On April 8, 2019 all roads lead to The Filmore in Silver Spring, MD to hear the Houston rapper Tobe Nwigwe. The anticipation is high as the DJ spins some classic hip hop tunes to keep the crowd warm until Tobe hits the stage. The DJ plays his final track and then asks the crowd, “Are you ready for Tobe Nwigwe?”
I’ve been to quite a few concerts, but there are some that just really stand out to you. There are ones that are really bad and you just want to forget that they ever happened, but then there are the ones that are just that good that they are etched in your mind. Tobe’s show is one of those.
In a time where what’s big in mainstream hip hop is mumble rap Tobe is a breathe of fresh air. Presently, what typically gets the most attention is hip hop having a good vibe and no one is too focused on lyrical content. Is the beat banging and can I dance to it? Who cares what the lyrics are saying? That can get you into a lot of trouble, because you end up blindly following something that may not be good for you. Tobe is like a shot of medicine in a culture that is sick.
I’m in my 40’s so I can speak for the old heads when I say we came up on being heavy into lyricism. Similes, metaphors, analogies and wordplay. You innately became of student of how to put words together in the most clever ways. All of the artist we were listening to were doing it. KRS-ONE, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah and the list goes on.
Tobe Nwigwe has been a throwback to the nostalgia of hip hop and at the same time bringing in a fresh new sound for this generation. I’ve been following him and listening to all of the #gettwistedsundays tracks when they drop. It’s one thing to bang them in the car, but hearing them live took them to a whole nother level. This was not just a show, but an EXPERIENCE.
The Originals bringing #gettwistedsundays live on stage. I have to say if you love lyrical MCs then Tobe I would have to say is one of your favorite rappers favorite rappers. The lyrics come alive with his delivery on stage. It’s not just him rapping over tracks. He has a live drummer to enhance the instrumentation and feel of each song. He also brings along 2 of the singers featured on some his tracks – David Michael Wyatt and Luke Whitney. Also, his wife Fat comes and blesses the mic with some bars and her vocals one a couple of tracks she’s featured on with Tobe.
Last, but definitely not least, his producer Lanell Grant not only raps and sings, but does a beat live in front of the audience and Tobe freestyles over it. This show was a hip hop head’s dream in living color. If you have the opportunity to catch Tobe Nwigwe and his crew at a show near you…GO! Even if you have to drive a few hours…GO! It will be well worth the price of admission. One of the things Tobe said during his show is that he doesn’t call us fans. He calls us cousins. Family I beseech you by the mercies of God to go check out your cousin Tobe live. It’s an experience that will bless you life. Ouu.
Peace and blessings,
Damo
