The Baltimore Paparazzi

The Baltimore Paparazzi

Monday, October 15, 2012

Funk Volume Tour 2012



Baltimore Soundstage was rocking and so alive Wednesday, September 26, 2012.  The Funk Volume Tour had come to Baltimore and the fans came out and really supported.  As I walked towards the building, I seen the line and noticed members and supporters of Wisdom Court who had come to show love to Billy Lyve and also seen the fans of Hopsin and Funk Volume.  Hopsin even came out front with his skateboard and was hanging out with the fans.

The show was opened up by Billy Lyve.  On his set he had other members of Wisdom Court, Team Flex, Voice and DJ Cliffstarr, and also his son Sky was gracing the stage as well.  For those in the crowd who had never heard of Billy Lyve or Wisdom Court is was apparent that they became fans with the music and his stage presence.  The picture there you can see Wisdom Court supporters and those who came to see Funk Volume having a good time.  By the time Billy Lyve finished his set, which included members of Wisdom Court coming on stage to rock out to his new song “Love Me Baby” ft DJ Cliffstarr and produced by Imahj, the crowd were new fans of this “unknown local artist”. 

Voice
DJ Cliffstarr
    
Billy Lyve and Team Flex

Max Beatz


Wisdom Court


Then it was time for The Funk Volume Tour show to begin.  The tour consisted of DJ Hoppa, Jarren Benton, Dizzy Wright, SwizZz, and Hopsin.  I had never heard of any of these artists until I was told that Billy Lyve was opening for them.  And in all actuality the only name I heard was Hopsin.  So I went and listened to his music from the last cd I could find which was called “Raw”.  I was so impressed that this young man was lyrical and said things that I think most artists think but are too scared to really come out and say for fear of being put on a shelf or being released from their record label.  Also on the cd was a young man named SwizZz.   I have since went to Funk Volume’s web page and downloaded all the cd’s they have listed. 

All these young men have a fan base all their own.  People were there to see Jarren and there were others who swore to me that Dizzy was the best emcee they have heard.  And of course Hopsin and SwizZz were the main names that are thought of when someone says Funk Volume.



Jarren Benton started the Funk Volume set off and as I listened to this young man I thought I know there is hope for the hip hop community.  He had the crowd hype and was truly having the time of his life on stage.  And at one point, DJ Hoppa came from behind the turntables and began rapping too.  Jarren even went out into the crowd in the VIP section and did part of his performance there.




Next up was Dizzy Wright.  And he did not disappoint me at all.  He is a laidback kind of guy and his music reflects just that.  During one song he was performing SwizZz came on stage and did his verse and then Hopsin jumped on stage and the crowd sounded like they lost their minds.



I even won a copy of Dizzy’s cd “Smoked Out Conversations” before the show began and I never win anything.  Although I had never heard of any of these guys the crowd obviously had because young guys and girls were singing along with them and they didn’t miss a beat.  These guys reminded me of a few local artists who have been doing their own thing and making the moves no one else is making.


Then it was time for what everyone was waiting for Hopsin took the stage and let the mosh pit and jumping up and down begin.   The crowd literally went crazy.  He performed songs off of “Raw” so I could sing along as well.  During the song “Trampoline” Hopsin dove out into the crowd and stood up while being held up by the crowd.

I was impressed by the lyrical content of Hopsin and SwizZz before I seen them perform and after seeing their performance as well as the performances of Jarren Benton and Dizzy Wright, these young men should be on the radar of every lover of hip hop.

Don’t take my word on it because it is after all just my opinion but you can find their music on www.funkvolume.com and you can find videos on YouTube.  I love storytellers and these young men are storytellers.