Nineteenth Day Renaissance Tour: Jay Electronica Graces Trees in Deep Ellum
Deep Ellum was buzzing last night, and for good reason: Jay Electronica finally took the stage at Trees. After a postponement over the last couple of years, the anticipation was palpable. For me, it was more than just another show; it was a chance to see a legendary artist in an iconic, intimate setting. Having not been to Trees in years, I was reminded of why it holds a special place in Dallas' music scene. The venue's close quarters create an unparalleled connection between the artist and the audience, setting the stage for a lively night!
Adding to the excitement was the performance of Landon Wordswell. I first caught his act in 2018 when he toured with Talib Kweli, and his consistency is undeniable. Landon's flow is sharp and captivating, marked by a high capability to rap that sets him apart. The Indianapolis born rapper has impeccable lyricism, proving he's a force to be reckoned with in the hip-hop landscape.
Before Jay Electronica took the stage, the crowd was treated to a lineup of talented acts, including Big E and $nipe from Takers Ent. Their energy was infectious, especially during their performance of "Whop Flow," a track that's sure to get stuck in your head. While I'm still getting familiar with their work, it's clear that this duo brings a unique dynamic to the stage. Be sure to check out $nipe on Instagram @hashtagsnipe and Big E @bige3am to stay updated on their latest projects and performances.
Also taking the stage was Rayel (Righteous Affections Yield Eternal Life), whose soulful singing and impressive rap flow captivated the audience. Find her on Instagram @keepitrayel. She was accompanied by Boston rapper Bakari JB (@bakarijbmusic), whose tone and cadence I really admired.
The last act I really liked was Muddd Brothas. I believe they’re a group but individual artists as well. Their group instagram name is @mudddbrothas this group consists of FL Loud and his Instagram name is @yeahthisisf and A. cognito, his instagram name is @a.cognito214 and JayTre (although I don’t think he’s a member of the group) his instagram name is @officialjaytre which the song called “riding” gives a west coast vibe. I really enjoyed that. The guys have awesome, energetic stage presence.
Jay Electronica finally took the stage around 11:11p and his set was nothing short of electrifying. The New Orleans native known not only for his complex lyrics and intricate rhyme schemes, and being the father of one of Erykah Badu's children, Jay brought an energy that resonated deeply with the crowd (of majority men). Even though his music is really deep, he has a sense of humor which the guys really appreciated, making his performance both thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. It was a highlight of the night, proving that intellectual artistry and engaging entertainment can indeed coexist. Jay performed "Exhibit A," this song is how I was introduced to him, btw. He’s talking about being a conscious rapper, while rapping about the struggle for truth in a world full of deception, painting himself as a messenger who came to wake us up!
This show was a reminder of why I love live music and adore emerging artists. Shout out to legendary artists like Jay Electronica who don’t mind sharing his stage. The energy, the connection, the storytelling is the sheer power of music. The tour is still going on, so make sure you catch it if it lands in your city!
