The live performance is becoming more and more important for up and coming artists. As the music industry evolves and is further aligned with the digital world, what an artist does on stage can help separate them from the competition. Everyone has a Myspace page and a Youtube channel and a Twitter account. But during a live performance, the exclusive eyes, ears, and opinions go beyond the spectators in the venue; fans and critics can now see footage of artist's shows right after they end. One solid performance in the right city -with the right tastemakers- will have the blogs, magazines, and radio hosts buzzing like they were there in person. Luckily, Wale knows this. And how he executed last week's show at Highline made me realize that I might be a jaded NYC resident.
Unfortunately, I missed Colin Munroe's set,
but I made it in time for KiD CuDi's...
He was joined by Capo to perform "Day N Nite":
I love how he goes into the "Crookers Remix" instrumental at the end, trying to get everyone to merge into a more electro lane. And trust, it wasn't the first or last genre-blending move of the night.
Peter Rosenberg and Mark Ronson
entertained the crowd between acts...
But out the gate, Wale was full of that energetic, DC swag.
The crowd ate it up, proving that they were clearly there for him.
Chrisette Michelle joined Wale to perform their record with
The Roots, "Rising Up."
After her, Clipse's own Pusha T joined him to perform "Back In The Go Go"
"That fly sh*t I been on..."
Each show, Wale takes time out to recognize historic Go Go band UCB, and in turn, educates the audience on DC music and culture. In the video below, you can catch a piece of that night's Go Go music lesson:Embodying "regional" (DMV) celebrity:
Wale with Tre, Mike and Marcus of UCB.
After the lesson, Freeway came out to represent for the Roc...
Wale didn't seem to mind.
And shortly after, Young Chris joined them on stage:
Along with Leo DiCaprio, the Roc was definitely in the building to support...
Hov amongst the spectators (and virtually impossible to photograph!)
Still, it appears as though The Dynasty is thoroughly intact.
Continuing the genre-crossing theme of the evening,
Wale performed "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.," and then transitioned into Nirvana's
"Smells Like Teen Spirit," testing the crowds ability to summon their inner rocker:
Overall, it worked.
Hip Hop, Electronica, Pop, Go Go, and Rock music, all under one roof...
"Name Wale, don't say Wall-E!"
Many thanks to Mjeema and JZ for the ticket! XO
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