and more to create a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
TUE, JUL 25, 7 PM: Afro Dominicano
Afro Dominicano infuses their songs with a captivating Afro-Caribbean soul. Incorporating Dominican styles with African elements, Afro Domincano produces music that encapsulates both the diversity and collectivity of NYC.
TUE, AUG 1, 7 PM: Linda EPO’s Ensemble New Yorkino
Growing up in Queens, New York City and Puebla City, Mexico Linda EPO’s voice has been greatly shaped by her cultural surroundings. As part of her career, Linda has been on a worldwide tour with the Grammy nominated Heritage Blues Orchestra.
TUE, AUG 8, 7 PM: Michael Olatuja & Lagos Pepper Soup
New York-based composer and bassist Michael Olatuja combines the sounds of Lagos, London, and New York City to create “cinematic Afrobeat”. One of the most innovative artists today, Olatuja has worked with the likes of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, and Angelique Kidjo.
TUE, AUG 15, 7 PM: Slavo Rican Assembly
The Slavo Rican Assembly was founded by Jan Kus, a saxophonist and composer hailing from Slovenia and based in New York City. This seven-piece band combines Latin jazz scene with South Slavic musical heritage.
Part neighborhood bar and part underground music venue, Tubby’s has established itself as a must-stop destination for music lovers across New York. Located in Kingston, the bar has become a premier venue in the Hudson Valley.
Tubby’s has earned a reputation for highlighting both underground and well-known artists just about every night. Positioned roughly 100 miles North of NYC, the venue has developed into the perfect haven for acts leaving or entering the city. Past performers include Black Midi, Steve Gunn, Jeff Parker, MIKE, Protomartyr, Katy Kirby, and more.
Black Midi performing in Webster Hall
Tubby’s commitment to high-quality music means that there is always a wide assortment of genres, sounds, and styles represented on a weekly basis. This commitment goes further than just picking great acts. Owned and operated mostly by musicians, Tubby’s is also dedicated to treating artists with the utmost respect.
This summer, the bar/venue will host well over 30 concerts. Some of the bands and artists performing are Joyce Manor, R.L. Boyce, Soul Glo, and Rose City Band.
Even when the warm weather starts to fizzle out the music doesn’t stop at Tubby’s. The venue, originally founded in 2018, plans to celebrate its five-year anniversary in late September with a festival. “Tubby’s 5 Year Anniversary Weekend” will go down across three days, September 29 through October 1.
The celebration includes a full roster of musicians from a wide variety of genres. Some of the artists who will perform as part of the festival include Armand Hammer, Bonnie Prince Billy, and billy woods. Click here for tickets and more details.
Tubby’s Kingston Summer Lineup
JUNE 24- GARCIA PEOPLES
JUNE 27- Follow Your Arrow: A Queer Singer/Songwriter Night:COLTON THORN + FRANCESCA HOFFMAN + AME
JULY 1- SEA MOSS + RONG + M. GEDDES GENGRAS + OPEN HEAD
JULY 2- JOYCE MANOR + TINY BLUE GHOST (SOLD OUT)
JULY 5- BONZIE + CARLOS TRULY + GREEM JELLYFISH
JULY 6- BASHER + THE WARBLERS
JULY 8- ART GRAY NOIZZQUINTET + SKULL PRACTITIONERS +LOVE LETTER
JULY 11- RL BOYCE (North Mississippi Hill Country Living Blues Legend)
JULY 12- MUTE DUO + GIFT HORSE
JULY 13- PYREX + RIDER/HORSE + BEECH CREEPS
JULY 14- SOUL GLO + MSPAINT
JULY 17/18- MERIDIAN BROTHERS (first night sold out)
JULY 19- HAYDEN PEDIGO
JULY 21- JOHANNA SAMUELS + STUART BOGIE
JULY 23- ROSE CITY BAND
JULY 25- CHEER-ACCIDENT
JULY 26- SWDYT? Joe Baiza/Damon Smith/Matt Crane; Alec Redfearn’s SWRM
JULY 27- MAGIC TUBER STRINGBAND + POST MOVES
JULY 29- BLUE RANGER + CAROL + BRENNAN WEDL
AUG 1- STOREY LITTLETON
AUG 2- SWDYT?: GREX + Allen Lowe & Lewis Porter Duo
AUG 8- ANNIE HART
AUG 9- TOMATO FLOWER
AUG 17- CINDY LEE + FREAK HEAT WAVES
AUG 24- MIKAELA DAVIS
AUG 25- JOHNNY DYNAMITE + BUMMER CAMP + SCAFFOLDING
AUG 26- WILLIAM TYLER & THE IMPOSSIBLE TRUTH + GARCIA PEOPLES
As hip hop’s 50th anniversary nears (August 11, 1973), the yearlong celebration of the world’s most popular music genre has been ramping up. However, hip hop is more than just rhyming over drum patterns. After all, the graffiti artists, breakdancers, b-boys, fashion and street culture are what the music reflected. It was only fitting that more than 4,000 people gathered at the Brooklyn Public Library for the philosophy of hip hop one of the largest celebrations of hip-hop’s anniversary to take place this year.
