OBK CHANNEL

Category: Music

  • JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” North American Leg Preview

    Atlanta rapper JID, born Destin Choice Route, is set to ignite stages across North America with his “God Does Like Paradise Tour,” the North American leg of his expansive “God Does Like World Tours.” This blockbuster run, supporting his critically acclaimed fourth studio album God Does Like Ugly (released August 8, 2025, via Dreamville/Interscope), kicks off October 15, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA, and wraps with a two-night finale at Brooklyn’s Paramount on December 15 and 16. With fellow Atlanta native Young Nudy as a special guest for most U.S. dates, alongside additional acts like Baby Kia, DC The Don, and Kai Ca$h, JID is poised to deliver a high-energy celebration of hip-hop that showcases his lyrical dexterity and electrifying stage presence. For fans in and around Rochester, NY, the tour offers several nearby shows to catch this rising star in action.

    JID’s Background: From East Atlanta to Global Stages

    Born on October 31, 1990, in East Atlanta, JID grew up immersed in his parents’ collection of classic funk and soul LPs, which shaped his eclectic musical palette. Influences like OutKast, Goodie Mob, Lil Wayne, and Wu-Tang Clan fueled his passion for hip-hop, while his fluent rapping style and intricate wordplay have earned him widespread critical acclaim. JID first gained recognition with independent projects like Route of Evil (2012), Para Tu (2013), and DiCaprio (2015). His big break came in 2017 when he signed with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, releasing his debut album The Never Story, which featured the standout single “Never.” Subsequent projects, including DiCaprio 2 (2018) and The Forever Story (2022), solidified his reputation as a lyrical powerhouse. His 2021 single “Enemy” with Imagine Dragons, the theme for Netflix’s Arcane, became his highest-charting hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.

    JID’s latest album, God Does Like Ugly, has been hailed as one of 2025’s strongest hip-hop releases, with critics praising its ambitious production and introspective storytelling. Featuring heavyweights like Clipse, Vince Staples, Ciara, and Westside Gunn, the album reflects JID’s evolution as an artist who carries “the weight of Atlanta’s past, present, and future” on his shoulders. The tour’s title, God Does Like Paradise, nods to the album’s themes of resilience and redemption, promising fans a live experience that’s both raw and reflective.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester, NY Proximity

    The North American leg of the “God Does Like Paradise Tour” spans 31 shows across major cities, with Young Nudy bringing his signature trap energy to all U.S. dates (except Canadian stops). The tour’s itinerary includes stops in Chicago, Seattle, Miami, and more, but for Rochester, NY, fans, three nearby shows stand out:

    •  October 22, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL: Just a three-hour drive from Rochester, this show at the 2,500-capacity REBEL nightclub offers an intimate setting to experience JID’s dynamic performance. Note that Young Nudy will not appear at this Canadian date, but JID’s solo set, likely featuring tracks like “WRK” and “Surround Sound,” will keep the energy high.

    •  October 24, 2025 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS: A four-hour drive from Rochester, this stop at the 2,300-capacity MTELUS venue promises a vibrant atmosphere. Like the Toronto show, it’s a Young Nudy-free performance, but JID’s reputation as a “notorious live performer” ensures a memorable night.

    •  December 15-16, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount: Approximately a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Rochester, these back-to-back shows mark the tour’s grand finale. The 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount will host JID and Young Nudy, delivering a high-octane close to the North American leg.

    What to Expect from the Tour

    JID’s live shows are known for their raw, unfiltered energy, transforming venues into “high-octane, crowd-shaking celebrations.”. Additional acts like Baby Kia and DC The Don will bring fresh voices to the stage, amplifying the tour’s appeal. JID’s promise of a special Atlanta hometown show (date TBD) underscores his commitment to his roots, but for now, Rochester fans can plan road trips to Toronto, Montreal, or Brooklyn to catch him live.

    Tickets for North American shows are available through Ticketmaster.

    His journey from East Atlanta to global stages mirrors the hustle and heart of his music, making these shows a must-see for fans of lyrical precision and authentic storytelling. Whether you’re vibing to “151 Rum” or reflecting on the personal narratives of God Does Like Ugly, JID’s “God Does Like Paradise Tour” is set to be a defining moment in his career—and a thrilling experience for North America

    For more details and tickets, visit www.jidsv.com.

  • Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    Joey Bada$$ Announces Dark Aura Tour w/ Rapsody & Ab-Soul, Bringing Lyrical Fire to North America

    #UPDATE

    Joey Bada$$ has canceled his Dark Aura Tour

    In a sudden and disappointing turn, Joey Bada$$‘ highly anticipated “Dark Aura Tour,” has been reportedly cancelled.

    New York’s own Joey Bada$$ is set to ignite stages across North America with his Dark Aura Tour, a 25-date run kicking off October 16, 2025, in Boston, Massachusetts, and wrapping up November 21, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The tour, named after his latest single “Dark Aura,” features hip-hop heavyweights Ab-Soul and Rapsody as special guests, promising a night of introspective lyricism and high-energy performances. With his forthcoming album Lonely at the Top dropping August 29, 2025, Joey is poised to make 2025 a defining year. Fans near Rochester, New York, will have several opportunities to catch this powerhouse trio at nearby stops.

    Joey Bada$$: From Pro Era Prodigy to Hip-Hop Luminary

    Born Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, Joey Bada$$ emerged in 2012 with his debut mixtape 1999, a nod to East Coast rap’s golden era that showcased his lyrical skill at age 17. As a co-founder of the Pro Era collective, he blended raw storytelling with boom-bap beats. His albums B4.DA.$$ (2015) and 2000 (2022) cemented his status as a voice for conscious rap. Beyond music, Joey’s acting roles in Mr. Robot and Power Book III: Raising Kanan, along with his entrepreneurial and activist work, highlight his versatility. His upcoming album Lonely at the Top explores fame, isolation, and resilience, with singles like “Dark Aura” and “The Ruler’s Back” setting the tone. The Dark Aura Tour marks his first headlining run since 2022, joined by Ab-Soul’s cerebral rhymes and Rapsody’s poetic flow.

    Tour Highlights and Rochester-Area Shows

    The Dark Aura Tour hits major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Brooklyn, but fans in Rochester, New York, can catch the show at several nearby venues. The closest stops include:

    •  October 20, 2025 – Toronto, ON @ REBEL (approximately 85 miles from Rochester, a 1.5-hour drive across the border). This show at the vibrant REBEL venue brings Joey, Ab-Soul, and Rapsody to Canada’s hip-hop scene, making it the most accessible option for Rochester fans.

    •  October 21, 2025 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues Cleveland (approximately 225 miles from Rochester, a 3.5-hour drive). The intimate House of Blues will amplify the trio’s lyrical intensity, perfect for a road trip.

    •  October 22, 2025 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore (approximately 300 miles from Rochester, a 4.5-hour drive). This stop at the historic Fillmore Detroit offers a high-energy night for fans up for a longer drive.

    The Toronto show is the closest and most convenient for Rochester fans, though a valid passport is required for Canada.

    What to Expect

    The Dark Aura Tour promises a showcase of hip-hop’s lyrical core. Joey will likely perform tracks from Lonely at the Top alongside classics from 1999 and 2000. Ab-Soul, fresh off his 2022 album Herbert, brings philosophical depth, while Rapsody, a Grammy-winning lyricist, delivers poetic flows from works like Eve. This trio’s commitment to substance over flash makes the tour unmissable for hip-hop purists.

    Ticket Information

    Tickets are live via www.joeybadass.com or platforms like Ticketmaster. Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so Rochester fans should act quickly, especially for Toronto and Cleveland.

    Why This Tour Matters

    The Dark Aura Tour follows Joey’s struggles with label delays at Columbia Records, which pushed Lonely at the Top from its original August 1 release. His defiance shines in “Dark Aura,” produced by Chuck Strangers, with lines like, “Independent mindset, we ain’t f**kin’ with the majors.” Paired with Ab-Soul and Rapsody, this tour celebrates hip-hop’s authenticity. Rochester fans, grab tickets early for a night of raw lyricism—whether in Toronto, Cleveland, or Detroit. Follow @joeybadass on Instagram and X for updates.

