RECAP: BAS x EARTHGANG AT REGGIE'S

—photo by Jesse Wiles

—story by Jesse Wiles (@thewildwiles)

Bas, Earthgang, Cozz, Ron Gilmore and The Hics stopped by Reggie’s on June 29 performing in front of a relatively packed house. As with most shows at Reggie’s in the summer it was hot outside, even hotter inside and only one of the four microphones was fully functioning. 

The Hics are a London based English electronic group comprised of six members. Two of the six, Sam Paul Evans and Roxane Dayette, are on the official Too High To Riot tour. They got the night started performing a variety of songs from their catalogue, and battling through technical difficulties, before Ron Gilmore took to the stage. Gilmore performed select songs from his most recent release, the soulful Maturation of Little Ron. 

After Gilmore, the electrifying Atlanta hip-hop duo Earthgang (it’s one word, they’ll correct you if you’re wrong), took to the stage. Prior to going on stage I talked with them at length on the tour bus about everything from Chicago hip-hop, touring with Mac Miller last year and the use of hallucinogenic drugs. I had met Earthgang and Bas two years ago when I covered their Columbus, Ohio tour stop with Ab-Soul.

—photo by Jesse Wiles

The usually energetic duo seemed fairly tired having just come from Portland the night before, Doctor Dot, one half of Earthgang, warned me on the bus that they were “sleepy.” The nice thing about shooting concerts is seeing artists behind the scenes. It’s not all partying and Hennessy. Doing a 26 stop tour will take its toll on you and bringing the same energy to the stage night after night is no small feat. 

Regardless of the fact that Chicago was the 20th stop of the tour Earthgang brought the energy that fans have become accustomed to. Performing a slew of songs from their past projects and their most recent release, Strays With Rabies. 

Cozz took to the stage after Earthgang. The South Central, Los Angeles native and Dreamville record label mate performed number of songs solo and later in the evening with Bas. Engaging the crowd with his youthful energy and fierce delivery.

-Photo by Jesse Wiles

At about 11:30 pm Bas took to the stage and the crowd immediately came alive. Bas performed songs off of Too High To Riot and a handful of older songs. Most of the crowd rapped along the entire time Bas was onstage and Bas reciprocated that energy, leaving the stage in a tee shirt drenched with sweat. The Hics also joined in on the show performing “Matches” and “Ricochet” which they assisted Bas in making. 

—photo by Jesse Wiles

—photo by Jesse Wiles

You can catch more of the Too High To Riot tour at their next stop on July 3rd in Toronto, Ontario. The tour wraps up on July 13th in New York City, Bas’ hometown.