The Live Show

Photo by Kyle Johnson

I went with my lady to go see Raheem Devaughn at the Carter Baron 2 weeks ago. Though not the most avid listener, I came from it not only more of a fan, but with more respect for him. Two words, Live Show. He put on a great one, an experience you might say. There was a live band, he held up cue cards the entire show to direct the audience, he even had an artist paint the entire show. At first I didn't understand it but it was to build an ambiance during the performance. True showmanship.

Great live shows are a dying art. I was looking at Vh1's Soul School and saw The Gap Band's Early in the morning and Janet Jackson' control. What struck me about both were the duality of both artists to sing, dance, and play instruments well. I miss the energy that performances like this give me.

 

Live shows bring songs to life in a way videos can't quite capture. Its more personal, intimate, and you feel a part of the experience. A lot of rap is missing this. There are very few artists that headline their own show with just a mic and a DJ ( Jay-Z, Lil Wayne). Most just walk around a stage and say the lyrics. It's not cool to dance anymore and have fun on stage (Big Daddy Kane). I think Steve Harvey said it best on Kings of Comedy -"I paid 49.99 for these tickets, damn it you scream.". When I think of great performances, I remember The Roots 2009 Rock The Bell performance with Skillz doing classic Hip Hop songs. That's what great performances are made of.

All in all, rappers need to step there performance game up. Especially after another wack ass Bet Awards. That "I'm on One" performance put me in a coma. I should have watched the video again. What say you fellow visionaries? What other artists give great concert performances? What live shows stand out to you?