“Cause I don’t really care what they think/Tomorrow they’ll be doing my song and will be claiming it’s new/ and 2 years ago they used to say that aint even hip-hop now they dipped in a Sinatra suit” says an excited an Pigeon John.
One word comes to mind after seeing a Pigeon John show. Re-Invention. Half man- Half beast, the man known as John Dust has continued to wow his fans with his amazing ability to re-invent his sound and style, while still maintaining his ability to be himself. There aren’t a lot of artists that can boast this accomplishment, especially at a time when the music business undergoes it’s own cosmetic changes. Yet the LA native stands here tonight in front of a packed house at the Knitting Factory, with new tricks up his sleeve and familiar tunes to rap- or sing- along to.
“Let’s let our guards down tonight and be as one.” John is reminding the audience of the reason why we are all here, to have fun. He is backed by a five piece band who has been tearing up all his familiar tunes, an impressive catalog that combines upbeat lyrics and melodies that balance his singing and rapping. This sound has been unique to Pigeon John’s swagger for years, but tonight has been slated as more than just your usual Pigeon John show. After performing the first 45 minute set with the band, PJ and the band exit the stage and leave the audience in the hands of his DJ. When John comes back onstage, he’s re-invented himself again; his cardigan and neck-tie, having been replaced by a bright YO! MTV Raps t-shirt. A bit more casual, he lets the crowd in on his latest top-secret project called Rootbeer, a joint collaboration between him and his rapper friend Flynn Adam.
The audience has no idea what they are in store for until the opening track comes on, and next thing you know Flynn and John are all over the place, hyping the crowd to jump around like a chimpanzee! The duo known as Rootbeer seems to have tapped into a super hyphy-crunk-dance rap fusion that sticks to the Pigeon model of having fun, but carries an explosive new sound different from any Pigeon John material from the past. The following song is even more descriptive, bearing the hook, “Girlie hit me up because the homie is famous” and tells of the gold-digging woes that come with having famous friends. “Pink Limousine” is equally as fun and catchy, and could be heard in a club or at your little sister’s birthday party. Mostly up beat, Rootbeer’s production is solid and original, made possible by Flynn and John collectively. Their chemistry onstage is natural and energetic, with splices of old school dance moves and tag team verses reminiscent of RUN-DMC. The show flows seamlessly, with Rootbeer sharing stories and scenarios that keep the audience laughing.
As the Rootbeer premiere wraps up, Pigeon John brings on his band and gets into some more of his own hits. One of the traits that makes Pigeon John’s music stick to you is his ability to have fun, but beyond the silliness is an honest MC who wants you to learn from his struggles. Songs like “Identity Crisis”, “Be”, and “Hello Everybody”, are just a few of the tracks where you witness Pigeon John pouring out his heart to whomever is in earshot.
Tonight is no different, offering up his energy and laughter to those that came out to support him. His music is as contagious as his stage presence, and with new projects still to come, it can only get better for John Dust. The re-invention of John’s artistry has been shown tonight, and proves how he continues to keep you guessing.
A. Landon
www.loudvine.com
