Written and Photos by Israel Lerma
So, in my intense weekend, I thankfully saw what I believe one of the goats, Isaiah Rashad. The TDE Legend has been going strong for years, coming on tour for his Lil Sunny Awful Road Trip for his 4th studio album, It's Been Awful. And man, its been awfulllll, after 6 years, Rashad finally delivered on his album and came popping on tour. I was the most excited than anyone ever... as Isaisha Rashad was the second ever concert I saw in the HOB for the Cilvia Demo 10th Anniversary. Now I can finally see the goat at the vibrant Bayou Music Center perform his new album and all the hits that followed.
He came off to a dark tone covered in a bloody white fit to the new sublime. Yeah this was pretty deep, coming off strong like this he perfomed most of the song laying down in the podium homing in his feelings. This song is so special, talking about the relapses he just went through while setting the proper, much-needed tone for this new album. He then followed with M.O.M and Scared to look down, which went crazy. Isaish started standing and getting the crowd lit, and rapped practically every word. The background of the show always changed with the song, which was a nice touch, providing supplemental background and a nice vibe. He then switched his style to play some older stuff, Free Lunch and Park which all smacked and got people moshing. Wat U Sed was always a banger and Doechie part was hitting for everyone.
Every now and then, he would have a short video progressing the night, showing he takes these live shows seriously. He came off Boy In Red in such a pretty way and had us singing the SZA part just like that. He started playing West Savannah but actually siked us out with Heavenly Father. That was my only complaint lol, I hate when artist sike you out, especially with a crazy song like that, THAT I WAS DYING TO HEAR. While he played the next songs of Its Been Awful it was such a nice vibe everywhere. Two people in the crowd started fighting but Rashad told them to hug it out lol. One of the guys did not want to do it, but eventually these two gentlemen hugged it out and kept the vibe going.
Now the biggest pop of the night was Cameras. This song had 2 big superfans come on to perform Dominic Fike's part. Sadly these fans were not doing so great... but then Dominic Fike himself came out and took over the show. OUT OF NOWHERE, he walke
d non-chanlantly and started singing his part. And yeah this was crazy!!! I was in the photo pit all show, and when he came out I had to lock in. Such a fine gentleman with an angelic voice, what an unexpected surpise frankly, but he really stole the show. I knew Fike was in town because he is opening for Tame Impala's show and his buddy Kevin abstract, but I did not expect this. Also, during this time, they were actually shooting their music video which was just posted lol! I am not in it, but my presence and aura is. Anyway, Rashad came in crazy playing GTKY, WAT's WRONG, Lay Wit Ya. Man these songs go crazy. He always brings that crazy energy, and boy he delivered
Rating this show, Letterboxd style
- Setlist - 1.00 --> With the exception of not playing West Savannah, and some features, there are no complaints. I mean this is the It's Been Awful Tour so I cannot dock him down. The songs on the tour are all booming
- Stage Presence - 1.00 --> He did everything an artist should. Talked, Checked, Confident, Awesome background and set.
- Performance - 1.00 --> For a long setlist, he did a great job in keeping up with the tracks. Took little breaks honestly. He is on a JID level of performance.
- Audience -1.00--> Yeah, for the most part, these were real fans. But nothing in the audience stuck out per se.
- Overall Experience / Vibe .75 --> Good times, man, good times. It really feel full-circle for me seeing him again. From a 17 year old boy to now 20 in media. It really has beeeeen awful. And Fike coming out was a cherry on top :).
- Total 4.75/5 Stars
