“If you come to a Danny Brown show you know that this ain’t no rap show, this is a party,” exclaims Detroit rapper Danny Brown as he takes the stage for the first of his two Beyond The Valley sideshows at The Corner Hotel. True to his word, Brown was the life of the party, delivering just over 60 minutes of his distinctive fast-paced rhymes over thumping club beats. Brown has developed a near cult-like following over the past few years, which saw a legion of fans cram into The Corner, mirroring his every move, word, bounce and devil horns/tongue wagging pose. If Brown says “mosh,” they mosh, if Brown says “sing,” they sing and if Danny says “smoke,” well, they do that too.
The majority of songs from the set were taken from Brown’s third album Old, released in 2013, with just about every track receiving a cheer of delight from the crowd. Singles Smokin & Drinkin and 25 Bucks generated particular enthusiasm, as did Kush Coma, but it was of course Dip – Brown’s ode to MDMA – that saw the greatest reception.
With such an energetic set, it was a shame to see the night end on such an anticlimax. After Brown finished the main set with Dip, a DJ took over for what was assumed to be a build-up to the encore. However, after ten minutes, the DJ promptly left the stage and the lights were turned on. For Danny Brown fans however, nothing will likely detract from seeing their leader in the flesh, with many no doubt making their way straight to the rapper’s after party in the city.
BY KELSEY BERRY
Loved: Some of the Elaine-style dance moves that were busted out by some of the more rhythmically challenged members of the crowd.
Hated: Having to dodge five different puddles of vomit between The Corner and the station.
Drank: Not much, but inhaled a lot of second-hand smoke.
