Wisdom Is Power Tour | SOBs

 This past Friday, SOBs brought nothing but southern rap. These artists had a takeover on the Christmas decorated stage. While the night was all about the two time Grammy nominated rapper Rapsody, her opening acts were still given their moments to shine. It was such a good show with an affordable ticket rate, starting with $16 for general admission. This NYC venue sold out on show night, which allowed Rapsody to give us her auntie filter approval before blessing the stage. The place was packed with fans that so clearly rock with Rapsody heavy.

"Performing at SOBs is like a right of passage", Rapsody said to the crowd in midst of set. Her and fellow Jamla/RocNation rappers seemed to be honored to perform at the notorious venue. First up was GQ, given the great responsibility of setting the tone for the night. He definitely started the show off right with his jazz influenced Hip-Hop vibes.

GQ hails from Oakland, but has southern influence in his work; with his smooth knocks and heavy base. He performed "E14th", "Take Care" and other tracks from his album "E14th". This really tall emcee humbly blessed the stage and showed New York much gratitude and love. Up next was the second opening act, Don Flamingo, representing NOLA.

The New Orleans artists had a dirty south sound with a politically charged sound, as he talked much about the prison complex. He also gave encouraging words to folks who, like himself, have a loved one caught in the jail system. Don Flamingo was also celebrating his signing to RocNation; so a congratulations is due! My favorite track he performed was "You Heard Me", off the aforementioned EP. His sound gives me a hood rap tone, speaking on experiences from his city and life experiences. Deante Hitchcock was on deck ready to close out the opening acts before our Southern Queen came out.

"Dreamers are the saviours of the world hoodie" from Protect New Orleans

Deante Hitchcock represented Atlanta and well. Heart showed in his performance. Crowd engagement was very organic, because he has a likeable personality (plus his hype man didn't hurt). Deante Hitchcock drew the crowd with the classic track "Swag Surf", turning the turn up into a collective act. His original content is also dope; I'm calling "Wide Open" a classic; it just hits. With great artistry and knowing how to use the stage space, Deante Hitchcock really hyped the fans for Rapsody. He also celebrated a singing to RocNation! Check out his latest EP "So Much For Good Luck".

While all the opening acts were filled with dope southern vibes, we all knew who we were really there for. The time for Rapsody was approaching and the crowd was ready. To no surprise her much awaited appearance brought an uproar of excitement at SOBs. DJ Face and 9th Wonder were spotted behind the booth. The anxiety could be felt as "Laila's Wisdom" started to play. We were all looking for where she'd enter (in reality there's only a side and front entrance, but when you're excited right?). Rapsody came on rocking an army jacket, red hoodie, high top black leather forces, big square hoops, a long gold chain and red weave. Rapsody came like the sassy tomboy from the hood, the aesthetic she keeps true to in style and character, and we love it! Her set was as gritty and real as expected, but the emcee also has a very fun and flirty side I didn't know about! As she performed her first track off her latest album, "Laila's Wisdom", the crowd rapped with her word for word. Rapsody is a lyrical artist and it translates through her last project just as much as her previous work, which she also blessed the stage with. Day one fans were able to show out when she brought it back to "Crown" and "Beauty and the Beast". Her discography speaks for itself and it's dope to see her come up scale.

 

 

There's a sense of authority that comes naturally to Rapsody. She demands the rooms attention without asking for it. She went from performing  "OooWee", with glared eyes going in to "Sassy", as she is danced with fans with a sincere smile. Versatile she is and a wonderful show she gives. "Don't say I'm the best female rapper...say I'm a mothafuckin beast!" is what Rapsody demanded of her fans, and rightfully so. We already know the politics of being a female rapper, but Rapsody doesn't let that effect her grind, with two Grammy nominations as proof. Did I mention she has two Grammy nominations?! While she comes with sass and confidence, Rapsody constantly showed loved to her RocNation family. The fans were on it too, throwing up the rock and just overall being admirable of the rapper. Once she left the stage, she went straight to the people, and signed albums and took pictures. Her authenticity, talent, and personality made seeing her at SOBs so worthwhile.

These acts will continue the Wisdom is Power Tour along the east coast then head to Europe! So overseas listeners, make sure you buy tickets and get ready for some southern hospitality. These are all underdog artist, hustling to greatness. Their grind is apparent in their work and their family like bond keeps them supporting one another. I am so excited for the accolades coming her way, and being further proof the female rappers are just rappers, but with better bars!