It’s half past 6 p.m. on the East Coast as thousands of New Yorkers pile into Rumsey Playfield. The sounds of “Still Not A Player” dance through the air as plastic bottles of Coquitos move from hand to mouth on a steamy Sunday afternoon. The sun continues to pour down an unconscionable level of heat and humidity as the sky attempts to hold back the thunderstorm that’s been threatening the Big Apple since yesterday evening. For the crowds making their way to concession stands and their seats, the weather is the only thing standing between them and a series of performances from Young Cash, LaRussell, NandoSTL and of course, T-Pain.
The untenable levels of heat aren’t ideal, but the Nappy Boy Entertainment team isn’t new to this. Since May 29, T-Pain and company have been on the Mansion In Wiscansin Tour. Differing from last year’s tour, T-Pain’s latest set of live shows have been outside for the most part. From the Tacos & Tequila Fest in Kansas City to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Young Cash, LaRussell, NandoSTL and T-Pain have become accustomed to waves of heat, ensuring their vocals can withstand outdoor conditions and delivering memorable performances night in and night out. On Sunday, June 23, the group brought their Mansion to Central Park’s SummerStage and with thousands of screaming fans jammed into the venue, they did more than deliver. They paired the inspired work of emerging artists like LaRussell and NandoSTL with the undying energy and vibrance that has made T-Pain one of the world’s most respected live performers. Here’s what Def Pen liked, learned and loved from the latest stop on the Mansion In Wiscansin Tour.
Liked: LaRussell Brings In New Fans With First Tour Under New Live Nation Deal
For years, LaRussell and Good Compenny have worked tirelessly to build a community rooted in service, dedication, creativity and of course, music. The Bay Area artist has made his way into the studio with legends like Busta Rhymes and E-40 while putting together sold out shows everywhere from New York to Los Angeles. With all that said, there’ still so much more for LaRussell and company to accomplish.
This summer, they’re taking their show on the road for the first time at Live Nation venues as a part of T-Pain’s Mansion In Wiscansin Tour. While the tour venues may be new, the energy that he brings to stage is familiar to those who know him. Blending together braggadocious hits like “Cali Bear” with fan-favorite deep cuts like “Kage Story,” LaRussell touches all corners of his expansive discography with ease. Those who may have caught him at The Museum in Washington, D.C. or made the trip out to Vallejo to see him perform in his backyard, know he’s one of the best live performers of the next generation. Joining T-Pain on tour, he’s able to reach new fans and branch out in ways that will put the entire world in the good compenny of Tietta, Simon Andre and the entire team.
Learned: T-Pain Should Never Stop Touring
About fifteen minutes into his set, T-Pain began singing the hook of “Good Life,” I turned to my right and saw a baby with his parents bobbing his head to the melody. If it wasn’t evident from the numerous hits he’s produced over the years, T-Pain has continuously put timeless music into the world that bridges generations. In fact, the man performed “Got Money,” “Good Life” and “She’s Sprung” during the first third of the show and still had a gang of hits left over for the finale. However, it’s not just the music that makes a T-Pain live show a must-see experience. In between sets, he goes through these comedic bits about his DJ inviting all of these fans into his mansion for a party, hence the name of the tour. Not to mention, he’s changing outfits, dancing and interacting with the crowd. He’s part comedian, part musician and part party host. Whether it’s at the Hollywood Bowl or a park in New York, T-Pain promises to deliver an electrifying show each time out.
Loved: NandoSTL Continues To Evolve As A Live Performer
Playing drums, keys and other instruments throughout his life, music has always been part of NandoSTL’s life. However, rapping is a bit less familiar to the Nappy Boy Entertainment signee. “I started rapping about three years ago…four years ago,” he told T-Pain last year. With that in mind, a fan can listen to his music with a sense of excitment and optimism. If he’s able to earn co-signs from the likes Nelly and T-Pain this quickly, what can he accomplish in the years to come with added support and opportunities?
Just last year, NandoSTL joined T-Pain and Young Cash on tour. Performing songs from his latest album, Year of the Ape, the Wichita-born artist was brimming with talent, but was early in his journey as a lead performer in a venue that could hold nearly 6,000 people. One year later, he’s controlling crowds like a veteran, having conversations with fans in between songs and showing off the humble, relatable personality that makes him so easy to root for. Furthermore, his setlist is not like that of his peers. Showing the full range of his emotions, he’ll kick things off with a song like “Loud” and end with a more vulnerable, emotional track like “Weakdays.”
The growth of NandoSTL as an artist and performer should excite any fan who loves Rap, R&B or Soul. Every song feels authentic and his live shows build community. As St. Louis continues to revel in the success of homegrown acts like Sexyy Redd, Metro Boomin’ and Smino, there is an opening for someone like NandoSTL who represents the city, but has his own unique story that adds to the fabric of the area’s growing momentum.
