NYS Music 2023

Tag: knockdown center

  • LCD Soundsystem Announce Tri Boro Tour in November and December

    LCD Soundsystem will once again hold a residency (of sorts) this holiday season in New York City, but instead of sticking to just one venue, the group will hit three separate venues across three boroughs on a Tri Boro Tour.

    LCD soundsystem tro boro tour

    The Tri Boro tour will find LCD Soundsystem first returning to the familiar haunts of Brooklyn Steel over the course of November 16-19. Then, heading into Manhattan, the group will find themselves at Terminal 5 from November 28 through December 1, surely making excellent use of the room’s disco ball during each show.

    New York Series: LCD Soundsystem ‘New York, I Love You But You’re Bringing Me Down’

    Then the group will perform December 7-10 at the Knockdown Center in Queens to close out the Tri Boro Tour. As for shows in the Bronx and Staten Island, fans will have to be patient or make the trek to any of the other 12 shows lined up.

    General public onsale for all 12 shows starts Thursday, Oct. 12 at 10AM ET, but you can check here for presale details. One show at each location will be for Amex cardholders only.

    LCD Soundsystem Tri Boro Tour Dates:
    11/16 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
    11/17 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
    11/18 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel
    11/19 — Brooklyn NY @ Brooklyn Steel *
    11/28 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
    11/29 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
    11/30 — New York NY @ Terminal 5 *
    12/01 — New York NY @ Terminal 5
    12/07 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center *
    12/08 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
    12/09 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center
    12/10 — Queens NY @ Knockdown Center

    * Amex® Card Member Only shows

  • Genius IQ/BBQ Returns & Brings Culture Together at Knockdown Center in Queens

    In honor of hip hop’s 50th anniversary and lasting culture, Genius brought a return to their “IQ/BBQ” summer showcase. In the first edition of the annual event since Covid, hosts Miabelle and Jacques Morel took on the role of emcee, with DJ Saige, DJ Stacks, RNB House Party and DJ S’Wit serenading the crowd with memorable hip hop tracks.

    Held at Queens’ Knockdown Center, the day-long festivities provided a fitting end-of-summer experience for guests to enjoy. While in the midst of a year-long celebration of hip hop, IQ/BBQ expertly combined the best of hip hop and urban culture to provide all-around good time.

    Genis IQ/BBQ Main Stage
    Guests gather at center stage at IQ/BBQ. Photo by Ki Steiger-Dahl

    In light, Knockdown Center’s large terrain set the stage for a diverse live music experience, allowing for the ambience to differ with each change of location. Consequently for performers, it left the crowd scattered. As guests warmed up to performances by opening acts Rich Greedy and Wynne, their attention split between a number of enjoyable experiences at Genius IQ/BBQ.

    IQ/BBQ Brought the Culture

    After all, aside from a rich lineup of acts, IQ/BBQ offered experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop. Presented By Paco Rabanne 1 Million, attendees had the chance to snag free barber shape-ups by Groomed Guys, along with sneaker cleanings by Fresh Kicks NYC. 

    Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl

    In like manner, the outdoor Rap Cafeteria, presented by Showtime’s The Chi, created a true backyard barbecue vibe for Genius. This fun space featured picnic tables with designs that paid homage to iconic cities and eras from hip-hop’s first 50 years. Along with games, food from some New York City’s best food trucks and of course, great music.

    Genius IQ/BBQ Rap Cafeteria
    IQ/ BBQ’s Rap Cafeteria offered delicious eats from some of New York City’s best vendors

    Meanwhile, VIPs enjoyed sips of PATRÓN EL ALTO in the VIP Genius Lounge, which was adorned with famous song lyrics featuring PATRÓN.

    Photos by Kia Steiger-Dahl

    Performances

    As the acts warmed up so did the crowd. However, New York City’s “too cool for school” attitude reared its head, as less experienced and less-known performers struggled to captivate the crowd. Yet as the evening waned and guests had eaten and drank their fill, the center stage began to heat up. Performances from Luh Tyler and Lola Brooke got the crowd going. While Armani White showcased true stage presence and talent in getting a stubborn crowd to come alive.

    Photos by Spicy Rico

    As a result, a now-perked up and fully gathered crowd waited patiently for the headliners, Clipse, to make their appearance. After a near hour-long wait Pusha T dawned the stage, feverishly spitting out lyrics from his Grammy-nominated release, It’s Almost Dry.

    Pusha T came out to a very engaged crowd. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl,

    After performing records performing a slew of solo tracks, he brought out his brother Malice as they performed one of their classic album cuts, “Popular Demand” to a now-fully engaged crowd. The energy levels remained high throughout their set as they ran through a number of hit records including “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy,” before ultimately performing a run of deep album cuts and closing out with one of hip hop’s classic records, “Grindin’.”

