**A note from the author, this event happened in July of 2015. A tragic Google drive mishap (that was all my fault) resulted in the photos vanishing for a while**

Back in June, I had the pleasure of catching Denzel Curry, Mick Jenkins, and Joey Bada$$ at The Fonda on the Los Angeles stretch of their “World Domination Tour.”

Denzel’s set list prompted periodic mosh pits in front of the stage as fans jumped up and down to programmed 808s. After dropping new material, the Florida rapper briefly brought The Underachievers out before the moment many in the audience had been waiting for.

The lights turned red as the familiar sound of “Threatz” came over the speakers. I braced myself. As “Threatz” began, Denzel Curry experienced a minor microphone problem, temporarily lowering the anticipation, but with a switch of the mic, Denzel came back in full effect, delivering a performance that had the entire venue jumping with the highest energy of the evening.

After a few more tracks, Denzel’s set ended, and the audience dispersed. The downtime didn’t last long however, and before I could grab my photographer a beverage, the curtains opened and the crowd reset. Mick Jenkins hit the stage performing “The Rain,” a Kaytranada produced track that set the mood perfectly for this hydration-themed set.

TeamSupreme’s Great Dane and Mr. Carmack were enjoying the performance right next to me, and after chatting for a couple minutes, I returned my attention to the show, which was becoming increasingly wet as the MC threw water into the crowd.

Joey Bada$$ did not disappoint. Rapping every bar, Joey spit rhymes acapella as well as over beatbox percussion and instrumentals. Following “World Domination” from 1999, Joey brought BJ the Chicago Kid for “Like Me” before entering a call-and-response freestyle with the Chicago singer.

If that wasn’t enough, Ab-Soul took the stage to perform “Terrorist Threats” with the audience rapping along for both Ab and Danny Brown’s verses of the song.

Despite the energy of the room, Joey Bada$$ turned to a somber note as the show came to an end. Joey eulogized his late friend and rap associate, Capital Steez, in a touching address about how much Steez meant to him. In honor of the MC, Joey and the Pro Era crew had the entire crowd keep quiet for a moment of silence while the audience held their lighters in the air with solidarity.

After the moment had passed, Joey performed “Like Water,” a track that had posthumously been dedicated to Capital Steez.  The emotion behind this performance was far different than Joey’s other songs. There was a seriousness in each verse that really let the crowd know how much Steez meant to this team.

However, wishing to end the show on a lighter note, Joey Bada$$ brought out The Underachievers, who performed several songs alongside Joey to help close the show. The event had been a spectacular demonstration of genuine rap talent. No backing vocals. No autotune. No gimmicks. Just old school rapping one bar at a time. All three MCs know how to work a crowd, and I have nothing but praise for the World Domination tour.

All photographs by Philey Sanneh.

While I was playing the white DJ last week for a Trinidad Jame$ video, I met Young Lyxx, who –along with producer Mayhem– just dropped a dope video a couple weeks back. Make sure to check out the entire project for additional tracks.

Artist: Young Lyxx (f. Trinidad James)

Social Media: Young Lyxx on Twitter and Trinidad Jame$ on Twitter and Mayhem on Twitter

Project: Young N Mayhem

Notes: Met this guy last week and he’s got bars. Mayhem has some really good production.

The homie Azizi Gibson lets loose his visuals for “Misguided,” which premiered on The Last EP. Azizi and Kamandi shot this video during their recent tour in New Zealand. The visuals are truly on some Lord of the Rings shit, and I think this track is accessible to everyone. Azizi has been tearing it up recently, and just last Monday, he opened for Waka Flocka in NYC for Waka’s 420 show. Don’t sleep on Azizi! He’s about to be everywhere.

Artist: Azizi Gibson and Kamandi

Social Media: Azizi on Twitter and Kamandi on Twitter

Project: The Last EP

Purchase: Purchase The Last EP on Itunes

Notes: Too dope.

Artist: Polo Frost and Sean Paine

Social Media: Polo Frost on Twitter and Sean Paine on Twitter

Project: Single

Notes: FREE GUCCI

The homie Salomon Faye drops a great track to end Black History Month on a high note. Born in France and raised in New York, this worldly MC has been a close affiliate of the Cypher League team, which has been taking NYC over one article at a time.

Artist: Salomon Faye

Social Media: Salmon Faye on Twitter

Project: Single

Notes: Mixed and mastered by a French genius, Lionel Leson

Just stumbled across St. Louis rapper Lou Kang today when my homie DJ Mark posted this track on his Soundcloud. This song is filthy, and you can check out Lou Kang’s latest project City Boy: Dis Thing of Ours on iTunes now.

Artist: Lou Kang

Social Media: Lou Kang on Twitter and DJ Mark on Twitter

Project: Single

Notes: First track I’ve heard from Lou Kang, but it caught my attention. “I’ve got killers on my team like Bill Belichick”

Artist: Kantranada and Vic Menda

Social Media: Kaytranada on Twitter and Vic Mensa on Twitter

Project: Single

Notes:  Strong bars. Not sure about the singing.

Banger alert. Three of my favorite current rappers –and The Game– link up for the best workout song I’ve heard in weeks. Bobby kills the hook, and every verse is solid.

Track: Hit Em’ Hard

Album: Blood Moon: Year Of The Wolf
Featured: Bobby Shmurda, Freddie Gibbs, Skeme

Riff Raff proved he’s no joke with this track. I wish he could rap with that voice all the time. #TBT

Young Veggies teams up with H-Town’s Malik Emanuel to create a very catchy track –reminiscent of Cardo production. I haven’t heard anything from Malik Emanuel, but if this is his style, he has my interest.

Artist: Malik Emanuel x Casey Veggies

Social Media: Malik Emanuel on Twitter and Casey Veggies on Twitter

Project: Single

Download: Download on Soundcloud

Notes: This track is going to be the death of my repeat button