GRAMMY Award-winning band Deftones have announced their 2025 North American tour, making a stop at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2025.
This Sacramento-bred 80s band has left an irreplaceable mark on the music scene, and that is shown through the millions of albums sold and billions of streams under their belts. Deftones’ 2024 was busy to say the least. With successful acts at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound, to then selling out an event at Golden Gate Park with over 50,000 fans, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The tour kicks off on February 25 in Portland, OR, and comes to a close on April 8 in Boston. Deftones will be making a stop in New York City to perform at Madison Square Garden on April 3. Featuring special guest acts from The Mars Volta and Fleshwater.
Photo by Clemente Ruiz
The full list of dates for Deftones’ tour can be found below. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Deftone at MSG visit here.
LCD Soundsystem has announced their upcoming “Winter FUNction” series of shows beginning November 21 at Knockdown Center in Queens for three long weekends in November and December.
The LCD Soundsystem shows take place November 21 through 24, December 5 through 8, and finally, December 12 through 15. The electronic rock band plans to dazzle audiences for these three long weekends for their “Annual Winter FUNction.”
The shows include special guest bands for each night of the performances, along with international deejays, after parties, and Four Horsemen Wine Bar. LCD Soundsystem is known for putting on a high-energy, captivating, and groovy show. These are not shows you want to miss.
LCD Soundsystem performs at Madison Square Garden on April 2, 2011
The group was formed in Brooklyn in 2002 by James Murphy, the co-founder of DFA Records. The band comprises Murphy (vocals), Nancy Whang (synthesizer, keyboards), Pat Mahoney (drums), Tyler Pope (bass, guitar), Al Doyle (guitar, percussion), Matt Thornley (guitar, synthesizer), and Korey Richey (synthesizer, piano, percussion).
LCD Soundsystem’s musical sound is described as electronic rock, indie-rock, dance-punk, amongst many others. In short, this group holds a unique, heavy groove, with a persistent electronic backbone. Public on-sale tickets are available on Thursday, September 26 at 10AM ET. Fan presales being September 25.
For more information on the upcoming LCD Soundsystem shows at Knockdown Center in Queens, and to purchase tickets, click here.
In the fall of 2022, Timothy Waldron, lead vocalist of the emerging band Monobloc, found himself captivated by a live performance of Eric Burdon and War’s “Spill The Wine” while navigating life in a new city.
Photo Credit: Julia Tarantino
This moment of inspiration sparked the creation of their latest single, “Irish Goodbye,” which premieres a post-punk sound, explaining the pressures of being young in a new city, a topic many can relate to as it can be challenging adapting in a new place. Not to mention a situation the band has experienced, giving credibility to their point of view. Storytelling prowess and minimalist instrumentation position them as a band to watch as they carve out their own lane in NYCâs vibrant DIY landscape.
Helmed by vocalist Timothy Waldron and bassist Michael Silverglade are alongside Zach Pockrose on drums and guitarists Ben Scofield and Nina Luders, each contributing their emotionally charged sounds. The band merges pop with a gritty post-punk attitude therefore, drawing inspiration from their come up in New York’s underground scene.
Monobloc gained notable attention for creating the viral Minecraft music festival, Block by Blockwest. This innovative virtual event combined their passion for music with the popular gaming platform, allowing fans to experience live performances in a unique, immersive environment.
Their storytelling abilities shines along with their patterned instrumentals, making them stand out as an innovative force. Additionally, their distinctive talent and the success of their first two singles, “Where is My Garden,” and “I’m Just Trying To Love You,” it shows that with their irresistible catchy melodic rock sound, they are just getting into the groove of things.
Accompanied by their thoughtful narrative point of view, paired with raw, minimalist instrumentation, makes them a standout act. On the other hand, making a splash in sold-out residency at Pianos and performances at major festivals like Rock En Seine and All Points East has given them a chance to propel onto the global stage.
Live Tour Dates:
OCTOBER, 26 at United Sounds NYC Festival – Brooklyn, NY
NOVEMBER, 7 at Iceland Airways – ReykjavÃk, IS
NOVEMBER, 8 at Deaf Institute – Manchester, UK (Debut Manchester headline)
NOVEMBER, 9 at Third Man – London, UK (Debut London headline)
NOVEMBER, 19 at Corona Capital Fest – Mexico city, MX
Acclaimed Brooklyn based musician and composer Sandra Kluge has released her third single, “Beholden to No One”.
