The show was dope. Shoutouts to Vera Khzouz for the dope article for Hear Magazine… you can read it here
[Also, see pictures at the bottom when you scroll down]
GIG REVIEW: Roc Nation’s J. Cole at Royal Oak Music Theatre
ROC NATION’S FIRST ARTIST: J. COLE
19 year old Andrew Parks (Drew32) of Michigan was one of the opening acts for J. Cole recently at The Royal Oak Music Theater. Drew is a recording artist (rapper/producer), who has been rapping, producing, writing and recording since age 14. MTV Rapfix writes “Detroit rapper and producer Drew32 is Up Next.”
After seeing his skills live I would say that this comment is on point.
Drew32, accompanied by his partner B-Smooth, pumped up the crowd with his clever lyrics and old school beats. Since he has been performing all over Michigan and at so many national events including the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah and the SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas, it’s only natural that he worked the crowd like a pro. Although J. Cole is the biggest artist he has opened for, Drew32 definitely held his own. No doubt we will be hearing a lot more from this talented Michigander. His latest album, “The B.U.R.N. Project,” features a collaboration with Shady Records artist Royce Da 5’9”. Drew32 has been featured on various hip-hop sites and blogs including HipHopDX, Rap Basement and Thisis50. You can download his album at www.drew32.com.
Before the main attraction was MC/DJ Dummy. Dummy spun the crowd into frenzy from the moment he started. Keeping the beats going he made it a point to let anyone who didn’t already know that J. Cole’s latest album, ”Cole World: The Sideline Story” has made it to number one in the country. Dummy mixed his beats for about a half hour before Cole’s name was being chanted in anticipation of his performance. At 26, Cole is the first artist signed to Jay Z’s label Roc Nation. Finally making his way to the stage Cole seemed to still be genuinely excited about his newfound fame, reiterating what DJ Dummy had already announced. Cole also told the crowd that rapping has been his dream since he was 12-13 yrs old. During “Lights Please” he walked over to keyboards and began to play them. Not only is he a great rapper, but Cole is a trained violinist.
Hooking us with his Eminem story-telling rhymes with a touch of that raspy masculine tone DMX owns, Cole seemed to be somewhat of a lyrical genius, flowing on point and hypnotizing the crowd.
J. Cole: www.jcolemusic.com
Drew32: www.drew32.com
By: Vera Khzouz