  • The Wrecks open up for New Politics Lost in Translation Tour (review, photos, video)

    Only Black Kid stops by The Fillmore Silver Spring to watch New Politics, The Wrecks and The Dreamers walk on top of crowd, backflip off drumsets and more at the “Lost in Translation” tour.

    New Politics has devoted fans that hold them up literally.

    Covering two concerts in two days in Silver Spring, Maryland; Monday night, we found ourselves, Only Black Kid – amongst an audience of 600 headbangers as Danish rock band New Politics played The Fillmore Silver Spring – which has a 3,000 max capacity – in part of their “Lost In Translation” tour which is to promote their latest album release of the same title.

    New Politics lead vocalist and frontman David Boyd was in peak performer mode. Whether Boyd was backflipping off bandmates Louis Vecchio’s drumset, walking on top of the crowd’s hands while singing “Everywhere I go,” or break dancing during band’s guitarist Søren Hansen guitar instrumental; the content crowd remained focused on living in the moment and focusing on who was there with them and not who wasn’t.

    A lineup that continued to build from the opening act to the headliner; alternative bands The Wrecks and The Dreamers got the party going early.

    The Wrecks were the first act to take the stage and their energetic opening performance set the tone for the night. Eccentric frontman and lead singer, Nick Anderson, bounced on and off the stage to perform with the fans on the barriers as the five-piece band performed tracks from their “Panic Vertigo – EP.” Despite being the first act on the bill, The Wrecks received a positive crowd reaction during their set, getting the audience to sing  during songs “Favorite Liar,” “James Dean” and “Turn it Up.”

    An energy you can not re-live unless you were there to witness it for yourself; the three bands remained enthusiastic and never failed to bring energy to the stage. What opening acts The Wreckers and The Dream lacked in stage design and lights compared to New Politics, they attempted to make up in energy and spirit. However, when you have a 40-year-old Boyd moving the way he did without breaking a hip, all the rising artist could do is sit back and enjoy New Politics as they progress through their touring circuit.

    By OBK

  • Walk of the Earth ends US leg of 2018 tour with sold out family affair at Fillmore Silver Spring (review,photos)

    Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth close out their first headlining US tour in three-years with a sold out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring.

    While Canadian rock band Walk off the Earth has built their name thanks to viral videos of them remixing popular songs on their 2.9 million subscribers’ YouTube channel, the group’s ability to produce music videos and bring them to life while on tour has helped set them apart from your typical cover band.

    Ending the US leg of their 2018 tour with a sold-out show at The Fillmore Silver Spring, I found myself – The Only Black Kid – partying with a majority-white all-age 3000-person audience, as Walk off the Earth made their way back to Silver Spring, Maryland for the first time in three years.

    A venue special to the group; members Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati informed me during an interview, prior to the show, that in 2014 the venue was their first-ever sold-out headlining show in America.

    Taking a risk in an uncontrolled environment – built around bringing their corky yet creative D.I.Y. videos, which have garnered multi-million views on YouTube, to a live show – Walk off the Earth’s stage set is one giant circus. Whether there was 5 peeps playing 1 guitar at the same time during the cover of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Use To Know,” plastic pipes slamming against a table to create a baseline during their cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” or giants balloons floating on top of the crowd as wacky waving inflatable arm-flailing tube men blew erratically on both sides of the stages during Outkast’s “Hey Ya!,” Walk of the Earth kept the audience on their toes, blending genres to fit their custom sound.

    Walk of the Earth does an impressive job at multitasking and allowing each member to have their own shine while still keeping the best interest of the band. During performances of original songs – “Taekwondo” and “Nomad,” – the band cuts back on visual effects, allowing the crowd to focus on their singing and harmonizing skills.

    Meet and greet ticket holders had the opportunity to witness a raw, stripped down version of the band prior to the show. Gathering around the five-piece band to participate in a campfire type singalong, Walk of the Earth performed an acoustic pre-show jam session before having an intimate Q&A session with the audience; all while Blackwood and Luminati’s seven-month-old infant played peacefully on daddy’s lap as strangers stared at him and took pictures.

    Blackwood, Luminati, Marshall, Cassidy, and Taylor are a gang of rhythm. More than 2,500 people – ranging from toddlers to elderly – gathered as the Canadian band provided great music over festive effects to end the US leg of their 2018 tour. Walk off the Earth does not come around here very often, but it is a treat when they do.