Brooklyn based tap percussionist, performer, educator, and musician Sandra Kluge channels the deepest parts of her heart and soul in every piece and performance. Wrought with self reflection, honesty, and contemplation, her works channel what she wants to put out into the world using the full breadth of her skills across music and dance.
Kluge began dancing at the age of 10, spending the following years learning under the greats and endless hours of self-study that would later lead her to stages at the legendary Tap Ahead Festival, tap club Cologne, and Soundspace Philadelphia. In addition to performances of her own, Kluge shares the results of her years of practice and routine with her students at the American Tap Dance Foundation and Mark Morris Dance Center, in addition to teaching students from around the world virtually.
Just as reflecting the self is a through line in her lyricism, Kluge reflects all aspects of her life in her production. Utilizing her life-long passion in tap, Kluge channels the sounds of the dance into her percussion- the tap shoes themselves transcending the role of dance equipment to become instruments as she performs.
Her newest release “Beholden to No One” centers this unique and deeply personal form of percussion, a steady constant under the lyrics and mantra of “I am my best friend, beholden to no one”. The sounds of dance intertwine with ethereal synth textures, multidimensional guitar arrangements, and serene vocals above an odd time signature and intricate polyrhythmic structures that all culminate in a stirring experience of emotional self-determination.
A piece entirely its own, “Beholden to No One” originated from a therapy session in which Kluge realized that her existence is not tied to the permission or approval of anyone else. Empowered by the realization of all that she is capable of when no other voice is given the time of day, she is “beholden to no one”.
In addition to the track’s release, Kluge has published the official music video for “Beholden to No One” in which she walks through countless city settings in flowing bright clothing and an effortless yet quiet confidence, truly embodying the self-sufficient and self-loving attitude reflected in the song’s lyrics.
Only the third song of Kluge’s musical career, “Beholden to No One” marks her as an artist carving her own path- and an artist that needs no one’s permission but her own to do so.
To learn more about “Beholden to No One,” her other releases, and her story, please visit Sandra Kluge’s website here.
Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium have announced their co-headlining “The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour”, including a stop at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan on May 7.
Both heavy metal pioneers in their own rights, Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium are celebrating prolific 20th anniversaries this year – Bullet for My Valentine honors 20 years since their debut album The Poison, and Trivium celebrates their second album, Ascendancy. With long histories of releases and successes between both acts, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour is not to be missed.
A mainstay within the metal community and British music as a whole since inception, Bullet for My Valentine has amassed more than 3.5 million album sales all while touring the globe since their inception in 1998 and signing with Sony BMG in 2002. Their debut album as well as their reason for celebration this tour, Bullet for My Valentine’sThe Poison resulted in immediate success, bringing the band to number 11 on the Independent Albums chart and 128 on the Billboard 200 alongside a lengthy tour in addition to appearances opening for Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and the 2006 Vans Warped Tour.
Since The Poison’s release, the band has released six other studio albums, earned several nominations and awards from KERRANG! and beyond, and toured countless times worldwide, but the debut album will always remain in the hearts of the fans as well as the band itself for marking such powerful beginnings.
Formed in 1999, heavy metal band Trivium has been touring their personal spin on metal for over 20 years now. With ten studio albums, a few name awards under their belt, and several nominations including a Grammy nomination in 2019, Trivium’s success is not unearned. Their now canonical and second album ever Ascendancy is a testament to this- named KERRANG!’s “Album of the Year”, one of the top fifteen albums on Metal Hammer’s list of “The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the 21st Century”, and earning the band a gold certification in the UK, there’s little question as to why Ascendancy is topic of celebration for the upcoming tour.
A celebration of how far both headlining acts have come and where they began, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be the final time both acts will perform their iconic debut albums in full. With incredible company in each other as well as the opening acts, this tour will hit close to home for both older fans who were there to see every step of the way as well as newer fans who never had the chance to catch the earlier releases live.
In addition to the two iconic acts, August Burns Red, Bleed From Within, and Sylosis will accompany the tour. The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be arriving in New York on May 7 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan, with ticket sales beginning on Friday, September 20. For more information on tour dates and ticket sales, please visit either band’s websites here and here.
A full list of The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour dates is below.
