OBK CHANNEL

Tag: 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.

  • JID, EARTHGANG WASHINGTON, DC (VIDEO)

  • AMINÉ TOUR FOR YOU AT HOWARD THEATRE (VIDEO)

  • 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.

  • Photos: Big Sean at Venue 578

    Photos: Big Sean at Venue 578

  • Concert Review: Big Sean hits Orlando for tour in support of ‘Dark Sky Paradise’

    Concert Review: Big Sean hits Orlando for tour in support of ‘Dark Sky Paradise’

    Big Sean released his third studio album Dark Sky Paradise in late February, and now he has embarked on a spring tour to support the LP.

    The Detroit rapper made his way to Orlando Sunday night, for a show at Venue 578 (formerly Firestone Live). Making a grand entrance, Big Sean started the night off with a performance of “Paradise,” standing atop of his rectangular LED screen which housed his DJ, DJ Mo Beatz, and two-piece band, in the back, and played visual on throughout the show in the front.

    Big Sean, who will be hitting amphitheaters this summer with J. Cole, treated the small downtown venue as if he was performing in a stadium arena. The “Blessings” rapper was full of charisma and had a stage presence that could not go unnoticed. While his array of lights, fog machines and special effects helped illuminate the stage, at times it could be hard to see the rapper. During Big Sean’s first three songs it was difficult to see the artist, as the overuse of the fog machine blurred visibility.

    Big Sean performed cuts from his latest album, including “All Your Fault,” “IDFWU,” and “Win Some, Lose Some.” The show also helped highlight how many big name records Sean has been featured on, performing his verses from “Mercy,” “Clique,” “I Don’t Like” and Wiz Khalifa’s “Gang Bang.” After the whole venue started chanting encore, Big Sean came back out to perform “Too Fake” for the real OG fans.

  • Concert review: Usher at Amway Center

    Concert review: Usher at Amway Center

    Usher performing at “URX Tour,” in Orlando, Florida on Friday, Dec. 12. (OBK STAFF)

    By OBK STAFF

    Usher Raymond in concert may be the closest thing my generation and younger gets to seeing an all around performance similar to that of the late great Michael Jackson, and on Friday night the R&B star brought his “UR Experience Tour” to Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

    No, the “UR Experience Tour” is hardly any rendition of what the seasoned artist will display on his eighth studio album “UR,” which has been delayed and still has no release date. Instead the show was to display how the 36-year-old singer has contributed greatness to multiple genres throughout his 20-plus years in the music industry.

    After a blend of “My Way” over Drake’s “0 to 100” — which gave his younger fans a chance to still vibe whether or not they knew the lyrics because they were familiar to the beat — Usher broke out into his first “freestyle” dance session of the show. He would eventually be joined by eight dancers, who he did not mind sharing the spotlight with.

    It’s has become extremely rare these days for artist to showcase the art of dance in their performance and let their backing group get solo; so when Usher invited the audience into his past and focused on a part of culture that was deep in his roots it was hard not to be appreciative. It also helped raise the question of would him and his team be able to serve Chris Brown and his crew in a dance battle.

    He would even reference the choreography from his “You Make Me Wanna” music video and provide a hidden treasure to those truly paying attention

    Mr. U-s-h-e-r didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The 90 minute set touched multiple areas of the veteran artist song catalog, giving fans all the hits they wanted to hear but in a way he needed them to be heard.

    Pop singles like “OMG” and “Without You” were flooded with stage antics, fireworks, flashing lights and a ton of pyrotechnics to  help show why Usher has been able to crossover to multiple genres and gain international success. These tracks served as an opportunity for everyone to vibe together.

    Meanwhile songs like “Confessions Part 1” and “Let it Burn,” which were song acoustically gave fans the opportunity to sing along. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s amazing that both those songs, and a song like “Climax,” which talks about the complications of a relationship, provided the perfect opportunity for all few guys in in attendance a reason to be hugged up with their ladies.

    Without warning, Usher’s long time friend and producer Jermaine Dupri joined him on stage and performed an extensive set of older work from the artist that his day one fans, or “OG fans,” what JD called them, would enjoy. Many of the songs dated back to as far as Usher’s debut album “My Way” and sophomore follow-up “8701.” Jermaine Dupri was 100 percent accurate when he said that “we could do this all night,” because their brief mini set did not even scratch the surface of records they did together.

  • Photos: Usher plays Amway Center

    Photos: Usher plays Amway Center

  • Photos: Rae Sremmurd

    Photos: Rae Sremmurd