I will be the first to admit that going to a Big Sean concert isn’t the usual way I’d spend a Saturday night, but after my experience at the Orpheum this past weekend, I may start changing things up on a more regular basis.
Opening up with Madison’s own hip-hop/rap duo Kyle & Keem, the show got off to a great start. Any Madison area resident might recognize their top hit “Amazing” from its airplay on local radio stations such as Z104 and 93.1 Jamz. It’s been clear for a while that these young artists have talent, and I can now say whole heartedly that they’ve also got the “it factor”. I expect to see big things from the pair in the next few years. Needless to say, the stage was well warmed up for Big Sean’s portion of the show.
Upon arrival I was a little surprised to see so few people, but no worries; the crowd grew as the night went on, as did the smoky haze and my intrigue. I had heard some of Big Sean’s music prior to this weekend, but only a few of his most popular songs. The majority of the night’s music was new to me and while I may have had a difficult time making out the lyrics, I very much enjoyed dancing along.
Given the fact that my usual music repertoire consists of folk and pop/rock ballads, it shouldn’t come as a surprise how out of my element I felt for a good fraction of the concert’s duration. But don’t give up hope on me just yet; I may be a sing-songy white girl, but like any fun-loving college student I also know how to break it down and have a good time. Sometimes it’s nice to get out and be someone you’re definitely not, and the Big Sean concert provided me with the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Joining Big Sean on stage was a female artist whose name I am sorry to say could not be heard over the roar of the crowd. This saddens me for the simple fact that I would love to look her up to find more of her work. With a choral background of my own, I can be somewhat critical about the tone and overall sound of a vocalist, females in particular, but I have nothing bad to say in this case. Her voice was the perfect combination of hip-hop diva and effortless softness, all while having enough of an interesting quality to suit my eclectic tastes.
And finally to discuss the main attraction of the event, Big Sean himself. For a man recording under Kanye West’s record label (G.O.O.D. Music) and who has worked with Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, and Wiz Khalifa just to name a few, I expected no less than a marvel from the rising star. I have to admit that his stage presence was impressive, but overall, I was disappointed. The vocals were decent, but it was the overall feel of his performance that really got to me.
I think I may have lost it had I heard “Let’s make some motherfing noise up in this b*!” one more time. But that being said, I really did enjoy myself at the show. It may not be in thanks so much to Big Sean’s performance, but more to the fact that I got out, tried something new, and had a great time. Whether it’s Big Sean’s music you’re interested in or a genre completely different, I highly recommend giving something new a shot. Who knows, you just may be surprised by the effect it has on you.