    By OBK

  • Rhye brings their spin of R&B to soldout 9:30 Club in Washington DC (review)

    When it comes to the popular R&B artists out of Canada, Toronto’s Milosh may not be high on the popularity radar however with his vocal abilities he should not be left of the most talented list.

    Monday night I found myself – Only Black Kid – in 9:30 Club with a largely white audience as Milosh’s R&B musical project, Rhye, made their way to Washington D.C. in part of their three-country tour.

    A visual that Rhye keep mysterious throughout the show, the group opened up their set performing an interpolation of debut LP record “3 Days.” Forcing the music out in front of the six-piece band’s physical presence, Rhye hid behind a gloomy purple lighted shadow, that remained dark during the group’s hour-long setlist.

    Rhye’s setlist included a balance of slow-tempo records – “Major Minor Love,” “Stay Safe” and “Waste” – that allowed couples to get mushy and be romantic in the packed crowd, and with a few key upbeat records – “Open” and “Last Dance.- the band provided the ambience for patrons to hold hands and dance the night away.

    Milosh’s vocal ability was at peak during Rhye’s acoustic guitar performance of “Song For You.” With the band giving Milosh space to shine, one could hear the surge of emotion in the singer’s voice, resembling an energy and sound to Sade’s “Love Deluxe.”

    The balance of uptempo and slow-tempo records allowed Rhye to keep control of the audience, however Milosh’s subtle acknowledgment of the crowd made the show very impersonal; hearing only from Milosh when he requested for two photographers to stop their conversation in the photo pit and when he gave a very bland story of the last time he performed in the city and how it was cold outside midwinter.

    While we should not attempt to box ideas into a single category, and rather enjoy them at face value, it is difficult not to consider the majority of what Rhye was performing as soft rock. At times, paying no homage to the general conscious of the R&B genre and its originators, Rhye’s sound during cuts from their latest album “Blood” lacked substance, and exemplified an artist attempting to remain safe while gentrifying sexy soulful singing and a strong backbeat to fit a fanbase moved by internet-driven trends. An artist attempting to recreate black music for people who shop at Whole Foods.

    By OBK

  • JID, EARTHGANG WASHINGTON, DC (VIDEO)

  • George Clinton, The Parliament Funkadelic at Howard Theatre (review, photos)

    Accompanied by the Parliament Funkadelic, George Clinton made his way to The Howard Theatre for a mature party that the old-school music crowd truly enjoyed.

    While George Clinton is old enough to be my grandfather, I don’t think I would be safe leaving my girlfriend around the spirited 76-year-old at the family picnic.

    At least not if I expected her to feel about me the same way and not be drawn to him.

    Accompanied by the Parliament Funkadelic, George Clinton made his way to The Howard Theatre for a mature party that the old-school music crowd truly enjoyed.

    Performing for more than two hours, Mr. Clinton used his legacy and his household name to help introduce a new era of talent and sound.

    Hip to what’s going on today, Mr. Clinton took the time out during his show to pay homage to today’s hip-hop culture, covering Big Sean’s “IDFWU” and Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow.” Moving with rhythm to the beat alongside the younger generation members of the Parliament Funkadelic, Mr. Clinton went deep into his dance bag, showing he was still very agile and broke out into the “Swag Surfin’” dance move.

    Serving as a coach, Mr. Clinton allowed the members of the Parliament Funkadelic to run the show as he played hyped man.

    While the newer generation members in the group got the party going, the elder estates provided the highlights of the night. 

    Greg Thomas provided the night with multiple saxophone solos, including a rendition of  “The Pink Panther Theme Song.” Guitarist Dewayne “Blackbyrd” Knight proved to be the real MVP. Through his multiple solos, Mr. Knight helped show that while Parliament Funkadelic is evolving with the times and looking to stay relevant in a new cultural climate, the classical funk vibes will not die in the process. A great illustration of what the night had to offer.

    By OBK

  • AMINÉ TOUR FOR YOU AT HOWARD THEATRE (VIDEO)

  • Third Eye Blind celebrates 20th year anniversary with ‘Fall of the Summer Gods’ tour at Fillmore Silver Spring (review, photos, video)

    On tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, Third Eye Blind made their way to the Fillmore Silver Spring for “Fall of the Summer Gods” tour.

