ArtsEtc.
DMX raps for enthusiastic crowd at Orpheum
Looking for a print version?
Simply use your browser’s ‘Print’ command and a printer-friendly document will be generated automatically.
Also by Andrew Gordon:
- DMX performs for charity (April 10, 2008)
Sharing tools:
E-mail this article:
DMX performed to an enthusiastic crowd with definite police presence at the Orpheum Theatre Thursday. Opening for him were a large number of underground rap groups, some affiliated with Nasty North Records.
DMX was characteristically late, so another MC came out and wanted to freestyle, but the crowd’s boos and chants for DMX forced him to retreat.
Around 12:30 a.m., DMX came out onto the stage and quickly whipped the crowd into a frenzy. As energetic as ever, DMX performed an hour of career-spanning hits. DMX’s days of selling out arenas are past, but those in attendance were captivated by his stage presence and theatrics.
Before performing “A’yo Kato,” a sentimental jam off of 2003’s Grand Champ, DMX poured out an entire bottle of Hennessy dedicated to the memory of those who have fallen.
Later, DMX plugged his forthcoming double album Walk With Me Now and You’ll Fly With Me Later. X spat a new verse a cappella to prove that he was still on top of his lyrical game without leaking any new beats.
The highlight of his set was the highly recognizable “Party Up.” With the crowd chanting along with every lyric, DMX used his most famous track to transport the audience back to the peak of his late ’90s success.
Bodega, one of the more polished opening groups, performed a mix of hyphy and crunk rap. Their sound was very much like Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boyz. Bodega even incorporated a rapper yelling “yeah” over most of their tracks like Lil’ Jon.
After Bodega, the audience was graced with the presence of white rapper Double A. An Eminem wannabe, A is square in the now-stereotypical white rapper mode. The highlight of A’s set was an attempt to break the mold of white men who can’t rap by spitting blazing lines without a beat. As impressive as the beat-less raps were, the audience did not seem into him. Bodega then came back to the stage to perform with A. Playing a song they already performed in their own set, Bodega and A left the crowd wanting more.
After a slew of other rappers — and another song or two played twice — Madison’s own ProFound and Lil Brah came on stage. Playing a more pop-influenced, polished, lyrically-substantial and energetic form of rap than any group before them, ProFound and Lil Brah definitely got the crowd excited.
In light of Wednesday’s incident at Indiana University, where DMX’s on-campus concert broke into a riot and front-row revelers were sprayed with tear gas, the increased police presence and security kept the crowd in line. Police were appreciative that the audience came to enjoy the music and not cause trouble.
“I thought that everybody was well-behaved,” said University of Wisconsin police officer Tony Fiore after the concert.
Herald Blogs
The Beat Goes On
Muckrakers
President’s Visit Marked a Speech to One of the Last Groups Not Critical of Him
Extra Points
Top Classified Ads (view all)
HOUSES FOR Fall 2010. All houses are on W Dayton or N Bassett. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 bedrooms. All have parking. madisoncampusrentals.com
Leave a comment