TOUR DATES
Sun March 30 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
Tue Apr 1 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Thu Apr 03 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Fri Apr 04 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento – Hard Rock Live
Sat Apr 05 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort
Tue Apr 08 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Thu Apr 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Fri Apr 11 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theatre
Sat Apr 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Apr 15 – Dallas, TX – Gilley’s – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 16 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
Thu Apr 17 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sat Apr 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
Sun Apr 20 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
Tues Apr 22 – Ashwaubenon, WI – EPIC Event Center
Wed Apr 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Fri Apr 25 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel- Showroom
Sat Apr 26 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Apr 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Tues Apr 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Wed Apr 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Fri May 02 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat May 03 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Sun May 04 – Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Resort Theatre
Tue May 06 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
Wed May 07 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Fri May 09 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Bethlehem – Wind Creek Event Center
Sun May 11 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
Tues May 13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena
Wed May 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
Sat May 17 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Consider the Source has released their eighth studio album, The Stare, along with a pro-shot video for the track “Mouthbreather.”
Formed in 2004 after a particularly successful jam session, Consider the Source has been releasing music and touring the globe for two decades now. Influenced by Turkish, Bulgarian, North and South Indian styles filtered through jazz, rock, and psychedelic sounds, the band’s sound can only be encompassed as “Consider the Source”.
The group’s newest release, The Stare, is the product of a story from years prior to Consider the Source’s conception. In 1992 David Prater, the producer of The Stare, worked on the up and coming progressive rock band Dream Theater’s breakthrough album- a work each of the founding members of Consider the Source absolutely fell in love with. Years later the members had found themselves in a band of their own, and in a full circle moment as the new album became a culmination of both the band and Prater’s talents.
Tour cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic and spread across the country remotely, Consider the Source reached out to Prater after a chance encounter at a small local venue a few years prior that had formed the connection. Excited to return to a semblance of normalcy and routine, the band and Prater collaborated initially over Zoom before eventually road tripping to a house in which the only things to do were eat, sleep, and talk music.
The Stare captures the rare energy of the pandemic and the live artist’s experience- all of the creative energy that had been bottlenecked is on full display, and it’s beyond evident in each second of the tracks. It’s a creative feat that defies the emotional limits of isolation, leaving everything out on the metaphorical stage- a product of the pandemic, yes, but also a work that showcases how music is inherently a magnetic force for community and togetherness in the face of uncertainty.
In addition to the album’s release, Consider the Source has released a pro-shot video for the final track, “Mouthbreather.” A stunning seven and a half minute performance, the band’s showmanship is on full display.
To see Consider the Source on tour and learn more about their supporting acts as well as acts they’re supporting, visit their website here. The full list of upcoming dates is below.
On September 19, the West Side Tennis Club welcomed Kings Of Leon to the borough of Queens with open arms on a picturesque Wednesday evening.
The 18th stop on their ”Can We Please Have Fun” summer tour, the indie rock quartet from Mount Juliet, Tennessee are touring in support of their ninth studio album of the same name, released on May 10.
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
One of New York City’s best concert venues, indoors or out, Forest Hills Stadium is truly a gem with a rich, storied history that is now one year removed from its centennial anniversary. Originally designed in the early-1920s as the original home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, the Romanesque stadium and its grounds hosted 60 editions of the major tournament before it moved to its current home in Flushing Meadows in 1978. Beginning in the 1960s, the tennis club began booking concerts and quickly attracted some of the most culturally significant artists of our generation, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.
In August 2013, after decades of neglect and narrowly escaping demolition, the 14,000-capacity facility re-opened with Mumford & Sons performing the inaugural concert (my wife and I were there!). Not yet satisfied with their face lift, over the next few years, Forest Hills Stadium underwent multi-million dollar state-of-the-art renovations including optimized acoustics, the installation of a permanent stage and redesigning and expanding the concourse to twice its original size.
Forest Hills Stadium | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Providing opening support for Kings Of Leon on this 28-date tour of North America, which launched in Austin, Texas on August 14, was Phantogram. Formed in 2007 and hailing from Saratoga Springs, just a few hours’ drive up the NY State Thruway, the electronic dream pop duo are comprised of multi-instrumentalists and vocalists Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter. Friends since their preschool days, Barthel and Carter were joined by a touring drummer and keyboardist as they mesmerized the steadily growing audience filling up the stadium with their swirling guitars, spacey keyboards and airy vocals.
Over the course of 40 minutes, Phantogram presented a 10–song set spread evenly across their soon-to-be five album discography, including their opening song “Don’t Move” from Nightlife, an EP released in 2011. Their fifth studio album, Memory of a Day, is scheduled to drop on October 18 via Neon Gold. The 12-track LP is preceded by lead singles “All A Mystery” and “Happy Again,” both of which were performed live onstage as if they were already classics in their storied repertoire.
