Leave it to the cool kid creatives to do it like it’s never been done before – even at a rap show. It’s been a nice little minute since I’ve been going to hip-hop concerts for a living. And before Friday night at Delmar Hall, I had never seen a rapper paint a piece of visual art while busting a rhyme. Brock Seals changed the game with that one while opening for rising star Mvstermind and mystified the crowd in the process. Naji Person also fared well with his set. But dancer-turned-singer Jordan Ward could stand a voice lesson or two with an emphasis on breathing. He has a nice tone to his voice, so this is me caring enough to give him a note that could carry him into his full potential. Mvstermind slayed the stage as usual – and the lights and sound folks got in on the technical side. He deserved it after what happened to him on the mainstage at LouFest. And even then, he was the consummate professional. He is one to watch for sure. His family was in the building and I had to stop myself from asking his mother, fashion designer Shukuru Bilal, to create some Wakandan formal wear for my Salute ensemble.
