Post Malone w/ 21 Savage, SOB x RBE and PARIS
Accesso ShoWare Center, Kent, WA
04.29.18

When a duo like Post Malone and 21 Savage announce a show together, featuring with some of the biggest rap names around, there’s no question if it’s worth the drive to Kent to go see them. And with the release of Post Malone’s second album a week before the show, it was bound to be a pretty stacked night.

First up was PARIS, and while the crowd might not have heard of him, they instantly locked in as soon as “Poe’d Up” started blasting through the speakers. For as much love as that track received from its release last year and now live at Showare, the rest of PARIS’ tracks tended to lean a little more emo-rap, in line with the scene’s overall direction. With lyrics about designer brands and hard drugs, PARIS fits the bill pretty easy, making him a fun new face to open the night with.

Next up was a bit more notable group, rap collective SOB x RBE. One of many incredible names on the Black Panther album that Kendrick Lamar cultivated, these guys have begun to gain a little more traction from “Paramedic!” and their tour with 21 and Post. They had a fun performance too—one that showcased social media dance moves—with a generally chill vibe that still maintained the hype.

When 21 Savage took the stage, that’s when the crowd really started to get excited. He somehow managed to create a set where he was super mellow the whole time, never seeming to exert too much energy, but the crowd still went hard. It was a really interesting dynamic. His set was great because of the familiarity of hits like “Numb,” and “Bank Account.” And if nothing else, his whole set was honestly worth it just to hear everyone shout along when he said “I like hot sauce on my chicken.”

Among heavy smoke and yellow lighting stood a dark figure: Austin Post, aka Post Malone. Probably one of the most highly anticipated tours to come around in a while, Post Malone kills every set he plays. Selling out Showbox SoDo in September, the space clearly wasn’t big enough for all his fans. So, this time around they stepped it up, filling a hockey arena with fans all decked out in Stoney merch ready to party for the night.

“Too Young” and “Over Now,” which are pretty close to equivalents from Malone’s two albums, opened up the night with the singer’s darker, more passionate side. Meanwhile, peace signs/”2’s” waved in the air and fans shouted along. One of the best songs on the new album, “Spoil My Night” was up next. A great mix between Post and Swae Lee, the song is a perfect laid-back track that is clearly going to be on blast all summer, as its lyrics caption thousands of Instagram posts.

Showing off the bops on his new album and mixing in old favorites you forgot you knew the words too, Post Malone’s set was incredible. He’s such a laid-back and carefree kind of funny that it makes him really easy to enjoy. But eventually, they hype had to die down a little for a change of pace. “Feeling Whitney,” the cry song from the last album was beautifully accompanied by its album two equivalent, “Stay,” for a break that had all phones out and eyes wide open.

After finally topping it off with “Congratulations” and “White Iverson,” he happily raised his Bud Light to the crowd and made his way off stage.

With a vibe that peaks in the sweet spot between chill and energetic, Post Malone has a set you just can’t recreate, including a dedicated fan base. And with a killer second album to accompany his already extremely popular first, the set now has enough material to draw it out the good times just a little longer.

Review and photos by Lulu Dawson

Post Malone


21 Savage

SOB x RBE

PARIS