photo credit: sc knows

I wasn’t really going to review this show, but I thought I’d do a quick write-up, if not to start weworemasks off in 2013 on a creative/productive note. Kendrick Lamar initially planned this show back in October, the week of Good Kid, m.A.A.d city‘s release. Since October, GKMC has flipped the music industry upside down, with folks throwing out huge hyperboles comparing it to Nas’ Illmatic and what not. But regardless, it’s a perfect debut for one of hip-hop’s most promising artists in years. The original date was postponed for a special December treat, with Kendrick performing two shows back to back at Warehouse Live and House of Blues, both of which were completely sold out to the brim.

Hit the jump for the (short) recap.

-grizzly


photo credit: sc knows

Kendrick Lamar’s bravado in the last 9 months of changed drastically. I caught a set of his at this past year’s SXSW, and while Section.80 was his biggest release at that point, his control of a crowd was fairly limited compared to the chamber orchestra conductor leanings of this past Saturday night. The sold out Warehouse Live was filled with 1500 people singing every word to every song, old and new, without an inhibition in the world. His small frame stood proudly on stage, as if he knew one man who claimed to be “on the toes” of greats like Nas and Jay-Z was actually on the toes of these established, legendary veterans.

His set ranged a good chunk of his discography, with treats from the Kendrick Lamar EP in “Pussy and Patron, “Look Out for Detox” and plenty from Section 80 and Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City. And while fans of his work loved older material, nothing elicited a bigger response than tracks like “Money Trees” and “m.A.A.d. City,” both of which had a diverse crowd yelling obscenities at high decibels. Spotted backstage were the likes of ScHoolboy Q (his bucket hat in tow), Bun B, The Niceguys, and even reports of Big K.R.I.T. No one stepped on stage for a cameo during his set, not even ScHoolboy during Kendrick’s performance of “Spiteful Chant,” which says plenty. But this night was all about Kendrick Lamar, and his way of proving to one of hip-hop’s biggest critics in Houston that he was in fact, the man. And he put on one of the best shows the hip-hop fans in this town have ever seen.

For a look at his second show, be sure to check out Day & A Dream.

[SETLIST]

Westside, Right on Time
Hol’ Up
Pussy & Patron
Fuckin’ Problems
A.D.H.D.
Tammy’s Song
Look Out For Detox
Spiteful Chant
Money Trees
Backseat Freestyle
Poetic Justice
m.A.A.d. City
Chapter Six
The Recipe
Cut You Off (To Grow Closer)
Blow My High (Members Only)
Swimming Pools
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Cartoons & Cereal