Danny Brown performs at The Republik on Thursday, Jan. 23. (Photo by James Garrett, Special to the Star-Advertiser)
REVIEW BY KALANI WILHELM / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Honolulu met wild child rapper Danny Brown at The Republik on Thursday night, Jan. 23, and by all accounts the eccentric MC operates at his best when he’s in full-fledged “turn up” mode — and what a positive first impression it was.
Detroit rapper Danny Brown on stage at The Republik on Thursday, Jan. 23. (Photo by James Garrett, Special to the Star-Advertiser)
After a performance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” the night before, it was apparent this rising star wanted to make his first trip to the Aloha State a memorable one.
With his signature frizzed out hair, the Detroit rapper came out dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and designer leather top with matching leather skinny jeans. Resembling a cross between Wu Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Jimmy Hendrix, the former drug dealer’s squeaky, swift flow encouraged a go-nuts mentality from the male-dominated audience at The Republik, even more so during his songs “Express Yourself” and “Blueberry (Pills and Cocaine).”
Brown proved his shows are all about the party, to the pleasure of a raucous and enthused Hawaii crowd who did more than their part from the onset. When the crowd jumped — in unison on most occasions — you could feel the floor at The Republik rumble. The all-ages affair had mosh pit potential from the moment DJ SKYWLKER’s 10-minute warm up set began, but the crowd seemed to be on their best behavior.
Delving deep into his three-album catalogue, Brown focused on a number of tracks about illicit substances, including “Molly Ringwald,” “Smokin and Drinking” and “Blunt After Blunt.”
Quiet moments between songs were brief. When Brown needed a breather, he would turn his back to the crowd and take a sip of water before getting back to the business at hand.
While he never claimed to be a saint, Brown’s music also promotes individuality and how fun it is to bask and embrace your own artistry and uniqueness. In the end, he made a positive impression on Hawaii fans while still showing he truly is a renegade who is comfortable in his own skin.