Leaf - Nada [OFFICIAL VIDEO] ft. Lil Yachty
By Julian Kimble August 22
Youthful indifference is a major point of contention in hip-hops current climate. For rapper Lil Yachty, this quality is magnetic to one demographic and deplorable to another.
Hailing from the Atlanta suburbs, Lil Yachty has had a swift rise to stardom over the past year. Lil Boat, his debut project, was released in March; the superior Summer Songs 2 followed in July. Both display a lack of sophistication and concern with hip-hops principles infuriating and confounding offenses to purists. But, at the same time, theres a buoyant, arresting energy to Lil Yachtys music that he transmits to fellow restless youth. Two days shy of 19 at the time of Sunday nights sold-out U Street Music Hall performance, the self-proclaimed king of the teens is aware of his duality. Hes also too busy enjoying life to concern himself with the negative.
Because Lil Yachtys fans share his vigor, U Street Music Halls security team had to issue constant warnings that the show would not proceed until overeager patrons backed away from the stage. When he finally emerged, his set commenced with Intro (First Day of Summer). On this airy tone-setter, he asserts that h**l do whatever is necessary to remain the king of the youth. On Sunday night, he was the crowds voice: his distorted we are the youth! warbles spoke to their collective jubilation. This theme continued on King of the Teens, where he fashioned himself an adolescent icon.
Much of the criticism of Lil Yachty comes from the fact that he leaves nearly everything to be desired in terms of technique and skill; or, more egregiously, that he doesnt seem to care. He carries himself like he takes absolutely nothing seriously. However, if you consider that hes a disciple of jesters-c*m-Internet marketing wizards such as Soulja Boy and Lil B, Yachtys fascination with viral fame and apathy toward rules is completely understandable. Credit this attitude to the very thing that makes him absorbing: his youth.
Lil Yachtys music simply doesnt warrant the scrutiny its received. There isnt much to dissect ; its meant to be enjoyed without thought by his target audience and the young at heart. At Sunday nights show, their enthusiasm became the lens for Lil Yachtys music: a carefree vessel to soundtrack the waning days of summer. Thats what crowd favorites like Minnesota and 1Night, the fitting closer, represented. Nothing more, nothing less.
Kimble is a freelance writer.
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&ct2=us&usg=AFQjCNF-rLtwCvXjzt8cHUVFslQL_C7-0A&clid=c3a7d30bb8a4878e06b80cf16b898331&cid=52779187313258&ei=unu9V_CJNpXI3QHC0oaoCQ&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/if-youre-not-a-teenager-dont-try-to-understand-lil-yachty/2016/08/22/87eb95ae-6875-11e6-99bf-f0cf3a6449a6_story.html
