TheBasement Returns With Performances From Maeta, Dylan Sinclair, And A Surprise Performance From Baby Tate
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Dennis Larance
TheBasement returned to LA on Wednesday (February 22) with a stacked lineup including a surprise appearance by Atlanta rap standout Baby Tate and the return of burgeoning R&B star Maeta, who last performed at TheBasement in 2018.
The live showcase has been a premiere destination for some of hip-hop and R&B’s breakout artists; in November, Brooklyn native Lola Brooke brought her viral hit “Don’t Play With It” to the West Coast ahead of her ongoing world takeover, while a prior show featured GoGo Morrow and KenTheMan, both breakout stars in their own rights.
Get to know the show’s most recent performers, including Dylan Sinclar, Lil Vada, and Shady Blu, below.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Baby Tate
Baby Tate has been an Uproxx cover artist and a fixture on soundtracks from some of your favorite shows including Insecure. She recently teamed up with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds on his 2022 album Girls’ Night Out, joining him on The Tonight Show to perform their collaboration, “Don’t Even Think About It.” Tate’s latest mixtape, Mani/Pedi, dropped in September featuring records like “Slut Him Out” and “Ain’t No Love.”
Dylan Sinclair
Canadian singer-songwriter Dylan Sinclair was nominated for a Juno Award for his debut album Proverb in 2021. He’s a soulful presence in the vein of countryman Daniel Caesar, with a smooth vocal delivery and emotive, plainspoken lyrics that clearly evoke the wealth of feelings that pervade modern relationships. His most recent EP, No Longer In The Suburbs, is out now. “I’ve just started performing live shows and I’m enjoying this stage in my career,” he says. “Hope you do too.”
Lil Vada
Pronounced “Vay-dah,” this LA native has a gift for producing some of his hometown’s finest ratchet anthems. He’s been picking up steam over the past month or so as his high-energy reimaginings of 2000s club favorites have gained traction in the streets. He’s got a deceptively straightforward delivery that slots easily into the well-worn swing pocket favored by LA’s current crop of post-gangsta rappers and a sense of playfulness about his menacing boasts. “I want people to understand that my energy is different and my passion for music comes from hunger and the need to make my dad proud,” he says.
Maeta
Returning to TheBasement for the first time since 2018, Maeta wants listeners “to feel unapologetic about their sexuality, mistakes, and feel comforted through the uncertainty of life and love.” Since her last appearance at TheBasement when she was 17 (her first performance ever), she says she’s a “whole new girl” — and her resume since then can back that up. In just the past month, she’s appeared on Vic Mensa’s new single “Strawberry Louis Vuitton” after collaborating with the likes of Ambré, Beam, Buddy, Kaytranada, and more.
Shady Blu
Shady Blu is a walking testament to the power of shooting your shot. A cold email to famed TDE engineer MixedByAli led to a deal with his label getting advice from LA’s rap uncle Snoop Dogg, and a steadily rising presence in the rap game. Her unconventional style will certainly be a draw for fans of TDE’s woozy backpack rap influenced style but she’s also doing her own thing. She wants listeners “to really give the music a chance and listen openly” because “I may say something you feel too.”
Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For
Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.
The Evolution of Hip Hop Music
The Evolution of Hip Hop Music
At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.
What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music
What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music
While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:
1. Authenticity
One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.
2. Lyricism and Wordplay
Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.
3. Beat and Production Quality
The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.
4. Innovation and Evolution
Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.
5. Vibe and Energy
Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.
6. Relatability and Emotional Connection
Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.
The Global Reach of Hip Hop
What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.
Conclusion
Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.
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