It was quite the night at the Metro, although every night at the Metro serves us quite well. The letters D-R-A-M topped the headlines right on North Clark Street, followed below with even bigger letters that read “SOLD OUT.” All while a line full of noticeably excited music fans awaited outside to enter for a night to remember.
To start the night off, the wonderful and soothing tones from River Tiber filled the air. Slowly but surely, the venue piled up with more and more to witness. The young, talented Toronto artist showcased his unique sound, serenading the crowd with every song; down to every note and chord. His performance was well planned out and smoothly executed as he ended his set with his song “West.”
If you aren’t familiar with this young man’s work, you better get with it.
Next up, the 22-year-old Nebu Kiniza took the stage. With a name that fits him just right, he proved every bit of it. Born in Queens, and raised in Atlanta, his ‘feel-good’ music absolutely shows both sides of his upbringing; oddly complimenting each other perfectly. It’s without question that Nebu really got the Metro jumpin’. However, due to some technical difficulties, his set was cut short, right when the intro of his hit single, “Gassed Up,” began. Worry not my friends, the night was young and this wouldn’t be the last of Nebu.
Ari Lennox. Wow. Just wow. Her voice, her flow, everything!
Witnessing her perform, is without a doubt one of the most amazing experiences to come across. An artist that truly gives new meaning to the term ‘breath-taking.’ Her charisma alone stole the hearts of many as she floated back and forth on stage in such an angelic manner. Her carefree energy spread throughout the Metro like wildfire. The way she connected with the crowd was unimaginable. She kept conversation consistent but brief with the audience in between songs, which helped build a sense of relation between artist and audience. Words can only describe so much. Everything about this Dreamville queen was phenomenal. The power in her lovely voice captivated the sea of faces as everyone simply rocked in unison with her. Ari is truly one of a kind.
Finally, with a venue filled to capacity, the audience was ready. The built up anticipation had reached its highest level of the night. The wonderful artist and his dreads took the stage, with that gleaming smile we’re all familiar with. To his presence alone, the crowd cheered and cheered for well over a minute to welcome the person they’ve been waiting all night for. To start things off, D.R.A.M. decided to first serenade us with tracks like Signals, Cute, and ‘WiFi’. The music alone had proven to be even better on a Live set, which isn’t too common nowadays.
The energy level of the artist is out of this world. Also, the versatility of D.R.A.M. was also very prominent. The way he could ease into the ears of his fans with a solo performance of “Caretaker,” then take them by storm right into “Cha-Cha,” with an effortless transition, perfectly displays his ability to make any kind of music. He continues his unique flow, breaking down the barriers of music genres and creating his own sort of sound. The individuality of this artist is second to none in the game right now. Aside from snatching souls through his own music, the VA artist only became more and more admirable throughout the night. He brought back out Nebu Kiniza to properly finish performing, “Gassed Up,” which the crowd loved. A key moment of the night that separates him from other artists, was the moment he announced his struggles right before breaking into the song, “Get It Myself.” His music is relatable and genuine.
Now, what is a D.R.A.M. show without “Broccoli” being performed? Following up the upbeat tones of “Cash Register,” the intro started up and the audience went absolutely nuts, so crazy that the song had to be done twice.
The night wasn’t over with just yet. The lights switched colors, as the track “No Problems,” cut on –pervading through the speakers. In this very moment, the energy level noticeably changed to the highest intensity it’d been all night. Everyone knew just what this meant. Then Chance The Rapper made his way on stage alongside D.R.A.M. to close the Chicago show out just right. The performance was alive and the absolute perfect way to end the night; where the Windy City meets the Sweet VA Breeze.
This show was one to remember.
