Lil Yatchy
by: Walter Williams
Lil Yatchy
Neptune Theater Seattle, WA
On the 21st stop of his "The Field Trip Tour", featuring tracks from his latest album "Let’s Start Here" and new EP, "The Secret Recipe," Lil Yachty took the stage at Seattle's Paramount Theater. The show opened with a screen of distorted graphics reminiscent of a psychedelic trip, setting an intriguing tone. Yachty's band, comprising of two guitarist, a pianist, a drummer, and two talented background singers, all women of color, took the stage. This was a standout moment, as it's not often you see such diversity in a touring band.
Before Yachty's first appearance, the band mesmerized the audience with an opera-like melody and distorted graphics that put everyone in a trance. This seamlessly transitioned into the opening notes of popular hit "drive ME crazy!" as Yachty made an electrifying entrance. He kicked off with a trio of hits from his new album starting with: “drive ME crazy!,” "the ride-," and "pRETTy" Yachty's energy was infectious, captivating the crowd instantly.
As the psychedelic hit "sAy sOMETHINg" came to an end, the band's vocalists delivered an opera-like live rendition, beautifully wrapping up the first part of the show that showcased "Let’s Start Here." Yachty exited the stage, and an interlude allowed his band to shine with electrifying solos on their respective instruments and vocals. The crowd was in awe of their talents, and the cheers were thunderous.
The heavy-hitter section as I like to call it kicked in as the opening notes of "SOLO STEPPIN CRETE BOY'' from "The Secret Recipe" started to play. Yachty delved into every corner of his catalog, from his new collab with Drake to his tracks with Playboy Carti, Juice WRLD, NBA Young Boy, and Future. The energy in the room remained high throughout. It reached its peak when Yachty performed a series of his older viral hits like "Minnesota," "Broccoli" with DRAM, and "iSpy" with KYLE. The transition to his more recent viral hits like "Poland," "Strike (Holster)," and "TESLA" kept the audience on their feet, ending with the legendary viral hit "One Night" from his debut album "Lil Boat."
After showcasing his extensive catalog of hits, the screen once again displayed trippy visuals as Yachty and band reappeared for "IVE OFFICIALLY LOST ViSiON!!!!!" This brought us back to the second half of the experimental album "Let’s Start Here," featuring "THE zone~," a stellar performance of "WE SAW THE SUN!," and concluding with "the BLACK seminole," the opening track of his new album. Yachty took a moment to thank Seattle for coming out, then wrapped up the Field Trip Tour. He exited the stage, allowing his band to shine once more with a stellar closing instrumental, featuring a highlighted piano solo and an amazing vocal solo by one of the singers. If you're a fan of Yachty and his music, this show covered all the bases, from his old viral hits to his new viral hits, his biggest features, and his experimental new album. Yachty's catalog is extensive, and he delivered everything you'd want to see. I highly recommend seeing him on the Field Trip Tour if he comes to your city.
Before Yachty took the stage, Nick Hakim graced us with his sultry vocals and moody songs about love, heartbreak, and raw themes, perfectly matching the rainy Seattle night. Hakim, accompanied by his band and his trusty MacBook, opened with "Only One" and then moved into the beautiful and vulnerable song "WHOO." Hearing him perform it live was a treat, and he sang it beautifully. Hakim's performance of "Feeling Myself," with its raw, powerful vocals and eccentric dance moves, captivated the crowd. A standout moment was the second verse of the song, featuring loud raspy vocals, which sounded amazing live. The studio version is great, but the live version was truly exceptional. As Hakim thanked Seattle and expressed his enjoyment of the tour, he closed with the popular hit "Vertigo," a fitting choice that showcased his vocal prowess. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend seeing Nick Hakim, not only on this tour but whenever he's in your city. His performance was a memorable and soulful experience.
The night started with The Concrete Family, featuring Dc2trill, Draft Day, KARRAHBOO, and Camo! They performed a dynamic set of their hits, engaging with the crowd and getting everyone hyped for the main performances. They set the tone for the night perfectly, demonstrating the camaraderie and fun they were having on the Field Trip Tour.
In the heart of Seattle, Lil Yachty's "The Field Trip Tour" didn't just deliver a show; it provided a sonic journey through his extensive discography. From the captivating openers The Concrete Family & Nick Hakim to the electrifying performance of Yachty and his band, every moment of the night was a testament to the power of live music. With diversity on stage, heartfelt thank-yous, and a showcase of raw talent, this tour left an indelible mark. So, if Lil Yachty's "Field Trip Tour" makes its way to your city, seize the opportunity to embark on this exhilarating musical adventure—you won't be disappointed.
