If Kendrick performs in Chicago,I’m going, no doubt. When the Groove Sessions tour was announced, I was ready to pounce on tickets.The morning they went on sale I went to purchase my tickets right as they went live at 10 am, and soon after I was redirected to a page telling me they were sold out by 10:02. Although I have already seen Kendrick twice, I was bummed. “To Pimp a Butterfly” is my favorite album and I really wanted to see those songs performed live; Kendrick’s performances are always unforgettable.
Someone must have felt my despair, and more tickets were added to the Chicago show along with a change of venue. I was determined to get a ticket this time… and of course, I did.
Jay Rock opened the night with high energy. He got the crowd jumping, letting us know this was a TDE show and that this was a real Hip Hop show. Watching him perform and, hearing his flows, really set the tone.
When the Pimps Only sign was lit and The Wesley Theory band hit the stage, I made sure I was super close to the stage; I really wanted to experience this. Kendrick came out and after minutes of us cheering he opened his mouth and said….. “THIS DICK AINT FREEEEE….”
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Just like that the Groove Session was on. Most of the To Pimp a Butterfly album was played, and he threw in some classics such as “ADHD,” “Bitch Don’t Kill my Vibe,” and “Backstreet Freestyle.” Kendrick and The Wesley Theory band could take it from super smooth to funky fresh. They captivated the crowd, we knew every word, we felt every vibe. Kendrick took the time to talk to those of us in attendance to let us know To Pimp A Butterfly was therapy for him. I knew it was; the album reflected it, you could feel it. It was so raw and so real. The smaller venue made the show intimate. Kendrick and the band gave us their all and we gave it right back. I really loved how the band and Kendrick vibed together, they were truly in a groove session. K Dot talked about his love for Chicago and how most of the band was from here. I remember being so amazed by that.
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The show ended with us chanting “WE GON’ BE ALRIGHT” over and over and over again. He made the crowd go from silence to a loud chanting of these words. We loved it, Kendrick loved it, the band loved it, there was nothing but love in the room.
I left feeling happy I was a part of the crowd and that I belted every lyric.
I thought about how Kendrick said the album was therapy… being there and, listening to him was therapy to me. I’ve seen a lot of performers and no one has ever seemed as grateful as Kendrick to be able to perform for people. He gave and showed us so much love. Kendrick and The Wesley Theory band gave us an amazing performance. If you haven’t seen Kendrick live you’re truly missing a beautiful, real, raw, poetic experience. I’ll always make my way to a Kendrick show anytime I get the chance. He creates feeling.