KRS One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
About the Event
As part of the BPL’s “Night in the Library” initiative, the philosophy of hip-hop brought together dozens of artists and thinkers for a dynamic all-night exploration of the genre. The event took over the iconic Central Library from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. with keynote addresses, musical performances, discussions, debates, and activities inspired by the genre’s music and culture.
KRS-One was a keynote speaker at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop exhibition
Co-curated by LeBrandon Smith founder of Really Just Hip-Hop, Kelly Harrison, and April R. Silver, founder of AKILA Worksongs, Night in the Library: The Philosophy of Hip-Hop featured a number of Roc Nation artists, including GRAMMY-nominated rapper Rapsody, Johnny Cocoa, HDBeenDope, and Rueben Vincent.
The event tied in together several decades of hip hop history from its inception up to the present. All the while interpolating various parts of the culture and showcasing some of the less-heralded figures that have spearheaded hip hop. In addition, a host of legendary cultural figures made appearances including the likes of Dapper Dan, Angie Martinez, performers and rap legends Smif-N-Wessun, Dead Prez and Keynote speaker KRS-One. The Philosophy of Hip Hop was a time capsule into hip hop’s roots as various deejays serenaded the audience with classic hip hop cuts, culminating in a performance by Dead Prez.
Fashion has long been an integral part of Hip-Hop culture.
Dapper Dan made an appearance at The Philosophy of Hip-Hop
Discussions & Lectures
Similarly, there were several panels and discussions with key hip hop figures. Roc Nation artist Rapsody provided insight while leading a discussion on “Women in Hip-Hop: Sexuality, Empowerment, Competition, Success & A Fight for Respect.” Chiefly, Rapsody and Dr. Kathryn Sophia Belle discussed the pressures women face when it comes to their presentation. “I’ve learned to see it in different lights and overall, we’re just dope MC’s at the end of the day,” Rapsody Summarized.
Rapsody participated in a discussion on Women in Hip Hop
Panels
Other notable panels and lectures included “Which American Region Is the Most Important in Hip-Hop?” Where a panel of journalists which include journalists Mitchell S. Jackson, Alvin Blanco, Chad Sanders and musical acts Jazzy Lo and DonWill. The panel answered questions on the trendsetters and groundbreaking acts from their respective regions (the East Coast, South, West Coast and the Mid-West). All the while a lively audience were eager to offer insight.
“Which American Region is the Most Important in Hip Hop?” was one night’s liveliest discussions.
In like manner legendary music journalist Bill Adler took the stage with Pete Nice of 3rd Bass for “The Expansion of Hip-Hop: How Non-Black Players Built a Home in the Genre.” A Brooklyn native, Adler has covered hip hop since the very wee points of its inception and shared stories on being one of the first writers to cover Kurtis Blow. By the same token, Pete nice shared his experiences as a Caucasian making his way through a black art form, having been on the Def Jam label during its formative years. The Long Island native shared stories of the joint-hunger and pursuit of success between him and the rest of Def Jam’s early roster.
Bill Adler and Pete nice led a discussion on The Expansion of hip hop
The evening closed with a performance from Dead Prez, who performed their cult-favorite “Hip-Hop.” With lyrics that see the Brooklyn duo criticize the capitalist nature of the music industry and its exploitation of black people, Dead Prez doubled-down with an intensified, acapella rendition of the record to hone in the message. Afterwards, the Deejay ended the night with a run of classic 80’s and 90’s tracks as the crowd celebrated hip hop in unison.
Dead Prez closed the night out with their hit-record “Hip-Hop.”
