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Compton’s prophetic son isn’t in the music business. He’s in the human business. The stories he tells are woven together with raw feeling and emotion in mind. Good kid, m.A.A.d city , Kendrick Lamar’s breakthrough gift to mankind, allowed listeners a chance to peer through a window into a vivid world — miles away for some, countries away for others and many lives away for most. But deep in our bones, we felt it. The project established a lens by one of art’s great observational minds. A human just like you or me, but a brilliant one with many tales to tell, and a natural way of doing so. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers , Lamar’s first record in one thousand, 800 and 55 days (a span in which he makes clear, he was indeed “goin’ through somethin’”) deals with grief, viruses, demons, daddy issues, girlfriend issues, money, the streets, the stage, identity and the ever-perplexing sense of self. By Lamar — or any artist’s standards — the album is deeply human. So too is his aptly titled ‘The Big Steppers Tour,’ a live exhibition that tethered Denver fans to Lamar’s psyche last Tuesday night.
Fans toppled over each other inside the steep tiers of seating at Ball Arena. Any show at the venue that features crammed floor general admission is due for an exciting spectacle. This was especially true for this particular show, whose stage featured a long, thin, I-shaped extension that parted the sea of fans equidistantly down the middle. An argument could’ve been made for two locations being “center stage” — but during Baby Keem’s opening performance, the smaller, square stage at half-court was covered by black sheets. Following a versatile undercard by Tanna Leone, featuring many songs from his debut pgLang recording, Sleepy Soldier , the newfound collective’s eclectic second piece set the venue ablaze with house-shaking songs off the melodic blue and DIE FOR MY BITCH. Keem opened with “trademark usa,” the explosive intro track off his latest album that symbolized growth and progression in trap music for Lamar’s cousin upon its release.
“Scapegoat” is maybe Keem’s most interesting song to date, and he performed the clear, concise piece to perfection. The record uses an isolated, pitched-up sample of serpentwithfeet’s “redemption,” angelic in delivery, and perfectly paralleled by Keem’s contrasting tone and lyricism about familial loss. It’s a somber tune that reflected Keem’s transition to a more vulnerable approach on the melodic blue , further cemented when he performed “issues” and “16” on the back end of his set. Do not get it twisted though — Keem’s 45-or-so minutes oozed with airtight bangers. “MOSHPIT” was fitting, and had the crowd doing exactly what you’d expect. Rocking a black jumpsuit, leaping up and down on a white square stage with mesh grating, Keem went berserk performing his collaboration with Kanye West, “Praise God.” The speed and mood of the show flipped back and forth repeatedly. Never more clear than his two feature hits, the addicting “Orange Soda” and the sludgy, warm “HONEST,” a track he sang under a harvest moon on the video board, and autumn orange lighting. Switching between reflective ballads and proud, aggressive rap anthems seems to be a family trait.
White curtains fell over the stage. Just like Lamar’s vulnerability in verse, they’d be opened and closed over and over again throughout the show. To stage right, there was a full chamber band, like the Oscars. When the stage was revealed, a man in a black suit, diamond Cartier shades and a glistening glove sat at a piano, with his back turned to the gallery. A ventriloquist dummy resembling Lamar perched atop the piano, and across the way, four women in all white crammed together on a twin bed. When Lamar played the show (and album’s) first note (a single key at the beginning of “United in Grief”), two lights flashed on, illuminating the abstract stage formation. The four women were just a few of the many dancers and performers that’d accompany Lamar throughout his live adventure. “HUMBLE.” had several dancing in circles around Lamar. “Die Hard” featured four ladies in red dresses following his movements in a line. “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe” featured one in red, who appeared to be assisting Lamar’s actions during the record. Before “N95,” the album’s second song, and the most streamed to date, Halle Berry’s voice came over the loudspeakers. She exclaimed, “You’ve been in your comfort zone for 1,855 days,” before fireworks and bright white illumination brought Ball Arena to life. “ELEMENT.” allowed for the chamber drummer to do his thing. Instead of clanging 808’s, the percussionist added oomph and sharpness to one of DAMN.’s most prominent tracks.
