MUSIC MONDAYS: $uicide Boy$
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PHOTOGRAPHED by DIGITAL ICON
REVIEW WRITTEN BY KY MEYER
Episode 009: $uicide Boy$
"We would be six feet under if it wasn't for you guys [the fans]." Strong final words of the night from $uicide Boy$ during their return to Houston after two long years away. They apologized for their absence during the show, after an over-powering love oozed from everyone in the crowd. In a Pulp Fiction format, let's flip it and reverse it. From a six foot farewell to what appeared to be a line six blocks long, one thing had become quite clear: there were more than two 6's in the mix on Tuesday, November 21st. It was a night fans came ready for one hell of a show.
This was my first time seeing $uicide Boy$, and I'll admit, the energy and color that would soon explode inside House of Blues was more than I had imagined. Doors were at 8pm and little did anyone know, the first taste of live music wouldn't come for more than an hour and a half. In my head I'm thinking 'Their music must be damn good for fans to be this damn patient.' Everyone seemed hyped to be there, yet calm and patient to the wait. It seemed weird to me, but worked in my favor, keeping me from being over anxious. Instead, I watched over-priced beers and cocktails fill the crowd amongst a never-ending merch line. Damn, $uicide Boy$ were winning before even beginning.
After a couple warm-up songs from the DJ on stage, colored lights, LED screens and loud music unleashed a hip hop party like none I've ever seen at HOB Houston. I can honestly say it was the most lit crowd I've ever seen in my eight years of covering music in Houston. If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was on the VIP list in a dark, underground club surrounded by people ready to party 'til sunrise. Dancing was the only option.
Finally, it was time. The dark duo from New Orleans, made up of $lick and Ruby da Cherry took the stage like they were about to melt faces. "The only thing we give af about is you guys having a good time!" Words they more than lived up to. Believe me when I say that it seemed like every person there (except for bartenders, security and me) kept their arms in air from the first song to the last. This crowd was hype af, like they had been cross-training for this concert. At one point I caught myself getting lost in thought after realizing I may have been the only person there who didn't know every single word to every single song. Talk about a cult following. It's no wonder these guys have been dubbed the fastest growing act in hip hop right now.
In true Houston fashion, the crowd didn't disappoint when it came to southern hospitality. Ruby da Cherry was quick to point out that they had never had so many fresh rolled blunts thrown on stage. It was pretty wild. Soon after, some asshat threw a shoe on stage and $lick was quick to remind everyone the only thing allowed on stage was blunts. And yes, there were many more.
I stood at the back of house, smack dab in the center, where I gazed over a sea of cell phones and snap chats while the intense trap beats vibrated my bones. There wasn't a bad seat in the house. The duo's dark energy seemed to ignite a hyper yet happy rage. There was some moshing and a whole lot of screaming. There was also an impressive number of f-words and middle fingers. It's fair to say, this wasn't a show for the faint at heart. $lick's yellow sweatshirt was the only warm and fuzzy thing on that stage. His dreads looked like they were moving in slow motion while Ruby da Cherry's lioness hair flowed with his flow.
An hour and a half later and a handful of encore songs, $uicide Boy$ bid Houston farewell, with a promise of returning soon. The crowd poured out the venue into the streets of downtown, ready to conquer the rest of the night. All the while, some passers-by watched with a judgy eye. Here's the deal: You may not believe in what $uicide Boy$ stand for, but when you see them perform and how it impacts their crowd, it's nearly impossible not to believe in the power of music.
DON'T MISS OUT ON UPCOMING SHOWS!
Check the schedule at:
www.livenation.com
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See you next time for more Music Mondays!
ABOUT DIGITAL ICON
Rapheal Brown, otherwise known as his photography pseudonym Digital Icon is both a photographer and the creator and owner of Texas Inked.
ABOUT KY MEYER
Ky Meyer is a television veteran with nearly two decades in front and behind the camera. Her love for people and storytelling has taken her all over the country, creating a well-known colorful platform of creativity, positivity and fun. Her hat rack is packed with award-winning roles as a news anchor and reporter, executive producer, writer, radio personality, TV host and photographer.