    Pusha T and No Malice are in the midst of a reunion 14 years in the making. Photo by Kia Steiger-Dahl.

    As Pusha T and Malice performed their last record, the duo thanked the crowd for repeatedly showing the Virginia natives love. Just as suddenly as the electrifying performance began, it was over, and guests dispersed knowing that hip hop delivered them another memorable day.

  • Wu-Tang Clan To Headline SiriusXM and Pandora’s Hip Hop 50 Celebration in Queens

    Legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan has announced they are headlining “For the Love,” a collaboration between SiriusXM and Pandora that celebrates Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.

    “For The Love” includes an unforgettable day of events on Aug. 10 in Queens at the Knockdown Center, by the Wu-Tang Clan, considered by many to be the greatest hip-hop group of all time. Founded in Staten Island in the early 1990s, the group is comprised of members RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Masta Killa, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and the deceased Ol Dirty Bastard (ODB).

    They have been touring as a unit since their debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) came out in 1993. The now triple-platinum release vaulted the group with songs like “C.R.E.A.M.” (Cash Rules Everything Around Me) and “Protect Ya Neck.” Their live sets are a family affair, with every member of the crew representing their lyrical contributions to their eight studio albums, as well as notable cuts from the Wu-Tang solo discography. Every Wu-Tang Clan show is a celebration of prolific careers as individuals and especially as the most storied group in hip-hop history.

    Earlier in the day, For the Love: Community Giveback Sponsored by Cricket invites fans to the Knockdown Center to celebrate hip-hop’s next 50 years with local students, families, and businesses in support of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens. Throughout the afternoon, the event will feature a wide range of festivities from breakdancing performances and double-dutch to live, interactive broadcasts of SiriusXM Hip-Hop Nation’s Gray Rizzy and The Heat’s DJ Steel. SiriusXM personalities Mina SayWhat, Torae, Coach PR, D-Stroy, Bugsy, DJ Superstar Jay, DJ Wallah, and DJ Taj will also be on hand during the event to host, DJ, and more. Food will be provided by a host of local, BIPOC-owned and operated food trucks.

    Hip-hop is not just music, it’s a culture which has defined and redefined our society through the years. Wu-Tang Clan has contributed so immensely to the hip-hop community, making a lasting impact on so many people’s lives, and we are honored to share this momentous occasion with these music pioneers and have them take the SiriusXM stage to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of hip-hop.

    Joshua “J1” Raiford, Vice President, Music Programming, SiriusXM/Pandora

    SiriusXM and Pandora will also have a multitude of special hip-hop programs, including countdowns, female only rap, underground cuts, and more. The Wu-Tang Clan headline show will be open to SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners, 21+. RSVP is required for an opportunity to attend the in-person show here.

  • Clipse Duo Pusha T and No Malice to Headline Genius’ IQ/BBQ

    After teasing their return at Pharell’s Louis Vuitton Fashion Show, legendary rap brothers Pusha T and No Malice — known as Clipse — will continue their resurgence with a headlining performance at Genius’ IQ/BBQ. Presented in partnership with Infiniti, Paco Rabanne, Patron El Alto, and Paramount+ with Showtime’s The Chi, the all-day event takes place on August 19 at Knockdown Center in Queens, N.Y., and will feature live performances from some of the hottest names in hip-hop, including the platinum-selling duo.

    Clipse duo Pusha T and No Malice will be performing at Genius' IQ/BBQ

    In addition to the show, IQ/BBQ will feature experiences like the So Fresh, So Clean Shop from Paco Rabanne 1M, an art installation from Infinity featuring the new QX60, a VIP “Genius Lounge” presented by Patrón El Alto, and a Rap Cafeteria filled with lyric-inspired dishes from local NYC food vendors – presented by Showtime Original Series, The Chi.

    Clipse Making a Comeback

    With this performance, The Clipse continue their teased reunion. After previewing their first joint-record in 14 years the Virginia-bred brothers have garnered fans attention with the teased record. Their last collab was the outro to Pusha T’s most recent album It’s Almost Dry, titled “I Pray for You.”

    Moreover, since their days as The Clipse, the duo have been part of some of hip hop’s most iconic records. Notably, records like “Grindin’,” “Mr. Me Too,” and “What Happened to That Boy.” Since their last album — 2009’s Til The Casket Drops — Pusha T has embarked on a successful solo career that has resulted in several Grammy nominations and recognition as one of the best rappers ever. Meanwhile, No Malice left the music industry to become a pastor making sporadic feature appearances since, including an album cut on Ye’s 2019 release Jesus Is King.

    Tickets for the Genius IQ/BBQ are free and are now available at dice.fm, while the event maintains a 21+ age restriction.

  • Jai Paul Makes Triumphant Headlining Debut at Knockdown Center

    Following his live performance debut at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Jai Paul traveled East to Queens‘ Knockdown Center on Tuesday, April 25.