“Backseat Freestyle” and “Rich Spirit,” two songs released a decade apart, played back-to-back fluidly. By this time, the long stage extension that stretched through the crowd had been completely exposed, and Lamar was about halfway down the walkway, as a big square light — like one you’d see in a greenhouse over spores — descended from the rafters to just above Lamar’s head, like an alien spaceship ready for abduction. “M.A.A.d. city” has become a staple of any rap set DJ’s pump-up segment. But to hear it performed by the man who conjured up the seminal record, in front of a video board picture of his head filled with images of Compton/Watts, was simply amazing.
“LUST.” and many other notable songs were used as interludes. This is not to say they weren’t performed — during “LUST.” Lamar laid down on the same bed from earlier, which was now in the middle of center stage, as the same extraterrestrial light fixture re-descended upon him, this time in a deep blue.
“DNA.” is one of Lamar’s best songs for so many reasons. Live, it blew most rap tracks out of the water, particularly during its back half, which is typically pivoted by commentary on Lamar’s lyrics from “Alright” by Fox News anchors. Red lights reigned supreme during the show. When featured, they marked energetic moments, ushering in crowd pops from the front row to the nosebleeds. Towards the end of the set, the entire venue was flushed a deep red, and Baby Keem re-emerged, ascending from beneath the stage on a lift, facing Lamar who stood halfway across the arena. And thank God, they played “family ties” — bringing the roof down in the process.
Amongst a show overflowing with unforgettable moments, one stood out above the rest. It felt like the overarching summary of the performance — resounding, considering the album being displayed has so many themes. Kendrick Lamar’s opus record is, many would agree, “Alright,” from his critically acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly. Pitchfork called it the best song of the last decade. It became the soundtrack of a movement against injustice, years removed from its inception. The song is a beautiful reminder from Lamar to the human species that hope is a powerful thing, and better days are always yet to come.
At the end of his I-shaped stage, zipped up in a sealed transparent cube, with men in hazmat suits at each corner of the quarantine station, Kendrick Lamar reminded the people of Denver, who were going apeshit to the song, that those four words in the chorus will always ring true.
It wasn’t music business — it was human business.
303 Magazine303 Musicbaby keemBall ArenaCarter Ferrymanconcert reviewDenverDenver concertdenver musicGreg Noirekendrick lamartanna leone
Carter Ferryman is a Music Desk Writer at 303 Magazine. Carter is a Chicagoland native who has worked for Chicago-based publications for nearly four years. Passions include underground rap, experimental rock, A24 films, Chicago Blackhawks, Denver Broncos and Vietnamese food. Check out his socials and portfolio (interviews/album reviews) below:
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Now on view! See work from 19 millennial-generation artists in the Denver Art Museum’s newest exhibition, “Who tells a tale adds a tail: Latin America and contemporary art.” Plan your visit at denverartmuseum.org Thanks to @warholfoundation for their support of this exhibition. Juan Pablo Garza, “They Will Arrive at the Door Where the Light Bends, the Bushes Will Always Remember Them” (detail), 2022. Mixed media installation; variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist. @denverartmuseum #DenverArtMuseum #WhotellsataleatDAM #sponsored ...
Shop, sip and mingle every Saturday through September 24 at @denvernightbazaar See ya for happy hour drinks, local live music, and MORE at 1161 Raleigh St.! @denvernightbazaar #saturdaynightbazaar #denverbazaar #sponsored ...
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Join the Convergivesary Night Party at @convergencestation on September 17 #seetheworlds #convergencestation #meowwolfdenver #meowwolf #yawlpsighting Tickets in Bio! #sponsored ...
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Immerse yourself in the latest children's fashion trends with part one of day two of Denver Fashion Week. Here's what you need to know: Where: The Sports Castle, 1000 N Broadway, Denver When: Sunday, Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Tickets: $90 – $125, purchase on denverfashionweek.com The Lowdown: This runway show, dedicated to kids’ couture, will showcase the best of children’s fashion in Denver. Featuring @factoryfashionstanley, @dragonwinggirl, @kimlikesclothes and a dance performance by Cherry Creek Dance Performing Company, young and aspiring designers, models and fashion lovers will come together on a world-class stage. . . . 📸 @drossa #303fashion #303magazine #denverfashionweek #dfw22 #kidsfashion #denverfashion ...
Get paid to party positive! Win $250 in cash, VIF passes to the Sundown on 9/24, hotel stay, and a gift bag full of AF drinks + merch. Sundown Music Festival and 303 Magazine are searching for two party animals to participate in a social experiment: Party like there’s no tomorrow. Only sober. Link in our Bio. @303magazine @sundowncolorado @ignightentertainment @secretdanceaddiction #sundowncolorado #partypositive #healthynightlife #sponsored ...
Check out LoHi’s newest #FrenchBistro and #Bakery — @noisettedenver ! Lillian and Tim Lu present French food in a delicate and refined style reminiscent of a quaint Parisian bistro. Link in the bio. 📸: Jeff Fierberg ✏: @a_dash_of_sweet_caroline #frenchfoodie #frenchcuisine #denverfoodie #newrestaurants ...
Denver Fashion Week (DFW), Colorado's all-inclusive and largest fashion event, returns for another season Nov. 12-20. Produced by 303 Magazine, the event celebrates local, national and international fashion while elevating the economic development of the Denver fashion industry. This fall, DFW will provide a platform for emerging and sought-after designers through week-long runway shows at the Sports Castle, a Non Plus Ultra venue, offering an entirely new show experience. This season's nonprofit partner is Dress for Success Denver, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Check out the DFW Fall 22' designer lineup and secure your runway seats now. Tickets: $40 - $300, purchase on denverfashionweek.com 🎥t: @drossa #303magazine #303fashion #denverfashionweek #dfw22 #denverfashion #fashionevents #fashionindustry ...
78 days until Denver's Biggest fashion night! Here is all the information you need for night one. Where: The Sports Castle, 1000 N Broadway, Denver, When: Saturday, Nov. 12th, 7-11pm, Tickets: $40 - $300, purchase on denverfashionweek.com Show Details: The first night of Denver Fashion Week kicks off with local Denver designers @stevesellsstudio , @rachelmariehurstrmh , @monaluceroofficial , Skyeaire, @meneztosociety , @tynehall , @thisisinherent , @darkm0thindustry , Wastebound and @gyidahofficial @denverfashionweek #303magazine #303fashion #denverfashionweek #dfw22 ...
@seltzer_land #Seltzerland Seltzerland is bringing the bubbles to Denver on September 10th. Sample over 100 unique hard seltzers with the backdrop of the city skyline and the mountains, play seltzer pong and cornhole with your crew, dance to the DJ beats, take pics in the White Claw bubble booth and go home with all the seltzer swag you could dream of!! Don't miss out on a one-of-a-kind experience! Buy tickets @Seltzer_land #linkinbio #sponsored ...
@hardrocksummit is returning to Denver September 8-11, 2022 at the Colorado Convention Center featuring leading companies exhibiting fine jewelry, gems, minerals and fossils. The show will debut unprecedented special exhibits and education around the theme “Fabulous Treasures” - including the most precious natural gold specimens ever found and gold artifacts from two historic sunken ships of the 18th and 19th centuries carrying the most significant bounties ever recovered at sea. Visitors of all ages can learn, enjoy and shop nature's remarkable treasures. For tickets visit hardrocksummit.com. #hardrocksummit #denver #gemstones #jewelry #minerals #gold #treasure #sponsored ...