By: Morgan McFadden
CHICAGO– Mosh pits, madness, and a touch of mischief. That’s what you can expect at Denzel Curry’s “Mischievous South” tour. With the help of CLIP, 454, and Kenny Mason, the stacked lineup entertained a packed Salt Shed last Friday night.
CLIP set the tone with a short but energetic set. A sea of people gathered two hours before Curry was set to perform, attesting to his fan’s dedication.
Hyped on the crowd’s encouragement, CLIP oversaw a circle mosh pit to her hit single, “Sad Girl.” Fans buzzed with excitement as she bounced off the stage.
A quick transition marked 454’s turn in the spotlight. His signature video-game-like adlibs made for an impressive, free-flowing performance. In between songs, he encouraged people to buy his music at the merch booth (a refreshingly charming gesture).
Everything shifted when Kenny Mason entered the building. The front rows of fans erupted like it was their duty to cheer, drinks and articles of clothing flying in the air.
Mason laid three ground rules for moshing: 1. If someone falls, help them up, 2. Men keep your hands to yourself, and 3. Don’t step in the pit if you’re not a “real soldier.” I had never witnessed something so intense. His energy was relentless.
I had never been more grateful to be seated above the madness. I appreciated that Kenny Mason had set clear rules before letting fans moshed, especially protecting female concertgoers in the pit.
Mason called it “the best f***ing show of the tour so far.” He swiftly wrapped up his electric set.
Moments later, an off-stage didgeridoo-like voice announced the moment we were all waiting for: Denzel Curry. He jumped onto the stage, announcing it would be a journey through the South.
His in-your-face flow paired with clever lyricism made for impeccable stage presence. Fans threw threes up for “G’Z UP,” a man in his 60s recording the whole thing next to me. Wholesome.
Phones peppered the sky to record Curry’s song “Walkin.” Different pockets of circle pits promptly ensued. Denzel Curry proved he was for the fans, carrying a sign during a song. The entire evening was a smash hit.
Get wrangled into the “Mischievous South” now through the summer in select U.S. and European cities.
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Photo credit Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images