    Jai Paul, 2023 Photo by Parker Alexander

    It has been over 10 years since Jai released his first single, “BTSTU” on the acclaimed British label, XL Recordings. In that time, his debut project was leaked prematurely (then made officially available), founded a label with his brother, aptly called The Paul Institute, and returned with two new singles.

    Jai Paul, 2023 Photo by Parker Alexander

    Due to this mystifyingly sporadic release pattern, it is no surprise his first headlining performance would be to much fanfare (and a consistently lengthy merch line).

    Backed by his brother A. K. Paul on guitar, fellow Paul Institute member, Fabiana Palladino on keyboard and backing vocals, Rocco Palladino on bass, and Isaac Kizito on drums, the group performed an hour-long featuring many songs from the aforementioned leaked project (Bait Ones) and a new song titled, “So Long”, which he premiered a week prior in Indio.

    Jai Paul, 2023 Photo by Parker Alexander

    Jai had the audience from the start, jumping into “He” after an interlude of “Higher Res”, many in the crowd finally feeling a sense of relief after anticipation of a live performance lurked for over a decade.

    Jai Paul, 2023 Photo by Parker Alexander

    Numerous times throughout the night he showed genuine appreciation for the fans sticking with him for this long, repeating “I know I’ve been gone a long time” in the chorus of “BTSTU”.

    The show concluded with the sonically expansive track “Str8 Outta Mumbai”, reaching back out to the crowd with the line “but you know I’ll do anything for you” to conclude the song and cathartic performance.

    Jai Paul, 2023 Photo by Parker Alexander

    As soon as the Vani Jairam sample hit, the crowd immediately erupted into exhilaration, dancing and bouncing throughout the packed sold-out venue.

    Jai Paul returns to his hometown of London, England to perform two shows at HERE @ Outernet on May 9th and 10th.

    Jai Paul | Knockdown Center | Queens, NY | April 25, 2023

    Setlist: Higher Res, He, Crush, 100,000, So Long, All Night, Zion Wolf Theme, Good Time, Genevieve, Do You Love Her Now, Jasmine, BTSTU, Str8 Outta Mumbai

  • Bones, Xavier Wulf and Eddy Baker Join Forces for ‘InLovingMemory’ Tour With Scheduled Stop at Queens’ Knockdown Center

    Hip Hop’s underground continues to make waves as Emo, Trap-metal and phonk pioneers Bones, Xavier Wolf and Eddy Baker announced they will hit the road this summer for the InLovingMemory Tour. Produced by Live Nation and Rolling Loud, the 20-city tour kicks off in Los Angeles, CA, on May 20, and includes a stop at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NY, on Friday, June 2. Additionally, this latest expedition will be the first-ever co-headlining tour by the three members of Seshollowaterboyz (a mash-up of their self-releasing labels TeamSESH, Hollow Squad. Waterboyz and Healthy Boyz). Simultaneously, this will Bones’ first time back on the road in four years and Bones’ first time back on the road in four years.

    InLovingMemory Tour poster

    However, the InLovingMemory tour announcement continues a busy 2023 for Bones. The prolific artist recently shared TheWitch&TheWizard, a haunting album created with longtime TeamSESH music producer Greaf.  In March, Bones and Eddy Baker teamed up for “YellowStone,” the first single from Jones Peak, their upcoming collaborative effort, their first since 2019’s cult favorite SparrowsCreek. Jones Peak is set to release on April 14 through TeamSESH and Empire Records.

    For over a decade trio of underground mainstays have consistently churned out music to little mainstream fanfare. Yet, their quality and innovation leaves fans wanting more. Despite their underground status, the trio have still cultivated commercial success. Bones recently earned his first-ever gold certification from the RIAA for his 2014 hit “HDMI,” while Hollow Squad CEO Xavier Wulf went gold with his 2014 Blood Shore Season 2 cut “Psycho Pass.” BONES, Wulf, and Baker recently treated fans to a preview of the upcoming tour, joining forces on the main stage during Rolling Loud California 2023.

    InLovingMemory Tour Dates

    Sat May 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

    Tue May 23 – Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall

    Thu May 25 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore Minneapolis presented by Affinity Plus

    Fri May 26 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

    Tue May 30 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live

    Wed May 31 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

    Fri Jun 02 – Queens, NY – Knockdown Center

    Sun Jun 04 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte

    Mon Jun 05 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle

    Tue Jun 06 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live

    Thu Jun 08 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

    Fri Jun 09 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

    Sat Jun 10 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater

    Mon Jun 12 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center

    Tue Jun 13 – Denver, CO – Summit

    Wed Jun 14 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

    Fri Jun 16 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

    Sat Jun 17 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

    Sun Jun 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

    Thu Jun 22 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren