Concert News… Part 1

In the upcoming months the Tampa Bay area will be the place to be to see some of the biggest acts in the business from both alternative rock and rap/ hip-hop. Every year (for as long as I can remember) both Wild 98.7 and 97X put on huuuuge shows in November and December. Wild’s concert, the Last Damn Show series, is usually at Tropicana Field, and attracts some of the biggest names in rap and hip hop, while 97X takes place at the fairgrounds at the Ford Amphitheater also attracting very popular band to play.

The acts for LSD 10 is as star-studded as usual. November 8 will prove to be an amazing time. Perhaps I will find my way over there. Let’s get a little rundown of the acts here.

David Banner

He’s got a very straightforward name, which actually does a lot to set him apart from his contemporaries. Reared in Mississippi (which he loves spelling in one of his songs), he actually has a degree from Southern University. He’s had a few albums out in the past years, and has been gaining popularity in subsequent years.

Current Song: Shawty Say

Relative Appeal: 7.2/10

Relative Name Intimidation Factor: 4.6/10

The Dream

The Dream is as talented of an individual as they come. He is obviously very talented musically, but also, he is an acclaimed painter and sculptor. FYI, his real name is Terius Nash and like many of the mainstream rap artists we hear today, he came from humble beginnings. After high school he began writing songs for other artists, which he continues today. He just started releasing stuff on his own, having 2 albums, but like I said, he’s been on the scene writing songs such as Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”

Current Songs: I Luv Your Girl, featured in Cookie Jar, Please Excuse My Hands

Relative Appeal 7.0/10

Relative Innate Talent: 8.7/10

Thanking God for a Stage Name Factor: 9.1/10

E-40

E-40 currently enjoys high popularity, though I must admit that I personally don’t like his music. There’s just something about his voice that bothers me. But regardless, the beats and melodies of his music is often catchy and rather good. He’s 40 years old nowadays, ironically, and has been on the scene since the early 90’s.

Popular songs: Tell Me When To Go, You and Dat

Relative Appeal: 6.2/10

Relative Rap “Experience”: 8.2/10

The Game

The Game’s story is one of turning a life around. Born in LA, he was a gang member in his youth after being expelled from Washington State. He’s best known for his work with 50 cent and G-Unit, though subsequently there have been feuds between both parties… in fact, The Game has had a feud with pretty much every big name in the rap scene. He released his third album this year which hit #1 on the rap charts in the US.

Current Song: My Life

Relative Appeal: 7.0/10

Relative Gangsterness 9.0/10

Gym Class Heroes

One of my favorite groups, Gym Class Heroes has managed to transcend the boundaries of musical genre for years. They have had a superb, unique sound influenced by the fusion of R&B with rock elements. The recently released an R&B heavy album called “The Quilt” which has recieved mostly positive reviews, but the past records by Travis and Co. have had a balance of rock and R&B influenced tracks.

Current Song: Cookie Jar

Relative Appeal:7.8/10

Name Creativity Factor 8.2/10

Nina Sky

These “Newyoricans” are identical twin sisters and have had an interest in music since elementary school, writing their first song by the age of 10. They’ve been a prominent force in the R&B world since about 2005 and are currently releasing their second album this year.

Popular Songs: Oye Mi Canto, Move Your Body

Relative Appeal: 6.8/10

Relative Hotness 8.3/10

Plies

Plies has had a big past 2 years with the release of 2 albums and his singles spending weeks at the top of the charts. We all remember “Shawty” from a year ago as it dominated the airwaves. Plies released “Bust It Baby Part 2” earlier this year which was also very popular. Currently, “Please excuse My Hands” is a favorite of many Plies enthusiasts, as well as guys who can related so such a feeling… :-D.

Relative Appeal: 7.5/10

Bling Factor: 8.7/10

T-Pain

T-pain might arguably be the most popular and biggest name at LDS 10. He has had hits for the past few years, not to mention the cornucopia of awards he has recied for his efforts. My personal favorite is “I’m Sprung” because you just can’t beat the bass beat in that song. Don’t forget Bartender and By you a drank.

Current Song: Chopped and Skrewed feat LUDA!

Relative Appeal: 9.0/10

Hair Factor 8.6/10

Tay Dizm

I really don’t know too much about Tay Dizm, but I think his song (the only one I really know) Beam Me Up, is pretty funny. I’m sure he has other good songs and that he can perform… though I’d guess he’ll play at the beginning of the concert…

Relative Appeal: 6.2/10

Sound Effects Ability: 8.5/10

Tom G

Up and coming artist, so you better be on the look out! A Tampa native who hopes to be tearing up the rap scene in the upcoming years.

Young Jeezy

Another HUGE name. Jeezy’s back with a new album titled “The Recession.” He has enjoyed continous popularity… mostly because he just releases catchy, solid songs. He will definitely put on an unforgettable performance.

Current Song: Put On

Relative Appeal: 8.2/10

Thugness 8.6/10