Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Sydney Worth at sydney.worth@colorado.edu.
Rap that makes you think: Lupe Fiasco
Rapper and record producer phenom Lupe Fiasco is a true slave for his music. Throughout his rich career, he’s received numerous accolades starting with his debut album Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor, which received three Grammy nominations. Fiasco was also voted “Breakout Man of the Year” by GQ in that same year.
Each of his albums tells a story. For this rapper, music is an art form and he knows how to create the best pieces. His music goes deeper than the usual rap songs about money, sex and drugs. Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album shines a light on an uglier side of America, from pedophilia to the current state of prison systems. Lupe Fiasco isn’t your average rapper, and this show won’t be your average concert. The show starts at 9 p.m. at the Ogden Sunday, Jan. 24 with openers The Boy Illinois, Billy Blue, Zverse, C1 of the Foodchain and SF1.
Well-known artist: 2 Chainz
Two words: Free concert. By simply RSVPing to this event, this concert automatically costs you nothing. House of Vans presents the Grammy-nominated rapper, Tauheed Epps, or as he’s better known, 2 Chainz, along with an art exhibit featuring photographer Aaron Blatt and visual artist Lucas Beaufort. The rapper earned recognition for the three successful singles “No Lie,” “Birthday Song” and “I’m Different,” each earning a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Fucked Up and the Blackouts will kick off the night at the Ogden at 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28.
Uplifting beats: Peking Duk
The Australian EDM duo of Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles hit the Fox Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 30. There’s a contagious upbeat flavor to this music — beats that will take listeners on a roller coaster ride. Hyde and Styles boarded their own ride to success this past year with a Rolling Stone Australia Award for Best Video and a sold-out Australian tour under their belt. Good vibes will abound Saturday night — this duo will make sure of that. DELUXE and R-DOO will open. Peking Duk will be performing at 9 p.m. at the Fox Theatre.
Soulful indie-hip hop: RJD2
Ramble Jon Krohn is the mastermind behind this indie hip-hop fusion. With 15 years of recording experience, it’s clear this artist knows his craft well and is prepared to wow each concert-goer. It’s music that’s not too flashy. It takes advantage of the more comforting aspects of indie music and marries it seamlessly with the grit of rap. Krohn focuses on keeping a soulful and beat-oriented theme in each of his songs. The fact that one of his songs, “A Beautiful Mine,” is the theme song for AMC’s “Mad Men” might also count for something as well. RJD2 will be performing at the Ogden Theatre at 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Openers are Tnertle and DJ Chonz.