Phantogram | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Barthel and her hypnotically engaging lyrics were perfectly complimented by Carter’s atmospheric guitar work (who was sporting another one of his signature baseball hats, this time with “NY” fittingly represented) and mastery of his beat sequencing machinery, for a captivating, dreamy set. Stand-out numbers from Phantogram’s trip hop setlist were “Fall in Love” and “Black Out Days,” released more than a decade ago on their sophomore studio album Voices.
As the night’s festivities continued to move briskly along to comply with the strict 10:00 pm curfew (an effort implemented in April by the State Supreme Court order to appease residents in the surrounding neighborhood), I secured my position back in front of the mixing soundboard and readied my camera. The sun having completely set, Kings Of Leon took the stage at 7:45 pm, led by frontman Caleb Followill. As “Ballerina Radio” got underway, the lead track from Can We Please Have Fun, brothers Nathan (drums) and Jared (bass), along with cousin Matthew (lead guitar), suddenly appeared from the dark shadows. Accompanied by touring musicians Liam O’Neil (keyboards, percussion) – who was also celebrating his birthday – and Timothy Deaux (rhythm guitar, keyboards), it was ‘Game On!’
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Formed in 1999, the gritty, garage rock sound that Kings Of Leon embodies has been compared to that of Manhattan’s very own The Strokes, intermixed with blues boogie vibes reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd for good measure. The entirety of Kings of Leon’s impressive catalog, now going on more than two decades, was represented in Queens this hump day by at least one track, with Can We Please Have Fun getting the strongest representation (six numbers in total), an album reminiscent of their innovative, early career recordings.
Having never seen Kings Of Leon perform live, the song I wanted to witness firsthand, above any other, was “Sex on Fire” (Only by the Night, 2008). Well, I did not have to wait very long, because my wish was granted one-third of the way into their set! After that, everything else was gravy.
Kings Of Leon | Photo Credit: Michael Dinger Photography
Since I am not someone who checks out setlist.fm or does extensive research ahead of a band’s gig, because I like the element of surprise, I did not know that on this tour Kings Of Leon have been setting aside ‘one-off’ numbers not performed at other shows on the same tour, affectionately known as “song for the city.”
This is the point of the evening where we play a special song just for you. No one else gets to hear it on the tour. In fact, not many other people have ever heard it. So, uh, we’re gonna give it to you tonight for your song for the city. This song was written in New York, and it’s about New York. This is “The Face” [second ever performance and first since 2014].
Caleb Followill
Being only my fifth show at Forest Hills Stadium . . . in addition to Mumford and Sons in 2013, I saw them again in 2016, along with Beck and Cage the Elephant (2019) and Weezer (2023), like the others, tonight’s show was just about fun, enjoying yourself and/or who you were with, and forgetting about life for at least a little while. Aside from stellar musical offerings from both Phantogram and Kings Of Leon, the stage design was visually stunning and the balloon rainstorm during the encore was the cherry on top to a glorious night.
Watch Kings Of Leon conclude their epic, 26-song set with the anthemic “Use Somebody,” from Only by the Night, here:
With just 10 more shows to go on the tour over the next couple of weeks, what lies next for these Southern gentlemen – outside of a much needed break from the road – is still a mystery. Regardless of future plan announcements or details about their next project, eager anticipation by their legion of fans is sure to ensue.
Phantogram Setlist: Don’t Move > Fall in Love > Pedestal > All a Mystery > Cruel World > Mr Impossible > Happy Again > Answer > Black Out Days > When I’m Small
Kings Of Leon Setlist: Ballerina Radio > The Bucket > The Bandit > On Call > Nowhere to Run > Manhattan > Razz > My Party > Sex on Fire > Revelry > Beautiful War > The Face > Supersoaker > M Television > Back Down South > WALLS > Pyro > Mustang > Molly’s Chambers > Waste a Moment > Find Me > Seen > Closer > Encore: Rainbow Ball > Knocked Up > Use Somebody
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
September 20 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
September 22 – Washington, DC @ The Anthem
September 23 – Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for the Performing Arts
September 25 – Atlanta, GA @ State Farm Arena
September 26 – Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
September 28 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
October 1 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
October 2 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
October 5 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Legendary soul, funk and R&B powerhouse, Tower of Power, is set to light up the holiday season with a new album and anticipated December tour. The holiday album It’s Christmas releases September 27 and the “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3, with stops in Niagara Falls and Manhattan.
