Live Review: Yelawolf and Rittz at Venue
Photos and review by: Les Stylos
Every time Yelawolf comes to town he brings a heavy dose of Slumerica to
Vancouver. The Slumerican.Made.Tour at Venue was certainly no exception; if
anything, the dripping candles, brass skulls and cowboy boots increased emphasis
on Catfish Billy’s deep South origins.
Rittz started off the night: his first tour through Canada, the Strange Music rapper
brought his White Jesus Revival to a savior-hungry crowd. His fast-paced,
iconoclastic style was well received, and paved the way for the night’s true focus, the ever-evolving Yelawolf.
“Good to Go” made an early appearance, setting the tone for the night and delivering
on the promise to “put the bass in your face” as the high-energy set kicked off. Yela knows how to please the crowd, and of course he pulled out all the favorites,
including “Pop the Trunk” and other Trunk Muzik hits. Rittz made a reappearance
for “Box Chevy: Part 3” as the two long-time collaborators displayed the same
amazing chemistry on stage as they have in the studio. Fans were impressed: so
much so that one even dove onto the stage, only to promptly be removed by
security.
Though Yelawolf has been in Vancouver many times over the years, his style
continues to change and is reflected in his new music, his stage show and his overall presence. Decked out in a cowboy hat and boots – and accompanied by a guitarist in the same – Yelawolf seems more Nashville rocker than rapper these days. He’s married the styles seamlessly, giving us the best of both sides of him. Singles off the upcoming Love Story like “Till It’s Gone,” with its potent guitar riffs, rhythmic rhymes and melodic hooks, appeal to many levels of musical interests. Yelawolf’s confident and unorthodox presence, similarly, connects with music fans of all genres from country to rock to rap to alternative.
Always highly entertaining, Yelawolf certainly didn’t disappoint. The venue was
packed, the crowd was hyped and the music was on point.