It’s tough to Google “Zoomo” and find anything other than World Class E-Bikes. Perhaps intentionally and synonymously, Zoomo – from the New York hip-hop group Real Recognize Real – maintains a low profile. Operating as a soulful crate digger, Zoomo achieves success through a subtle, steady emergence onto the scene.
Left to Right: Starker, YL and Zoomo sell merchandise at Supply and Demand 2021 Hosted by Top Shelf Premium and Peter Rosenberg [Photo By Mos Neammanee [img.mos]
Zoomo glues the R.R.R. Music Group with gorilla cohesion. His meticulousness leads him to piece through countless old-school records to find and fine-tune the exact sound he provides. The works of art speak for themselves as anyone can see his name often placed right alongside the artist in album titles. Technicalities aside, Zoomo stands out because he creates timeless art bound to leave a legacy.
Let the Beat Build
Zoomo often finds one word or phrase and lets that serve as the basis for the entire beat structure. Then at the end, sporadically in the middle or even at the beginning he plays the entire phrase sequence to give the listener a better idea as to the source of that word loop.
Working your way up through tinkering, crate-digging and experimentation proves worthwhile for any producer. The difference inlies within the fact that not just any producer loops soulful melodies together the way Zoomo does in New York.
While Zoomo’s beats definitely have a theme – you could never consider them repetitive! Beat structures in modern mainstream hip-hop regurgitate the same hi-hats, sounds and patterns – Zoomo always infuses something new. Whether that be different placement or rotating the parts where he draws emphasis – this man carries many tools in his arsenal.
Hence, his latest project – Cloydrepresents a milestone for this man. As every Zoomo-stamped project adds value to the underground ecosystem – this one seems like a culmination of several aspects of his career. Zoomo hosted this mixtape release and multiple different artists hopped on the track. Most times – the artist hosts/promotes the mixtape and the producer receives a credit.
Let the Beat Speak
Zoomo makes the beat sing. What does that mean? Well, consider the songs “Oh Boy” by Cam’ron [Prod. by Just Blaze] “By Your Side” by Jadakiss [Prod. by Baby Grand] or “Hold You Down” by Prodigy [Prod. by and feat. Alchemist]
In each of these songs, the artist may take a breath or irregular pause to let the beat complete their sentence. Thus, these types of songs like prove innovative and allow Zoomo to fulfil his role masterfully as his beats provide a story of their own.
Furthermore, as a hip-hop head I wake up with a different song floating through my cranium daily. Whenever a R.R.R. song makes its way through those precious grooves – the Zoomo sing-sample almost always pops up and plays on loop.
Undoubtedly, Zoomo carved his own path and continues to kick down doors for him and his team. To hear his latest offering, check out, “More Life” with YL from recent album, Don’t Feed the Pigeons which hit the airwaves on June 16, 2023.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center played host to Sean Kingston, En Vogue, TLC and Shaggy on Friday June 16. SPAC stands head and shoulders above any outdoor venue in the Capital Region, and this evening, the venue lived up to its reputation as even the rain couldn’t stop a good time.
The way that thousands of people filed into SPAC in the name of R&B brought joy to my heart. It is wild how much we take basic necessities for granted until we lose access to them. Alas, a mix of live hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall always proves essential for the well-being of citizens.
R&B + Dancehall Concert in New York
Sean Kingston maximized his thirty-minute set with plenty of vibes. Dutty wine dancing, nostalgia, and vocal energy set the tone for the whole evening. Certainly, when “Beautiful Girls” blasted through the speakers, every person of age instantly reminisced about the era of ringback tones.
Next, En Vogue continued the theme of setting the tone with radiant energy. Not one drop of rain could stop their shine as they played renditions magnificently. Some people questioned the order of the setlist but nobody could debate the way En Vogue prepared the audience for the next act, TLC.
TLC-Waterfalls [06/19/23]
Now, TLC stole the spotlight if you ask me. It seemed as if the rain would subside during breaks and lesser-known songs. But when songs like “Red Light Special” and “Diggin On You” made their way through the airwaves the whole crowd started to feel the rhythm. Ironically, when the best songs came on the rain began to steadily flow.
Rain Washes Worries Away
This precipitation did not put a damper on things, whatsoever due to its light and misty nature. The beautiful woman by my side chose not to untie her rain jacket from around her waist as she embraced the evening elements. Altogether, the moment felt like it belonged in an R&B video.