This tour promises to be a joyful journey through Tower of Powerâs storied past, blending beloved holiday tunes with the bandâs classic hits and fan favorites that have defined their legacy. Alongside iconic tracks like “What Is Hip?” and “You’re Still a Young Man,” fans can expect fresh renditions of timeless holiday songs, delivered with the bandâs unmistakable brass-driven sound and signature high-energy performances.
The “Holidays and Hits” tour begins December 3 in Plymouth, MA, and wraps up on December 21 in Oakland, CA. The tour sees a total of two dates in New York including a stop at the Seneca Niagra Casino & Hotel in Niagra Falls on December 6. Following this, the tour also stops at Sony Hall in New York City on December 8.
Tower of Power “Holidays and Hits” Dates:
December 3: Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA
December 6: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY
December 7: Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ
December 8: Sony Hall, New York, NY
December 10: Midland Theatre, Newark, OH
December 11: Rialto Square, Joliet, OH
December 13: Capitol Theater, Davenport, IA
December 15: The Astro, La Vista, NE
December 17: Lensic Performing Arts, Santa FE, NM
December 18: The Fox, Tucson, AZ
December 21: The Fox, Oakland, CA
The album It’s Christmas contains 11 total holiday-themed tracks. Fans can preorder the album now alongside limited-edition bundles that include a variety of album-specific merchandise and access to an exclusive presale code for the Holidays and Hits Tour. Link to pre-save and preorder can be found here.
For more information on Tower of Power’s upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, click here.
Multi-platinum country artist Thomas Rhett has announced his 2025 return to the road with new “Better in Boots Tour.” The North American tour includes four dates in New York State at four venues.
The “Better in Boots Tour” announcement comes on the heels of the release of Thomas Rhettâs acclaimed seventh studio album, About a Woman. This 14-track collection showcases Rhett’s powerful style while exploring new boundaries of the genre.
The summer tour kicks off on June 5 in Rogers, Arkansas and concludes September 26 in Ridgefield, Washington. The tour sees four stops in NY beginning June 12 at SPAC. July 12 Thomas Rhett sees the stage at Jones Beach Amphitheater in Long Island. Following these dates, the tour moves to Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center on August 7 and Empower FCU in Syracuse on August 21.
BETTER IN BOOTS TOUR 2025 Dates:
6/5 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP *
6/6 – Southaven, MS – Bank Plus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove *
6/7 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
6/12 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC +*
6/13 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
6/14 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center *
6/26 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium *
6/27 – Birmingham, AL – Venue TBA +*
6/28 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater *
7/10 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center ^
7/11 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ^
7/12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater ^
7/17 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage +*
7/31 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ^
8/1 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion ^
8/2 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre ^
8/7 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater ^
8/8 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre ^
8/9 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre ^
8/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center *
8/21 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview *
8/22 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live *
8/23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach +*
9/4 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre *
9/5 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre *
9/6 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena *
9/18 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena *
9/19 – Boise, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater *
9/20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre *
9/26 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater *
For more information on the “Better in Boots Tour,” and to purchase tickets, click here.
It was like 2007 all over again when we were introduced to Soulja Boy when he came into New York City for his SODMG Tour on September 17, 2024 at the acclaimed Gramercy Theatre. The New York crowd danced and sang the night away as if it were the Summer of 2007 all over again.
Atlanta, GA native, Soulja Boy found himself in the middle of what’s called the “Snap” era of Hip Hop with his 2007 hit debut, “Crank That (Soulja Boy)”. At 17, he became an instant Hip Hop star due to recording his daily life and posting it on YouTube, his hit single and a fun dance to match.
After SODMG’s various openers showcase, rather than treating the audience to silence between the build up—as is standard (and not necessarily frowned upon)—Soulja Boy began building the landing by allowing his DJ to play 2000s classics. Commanding the theatre illuminated by cellphone lights, he launched into one of his numerous classics “Turn My Swag On” to get the party started.
The Grammy-nominated artist went on to perform hits such as “Kiss Me Thru the Phone”, “Soulja Girl”, “Pretty Boy Swag”, “Gucci Bandana”, “Yahh” and most recently, “Rick & Morty.” Soulja commanded the whole room with hit after hit from his multi-decade spanning career. Although the set was just shy of 45 minutes, the crowd was served a heavy dose and reminder of why Soulja Boy, the musical legend that he is, is cemented in Hip-Hop and overall music history.
