I don’t know about you, but I am always on the lookout for new acts that are coming to town. Here are seven great shows you should check out:
SZA with Ravyn Lenae & Smino @ Fillmore – December 22, 2017
This is the concert on the list that is going to be the hardest to get tickets for, but if you can, you are going to be in for a treat.
SZA, an R&B singer nominated for Best New Artist at the 2018 Grammys, rose to prominence this year with the release of her album “Ctrl.” SZA, a member of west coast rap label Top Dawg Entertainment, has worked with other major artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q and Travis Scott.
“Ctrl” is a great album featuring songs like “Love Galore” and “Doves in the Wind.” And while SZA will no doubt will put on a great show, I am excited to see the openers.
Smino specifically put out an album this year, “blkswn” that is one of my sleeper hits of the year. Songs like “Netflix & Dusse,” “Flea Flicka,” and “Glass Flows” were standouts on the album and I can’t wait until I see them live.
BROCKHAMPTON @ TLA – Jan 30, Jan 31, 2018
BROCKHAMPTON, the so called boy band that dominated the underground rap game in 2017 is starting off 2018 with a nationwide tour titled the “Love Your Parents Tour.” They are just getting off their last tour in October which was sold out almost everywhere. Resale tickets for some of these shows were extremely high, being marked up by over 500% in some areas.
This time more dates are available, featuring two dates in Philly alone at TLA. The group plans on releasing their third album of 2017, Dec. 15th with “Saturation III,” so even if you have seen them before they will be performing new material.
From those who haven’t heard of BROCKHAMPTON or just haven’t gone to a show of theirs expect a very energetic performance from the group. They have a good group dynamic on stage, orchestrated by Kevin Abstract, one of the group’s most prominent members. So check out BROCKHAMPTON’s two day stay here in Philly if you are into underground hip hop or rowdy, energetic shows.
Vince Staples + Tyler, the Creator @ The Liacouras Center – February 15, 2018
Two very artistic rappers comes to The Liacouras Center in the form of Vince Staples & Tyler, the Creator. Vince and Tyler are two of the most unique, and striking personalities in hip hop and their shows are no different.
Vince and Tyler go way back, and it is nice to see them heading out for a joint tour. Both artists are promoting their albums they dropped in 2017. For Vince, he released his second studio album, “Big Fish Theory,” and for Tyler he released his fourth studio album, “Flower Boy,” which has just been nominated for Best Rap Album of the Year at the Grammys.
Both of the artists have a live show that offers a unique, but fun experience. Vince is very straightforward performer. He is not going to waste time talking to the crowd, he is just going to keep you jumping with song after song. However Vince has incredible lighting and visuals for his shows which will floor you.
Tyler on the other hand is a bit more eclectic, and funny performer. His music is very varied so expect hard core hip hop followed by much slower R&B tracks. It is strange, as Tyler is, but it keeps you engaged.
All in all, these are two great artists to put on a show together and it will make for a great night.
A$AP Ferg with Denzel Curry & IDK @ – February 28, 2018
This lineup is stacked. All three of these rappers are great artists who I would see on their own, but them all together at one show is dope.
Ferg has a bevy of hits that include songs like “Work,” “New Level” and “Plain Jane.”
Denzel Curry has been bubbling on the underground for a while with his dedicated audience. His most recognizable song “Ultimate” became a hit after being used in a series of viral video.
However the person I am most excited to see on this list is IDK. Formerly called Jay IDK, he just put out an album, “I Was Very Bad” that is fantastic. I also saw him open for Isaiah Rashad at his recent “Lil’ Sunny Tour” and I didn’t know anything about him, but he got my attention. I got to meet him after the show, and I have been waiting for this new album ever since.
So meaning to say I am hyped to see this show here in late February.
Miguel with Nonchalant Savant & SiR @ Fillmore – March 20, 2018
Another great R&B show to go to is this show at the Fillmore in March.
Miguel is a smooth modern R&B singer who originally gained traction in 2010 with his debut album “All I Want is You.” Since then he has worked with acts like Kendrick Lamar, J Cole and Future to become one of R&B’s premier artists. He recently released his album “War and Leisure” featuring the hit single “Sky Walker” with Travis Scott. I heard his live shows are very provocative, but is backed up by a very solid performance.
Dan Auerbach @ Union Transfer – March 28, 2018
Dan Auerbach, frontman for The Black Keys, is going on a solo tour and I am excited.
My friends and I have been fans of The Black Keys for a long time, but unfortunately we never got to see them play. So for me going to see him will be a special experience.
Dan will probably not be playing music from The Black Keys but rather his recent solo album, “Waiting on a Song.” Regardless Dan Auerbach is a fantastic performer.
I can’t wait till March to see him rock Union Transfer, but honestly I really want a new Black Keys album and tour.
Lorde with Run the Jewels & Mitski @ Wells Fargo Center – April 2, 2018
I usually don’t like recommending shows at large venues, like the Wells Fargo Center, but anytime Run the Jewels is on the bill the show is guaranteed to be awesome.
Lorde isn’t no slouch herself however. I am not a huge fan of hers, but she has a large audience and her recent album, “Melodrama,” has been nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammys. Mitski is also an artist I never got into, but seems to be a solid artist and performer.
I do think it is strange that Run the Jewels is touring with Lorde, a large pop artist, but I think it will be good for them to get some exposure. I know they aren’t the star on this bill, but they are fantastic performers, and make the ticket price worth it.
Any of these shows interest you?
Are you excited for any of these shows? Did you buy your tickets yet? Any shows I missed?
Sean McCole 