Lil Pump and Lil Skies w/ Desto Dubb
WaMu Theater, Seattle, WA
04.19.19
Somehow it seems as if, increasingly so, novelty rap has become its own subgenre of hip hop. From “Bodak Yellow” to “Old Town Road,” I guess the world is really looking for a laugh as much as they are good music. But one of the older examples of this, “Gucci Gang,” comes from 18-year-old rapper Lil Pump. With his brightly colored hair and dripping in jewelry, Pump set out on tour with Lil Skies, kicking things off right here in the northwest.
Opening for the night was Desto Dubb, a hip-hop artist who seemed to be just as proud of his watch as his music. Pouring bottle after bottle of water over the diamonds on his wrist, he popped off with his tracks, hyping the crowd up pretty easily for the rest of the night.
From the second Lil Skies came on stage, the energy skyrocketed and didn’t come down. He came running full speed onto the stage, taking a few hits from his blunt before graciously passing it, via-photographers, into the crowd to share. From “Lust” to “Welcome to the Rodeo” and “Red Roses,” Skies really had a pretty stacked setlist, and his energy was so infectious, it was impossible to not have a good time.
After Skies left everyone in shock, Pump finally came on stage to show off. Whether he’s regarded as a “real” hip-hop artist or just a SoundCloud champion, Pump has made his way up one way or another. And when it comes down to it, “Gucci Gang” and other tracks may be ridiculous, but they’re selling tickets, and filling venues with crowds of happy, smiling fans. Those fans rapped along passionately to “Esskeetit” and ended the night with a perfect burst of energy.
Review and photos by Lulu Dawson
Lil Pump
Lil Skies
Desto Dubb