The break between TLC and Shaggy proved to be well-deserved for the audience. After exiting the TLC trance, concertgoers gathered around for one last hurrah. Performers who emit strong stage presence tend to make you feel close to the stage no matter where you stand.
Toward the beginning of his set, Shaggy grew discontent with the energy level of the crowd. Calling an audible, he threw on “Red Red Wine” to lift the crowd to the level he desired. From there, not one person could resist swaying their hips to Mr. Wasn’t Me. While that song is the classic, “Boombastic” and “Guardian Angel” were the ones that really brought the house down.
Overall, this show at SPAC proved to be extremely worthwhile. Everyone needs an outlet and an opportunity to let loose. This dual-purpose event provided the chance to immerse within an incredible atmosphere and truly let any anxieties or worries dissipate for the entire evening.
Ten years ago in 2013, Kendrick Lamar made his way to Randall’s Island for a late afternoon set on the smaller of the Governors Ball stages. It was only a few months after the release of good kid, m.A.A.d. city as Kendrick’s meteoric rise was just underway. Fast forward to 2023; Governors Ball finds itself in a new (and hopefully, permanent) home in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Kendrick Lamar is closing out the festival unopposed and under the fireworks. This past weekend, Governors Ball proved once again why it is New York City’s favorite music festival.
Kendrick Lamar at Governors Ball 2023. Photo by Lucas Kurzweil
After spending many years on Randall’s Island followed by a two year rental of the Citi Field Parking lot, Governors Ball finally made its long desired move to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The vast park in central Queens has been woefully underused by the city for decades; a trend that will hopefully be reversed after the success of this year’s festival. The park was designed and built with large-scale events in mind, hosting two World’s Fairs in 1939 and 1964. Flushing Meadows sits on the intersection of two major highways, is adjacent to a subway line with access to Manhattan, and has ample parking lots from the numerous stadiums in the vicinity.
Governors Ball organizers did an incredible job of laying out the festival to take advantage of all of these features, creating a wide open festival experience that never felt too crowded at any point during the weekend. Three stages occupied the larger fields while the vendors and centralized area of the festival was nestled under large trees providing ample shade and character to the grounds. The towering Unisphere greeted fans at the entrance while the main stage was set up right in front of the New York State Pavilion, giving an iconic backdrop to the festival.
The lineup for the 2023 edition of Governors Ball attempted to model the diversity of Queens, the World’s Borough, as well as the eclectic music tastes of New Yorkers. There was a heavy lean towards rap and hip-hop overall, but festival organizers did sprinkle in rock, pop, indie and EDM throughout the weekend. International artists graced the stages as well including Korean pop superstars Aespa, Puerto Rican rapper Eladio Carrión and Japanese singer/dancer Rina Sawayama. Indie and rock was represented by Girl in Red, Black Midi, KennyHoopla, and Haim while Odesza was the lone EDM act for the weekend.
Kendrick Lamar Trades The Production For a Microphone
Kendrick’s latest album Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers was released a little over a year ago, but its relevance lived on with his Governors Ball performance. Although the stage production did not include the same amount of intricate detail that the “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers” tour held, the set had a simplistic yet empowering feel. The only additions to Kendrick on the GovBall NYC stage were some lights on either side, large Henry Taylor backdrops, a couple of flares, and a few dancers. Kendrick proved that he does not need the fancy add-ons to pump up a crowd. He had all of Flushing Meadows screaming the words to his songs like they were the national anthem at a playoff sporting event.
Kendrick did the majority of the set solo, running through tracks like “King Kunta” and “LOVE.” and even his iconic feature on Pusha T’s track “Nosetalgia” (sadly, no Pusha T appearance even though he performed on the adjacent stage before Kendrick). Near the end of his captivating performance, Kendrick brought out his cousin and protegé, Baby Keem, to perform their RIAA Platinum song “Family Ties.” Through his crowd control and high energy performance, Kendrick Lamar further established himself as the best of the best in the rap game.