    By OBK

    SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND —

    When you are 20 years into the game you can do what you want!

    “We were only supposed to tour Europe. We should be in the studio right now,” Stephan Jenkins said during Third Eye Blind’s sold out “Fall of the Summer Gods” tour stop at The Fillmore Silver Spring Tuesday night.

    On tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, Third Eye Blind performed newer material as well as their beloved past tracks which helped make the 90’s awesome.

    Lead by 52-year-old lead signer Mr. Jenkins, the five-piece band, which homes two original members, got the night going with the first track of Third Eye Blind: Losing a Whole Year, with the band lit in minimum light, allowing fans to focus on lyrics, vocal and instrumental ability.

    Third Eye Blind at Filmore Silver Spring

    Hiding within the stage set; the group followed up with “Red Star,” “Narcolepsy,” and “Faster” before beaming the stage and audience with blue smoke lights and performing “Wounded” and “1000 Julys.”

    A testament to how the group has managed to create timeless music and stay relevant with newer music showed with the diverse age range of ticket holders, expanding more than three generations of listeners.

    While the first side of the debut project was the clear highlights of the night, Mr. Jenkins thanked the audience for enjoying the band as a whole and not just their big hits, pulling songs from their 2016 project “We Are Drugs” and their 2015 album “Dopamine.

    “If you’re here now, that means you are here because you love us.  Thank you for loving us,” said Mr. Jenkins during the extended instrumental interlude of “Semi-Charmed Life,” which transitioned the audience from head nodding into a rhythmic sing-along. ” I mean what I’m saying right now. This is the fall tour. We are not even supposed to be on tour this fall. We are not even supposed to be here right now. This is all just a gift, for us.”

    A nostalgic gift that Third Eye Blind has earned for providing the soundtrack to the party.

    The Setlist

    “Losing A Whole Year”

    “Red Star”

    “Narcolepsy”

    “Faster”

    “Wounded”

    “1000 Julys”

    “Semi-Charmed Life”

    “Company of Strangers”

    “Dopamine”

    “Graduate”

    “Back to Zero”

    “London”

    “Blinded”

    “Motorcycle” (Acoustic)

    “Crystal Baller” (Acoustic)

    “Jumper” (Acoustic)

    “Never Let You Go”

    “God of Wine

  • Concert review: Chris Brown brings ‘One Hell of a Night’ tour to MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Concert review: Chris Brown brings ‘One Hell of a Night’ tour to MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

    Watching clips of Chris Brown dance  on Instagram is one thing but seeing it live up close and personal is another. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter made his way to Tampa Friday night, when he brought his star studded “One Hell of a Tour” to a rainy MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre where he hosted an ultra lit party featuring a vast amount of special guest.

    Brown’s vocals are highly underrated and after a highly uptempo start to his set list 14,000 screaming Team Breezy fans got to experience the Virginia native’s diversity.

    While at times it seemed as if Brown was holding back on stage and not giving it his all during the dancing choreography (based on performances I have watched of his at music awards) it still amazes me how he can out perform more than 90 percent of artist out touring.

    Do to bad timing and failure to check my email in time, I missed the opening act sets from rappers Kid Ink, Fetty Wap and Omarion. Luckily, Brown invited Fetty Wap and Kid Ink back on stage to join him on stage during his set to perform alongside him and his “special guest” French Montana.

    By the end of the night, Brown seemed to get lost in the mix just enjoying the vibe, as he and all the supporting acts shared the stage creating an ultra lit environment.

    On top of improving his dancing and singing skills over the years, Brown had drastically enhanced ability to rhyme over beats, whether or not he is writing the verses himself. Closing the night out with French Montana’s new single “Moses,” alongside Atlanta rap group The Migos, you could sense the feeling that Brown was more excited to give his friends a large platform to showcase their skills rather than be greedy, hog the spotlight himself and use the tour as a way to prepare for an upcoming release of his own.

    With all the things that he has been through in the past, and his current custody battle situation, it’s good to see that he has an outlet to help him take his mind off things. Even if it is only for One Hell of a Night.