Atlanta rap phenomenon Trinidad James took the stage at SOBs in Manhattan on Jan. 30 and proceeded to blow the roof off. Hot 97’s “Who’s Next” showcase again featured some of the brightest up-and-comers in hip-hop, and before the “All Gold Everything” star emerged to perform, a packed house was treated to some high-energy, hungry young emcees looking to stake their place in the game.
And despite the ATLien headliner, New York City hip-hop was definitely in the building.
From brash youngsters SNL (Shaq N Livin’) to Danse of BKLYN STICKUP to Harlemite Vinny Cha$e (along with Kid Art and his Cheers Club crew), the energy was high throughout the night and the entire place was steaming hot by the time Trinidad grabbed the microphone a little before midnight.
“I f—ks wit’ New York!” Trinidad exclaimed, with a flag of his homeland displayed prominently in the background. Hip-hop’s newest star was talkative and engaging throughout his set, genuinely happy to be given the opportunity to rock the crowd. And for those New Yorkers who missed his very first Big Apple performance at Santo’s in December, it was a treat to catch him at what was only his second concert performance in NYC.
And despite the fact that host Peter Rosenberg admitted that the first time he saw the “All Gold Everything” video he was “Like, what the f–k?,” it was obvious that everyone in the house was feeling the show by the time James walked offstage triumphantly draped in the flag and pouring with sweat.
“All Gold Everything” may have gotten him to the forefront of music, but humility and enthusiasm could keep him there.
“Wooooooooh!”
–stereo williams
