ROX-TV stops by Simon’s After Dark to check out WARAQ and TRE LB of Detroit Chop Shop as tour gets going
Well, we finally made it to seeing live shows again. It’s been a long wait and the weekend was full of action. ROX-TV was on hand to see exactly what this WARAQ craze is all about. Also slotted on the bill was Tre LB of Detroit Chop Shop, King Gordy made an appearance, DJ Clay also stopped by, and many more acts from the Detroit area. I’ve never been to Simon’s before, although its a common stop on the indie scene in Allen Park. When we arrived on location, we posted up in the parking lot and took in the sights and sounds.
The weather was near perfect and the skies were overcast in Allen Park. It almost felt like an October night and that was fine with me. The inside of Simon’s After Dark, was well….dark. And that’s ok, when you can almost get lost in the shadows. The place was big enough to relax without someone stepping on your shoes or spilling your drink, but also small enough to really feel up close and personal with the artists and groups performing. I thought it was just right.
The place was definitely Juggalo friendly because they served Faygo at the bar. I was pleasantly surprised and sipped a Faygo Cola before the night got away from us all.
I grabbed a seat with Eric “The Animal” and DJ Carlito from the CRB internet radio station “Cruisin The Barrio”. In good company, the show finally got going. Early acts included Murder House Records, Rookz, Bake-Lo and others. There was a fast rapping cat who opened the show named John Penman.
As the show rolled on, we finally got a chance to see the crazy crew of Waraq. They exploded on the small stage like a bomb. They didn’t disappoint and they were having a riot. At times members jumped off the stage, encouraging fans to join them onstage.
The sound was good and the energy never slowed down. The group, who got famous after taking part in a riot and being labelled as “gang” in Providence, or so the story goes. They’ve been known to read their lyrics off their phones. Whatever you might think about these guys, they showed up to play.
TRE LB of the Detroit Chop Shop, who is on the tour as well, delivered a great performance. The guy can drop lyrics, sing, make dope beats….he’s out there grinding. I saw TRE LB the night before at Hot Rocks in Warren, playing at the “Smoke A Holics” Show, the guy finishes his set, and then hit the road to Indiana for another gig. Then lands at Simon’s the next night. That takes drive….literally.
The merch tables were set up and I picked up some Chop Shop gear. As with all shows, I eventually got lost in the moment and enjoyed being out in public again.
The crowd wasn’t massive but it didn’t matter. Everyone seemed to be having fun.
So the final verdict on the internet craze WARAQ? I think they are talented. Where do they go from here? I’m not at liberty to say….I don’t want to guess and blow it. I think they were able to capitalize on some clever marketing.
Do I own all their shit? No. But they were interesting to watch and delivered a live performance that wasn’t bad. I guess only time will tell. No matter what, it was dope to be going to the shows again. Get out and support the music, whatever it is.
Signing Off,
Mike Shepard
ROX-TV Head Writer
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