The Smile You’re on Camera tour featured a title that was right on the nose and two acts that held complete control of an Ogden Theatre crowd until its closing moments.
Unfortunately, due to photo policy at the venue, there will only be accompanying visuals for JPEGMAFIA. But believe me when I say that this night showcased two unique minds in the rap game right now. JPEGMAFIA, otherwise known as Peggy, has been on a steady rise in the rap scene. Since his debut album in 2016, bigger and bigger opportunities have seemed to snowball for him. A little less than a year ago he was opening up a sold-out show for Injury Reserve at the Globe Hall here in Denver. This year he continues to translate his largely aggressive, frequently savage, and occasionally experimental sound to a rather impactful live performance. The Ogden was sold out and JPEGMAFIA took full advantage of the opportunity. By the second song of his set (Real Nega), he was already in the crowd yelling in the faces of eager spectators, who matched his energy, screaming his lyrics right back at him. While he included staples of discography like 1539 N. Calvert St. & All Caps No Spaces, he did incorporate his relatively new banger Puff Daddy and Germs which he claims has his worst beat on it. That little tidbit could be applied to the bigger picture of the night for him; which was simply him getting in the pocket over whatever peculiar flow he decides to take on and never forgetting to keep a sense of humor about the whole thing.
Vince Staples also has been seeing a rise in popularity when it comes to his music. While he may not be as recognizable as let’s say Childish Gambino whom he opened up for near the end of 2018 at the Pepsi Center. He has three incredible releases that each have played huge roles in the size of his audience. Each release of his received a bit of love in his set, OG fans were happy to hear tracks like Lift Me Up & Norf Norf. Those a bit late to the party that is Vince’s career appreciated nods to Big Fish Theory in tracks like Party People & Rain Come Down both of which SLAPPED in a spacey yet confined setting like the Ogden. And of course, he played some newer tracks off of FM! like Feels Like Summer & Fun. Despite all the success he has been able to acquire on his own it was a bit touching to see him finish the night to his late friend and the one to put him on, Mac Miller. Before I go, I do want to give a shout out to Trill Sammy, who was the very first to perform before these two. He’s a Houston native with a few releases and an album up on Spotify. I’m not too familiar with his work but if you have artists like Famous Dex in your rotation, Trill Sammy will be a good addition to your queue. – Jalen Lomax (review/photos)