Lizzo And Odesza Headline With All The Fanfare
Lizzo was the Friday night headliner and she did not disappoint. Her band and numerous dancers lined the stage as the lights went out, leading up to a grand entrance to “Cuz I Love You”, the opening track of her 2019 sophomore LP of the same name. Lizzo’s thunderous voice reverberated throughout the festival grounds, especially when she dropped into her mega hit song “Juice” which sent the crowd into a dance frenzy. The glamorous staging featured retro big band style decor and backdrops, with sultry visuals playing along on the giant LED screen on the stage. Lizzo ran through her setlist with a powerful grace, performing her signature flute solo leading into “Truth Hurts” along with a fan favorite cover of Chaka Khan’s legendary “I’m Every Woman”; a song and a sentiment that has become a mantra behind Lizzo’s approach to music writing and performance.
Odesza fulfilled headlining duties on Saturday, with their larger than life EDM show filled with lasers, flaming pyro, guest vocalists, and a fireworks finale fit for a music festival. The duo took to the stage and started their set off with a bang with “This Version of You” and “Behind The Sun”. There was no shortage of pyro, as large fireballs erupted behind the DJs throughout the show, sending waves of heat into the crowd. Lasers fanned out over the crowd to interact with the tall trees in the back of the field, with house beats driving the dance floor until curfew. Odesza sprinkled in a Pretty Lights cover in “One Day They’ll Know” as well as a “TENSE” and “KEEP MOVING” from their BRONSON collaborative project with Golden Features. They closed out their set with a huge fireworks display over the stage while 2022’s “The Last Goodbye” pulsed through the night.
Filling Out The Days
Lil Uzi Vert was the perfect addition to the rap-filled GoPuff stage. Their Friday night performance had fans in awe. They came down from the stage to rock out with the fans on the barricade, and made sure fans that fell over were able to get up and continue jamming. They brought out rappers Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely, and got the crowd going with songs like “Do What I Want” and “Money Longer.” They left fans with a feeling of anticipation for what is to come in the following weeks by announcing that they have a new album releasing this month.
While rock and indie were not as prevalent on the lineup this year, the biggest draw in the category was certainly Haim on the GovBall NYC stage. The three sisters burst onto the scene in 2013 with their debut record Days Are Gone featuring the utterly infectious song “The Wire”. Throughout the set, the three sisters alternate vocal roles and instruments while also engaging heavily with the fans. Their dynamic performance style creates a light and fun atmosphere that is perfect for the summer festival stages.
On Saturday, KennyHoopla and Snail Mail kept the rock vibes going on the GoPuff stage. KennyHoopla’s vigorous post-punk dominated the crowd first, bouncing all over the stage while delivering a rambunctious vocal performance over heavy guitars. Snail Mail came up next, keeping the punk rock going, featuring a set full of songs from their two excellent LPs: 2018’s Lush and 2021’s Valentine.
Governors Ball Artists March On
In the wake of Governors Ball, many of the artists who played use the opportunity to announce new projects and tours. Many of the artists are on their own headlining tours and mix in the festival appearances. Right before Governors Ball weekend began, Metro Boomin released his highly anticipated soundtrack to the movie Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. Just after the weekend, Eladio Carrión announced a North American tour with a stop at The Theater at MSG in October. Philadelphia’s major music festival, Made in America, announced their lineup with Lizzo making another headlining appearance along with Ice Spice, and Metro Boomin. Joey Bada$$ is running through the festival circuit with a dozen appearances including Glastonbury, Rolling Loud, and Lollapalooza.
Kendrick Lamar, fresh off the epic Big Steppers World Tour, is also hitting the summer festivals, taking his minimal yet relentlessly in your face festival show to the biggest stages in the world including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Rokslide, Austin City Limits, and Summer Sonic in Japan. If any of those festivals are within reach, it is worth the opportunity to catch a generational talent at his very best.
The Future Of New York City’s Premier Music Festival
By all accounts, the first edition of Governors Ball in Flushing Meadows was a major success. The layout of the venue was nearly perfect, transit in and out of the festival went smoothly, and three days of music went on without skipping a beat. Governors Ball has been at it for many years and are no strangers to throwing such a large party in NYC, but expectations were sky high this year. One could have argued that the very future of the festival rested with this weekend going off without a hitch. The cost of putting on these events has never been higher, and fans have so many choices of shows these days that it was unclear if Governors Ball could even draw a large enough crowd. Last weekend in Queens put all of the chatter to bed. With the Canadian wildfire smoke clearing out just in the nick of time, a glorious weekend of sunshine and music ensued. There is no doubt Governors Ball will be back at it in 2024; now we can all start dreaming of our ideal lineup we would want to see grace the stages in Flushing Meadows.
