Author: Duke Denham
Header Photo Courtesy of Mass Appeal
Around twenty years ago, most fans of Hip Hop turned to the genre to discover MCs with sharp, compelling storytelling. Others wanted to find rappers with the highest level of technical skill, rappers who could maneuver through a beat with precise, speedy flows. However, you’ll find none of the above in Berkeley based rapper Lil B’s music when he performs live at The Neptune this Thursday.
Ever since his start in 2004 with San Francisco based rap collective The Pack, Lil B has always embodied the complete subversion of traditional Hip Hop rules. His slurred lyrics about girls, guns, and money and off beat flows have inspired rappers like Lil Yachty, Yung Lean, and many other contemporary rappers. However, what’s the appeal of Lil B? What draws in flocks of fans to yell, “thank you Based God”? If the appeal of The Based God could be boiled down to one thing, it’d be his personality.
I’ve been an avid fan of Hip Hop for around six years. I appreciate the freedom Hip Hop gives an artist to truly express oneself without limitations or regulation. After digging through numerous rappers throughout the years, many of which express themselves in fresh and interesting ways, I still haven’t found a single rapper that parallels the unique, eccentric personality of Lil B. One could describe him as zany, absurd, ridiculous, and lively. However, none of these words fully capture the spirit of The Based God. It’s part of the reason why he uses the word “based” to encompass everything he stands for.
The rapper’s charisma is multi-faceted too as he’s displayed versatility in emotion and tone throughout his music. On one hand, Lil B creates songs like “This Is the BasedGod,” an insanely nonsensical remix of Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” where he repeatedly proclaims that “he’s gonna f*** my b****.” On the other hand, he’s also released songs like “I Love You,” a declaration of love for everybody given how fragile and precious life is. Either way, the pure heart and good spirit of The Based God shines through in all his songs.
One thing that’s amazing about concerts is that the emotion and energy from the artist translates excellently through the music when performed live. Sometimes lyrics can be muddied through the mix, but the charisma of the performer is something that’s immediately felt by the audience. This is why I’m extremely excited to see Lil B live. I hope to experience his “based” energy in all its glory. I want to cry tears of joy when I hear “I’m God.” I want to feel the incredible presence of The Based God, someone who has inspired me in many ways.
Lil B plays on November 1stat The Neptune with help from boisterous LA-based rapper Macntaj, rapper Who Is Ki, and Lil B’s producer and tour DJ Keyboard Kid. Doors open at 7:00 and the show starts at 8:00. Tickets for the show are still available here.
Be sure to also follow Lil B on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Hope to see you there!
DUKE DENHAM | I grant The Based God access to my significant other | KXSU Music Reporter