When I first stepped into Warehouse Live for the Machine Gun Kelly concert, I became acutely aware of the fact that there were only three of “us” within the venue. (The number diminishing if you consider the fact that one of those included the DJ and I’m biracial.)

I quickly perched myself in a corner with my notepad in hand; waiting for the concert to begin while blissfully ignoring hip hop’s suburban fan base and plotting on a way to slip to the bar. I was faced with a double dilemma of sorts, not only was I mostly unfamiliar with the headliner, Cleveland bred Machine Gun Kelly; but as a native Californian the local acts on the bill were largely foreign to me as well.

As the room begin to swell, now filled with a mix of hipsters, artists, and fans alike, (yet more proof that “CP Time” is embedded within our culture,) I began to make my way around the crowd, enjoying the random conversations buzzing around me.

I was first stopped at the bar, [SCORE!], and blended into the group as the young men around me empathetically discussed the artist line-up of the night. As I listened to their varying opinions, one name kept ringing, Doughbeezy.

I made a note to keep an eye out for him.

As the lights officially dimmed, signaling that the concert was about to begin, I quickly made my way to the front of the stage; the anticipation floating around the room finally taking a hold of me as well.

Up first was IB3:

Anybody that can spit over a Hov track and catch my attention without once causing me to sing the original words is alright with me.

 

Since crossing into the “Age of Barbie” we have seen a blatant omission of a slew of other talented female emcees. IB3 makes sure that she is heard. With a silent control, and a thorough command of the stage I rocked to her entire set as if I knew it by heart. Next time I will.

 

Up next was Simple Success, which consists of drummer Skrunch-roo and DJ Chop E, in the middle of the stage, stood a large projection screen reminiscent of a drive through movie. A catalog of hits flashed across the screen, each video had been remixed masterfully as the duo played along live. I made sure to catch Skrunch backstage to snag me a copy of their cd.

 

 

 

Now Kulture Rebel is someone I often see on my timeline, and often hear mentioned, yet I had failed to actually, well, hear him. He commanded the stage, and made it clear that his Beavis & Butthead shirt was more than a subtle nod to the 90s, an aura of rebellion literally emanated from the stage. His first track infused anger in me, made me want to fuck some shit up…and that wasn’t a bad thing. I felt his music. He even got two, um, non-minority chicks to wipe the sweat off his face. Nuff said.

 

 

 

Intermission:

 

At this point I made my way backstage where the vibe was laidback yet laced with anticipation. All of the artists were cordial and accommodating, yet I decided to forgo interviews in lieu of allowing them to properly prepare.

Witnessed the biggest blunt I have ever seen in my life…and I’m from California.

Briefly spoke with an executive from Interscope; laced me with an announcement and then barred me from publishing it. Damn journalistic integrity.

By the time I made it back to the floor all I could piece together was “Uzoy” and “spitter.” Apparently I missed a clean performance from another rising female emcee. Damn.

Doughbeezy was up next.

Now apparently I neglected to catch the beat about this young man, because he literally has his own following. As the lights dimmed and his set began the atmosphere began to resemble the concert of a much more recognizable artist. He held the crowds attention in an iron grip and when his mentor, lyrical connoisseur Killa Kyleon made an appearance on stage for a debut of a new track, a scathing send-up to all haters, the excitement flowed freely.

That note I made earlier to keep an eye out for him? I underlined, circled it, and then drew a star by it.


The Nice Guys put together a smooth, polished performance. But then again I expected nothing less than excellent from them, always a crowd favorite.

In all this was an impressive line-up of local artists. I applaud The Three Wise Men for putting together a much needed showcase of talent for the city of Houston.

 

With such a strong compilation of talent within the city it is becoming increasingly apparent that it is time for some to step from behind the curtains into the national spotlight.

I look forward to being there as well.

 

Written By: C. Smith of Houston TREND

 

Moments Captured by: Loso of Houston TREND