Sombr Fires Back At Viral Complaints About His ‘Cringe’ Concerts: ‘Skill Issue’

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Sombr only just turned 20 years old this summer, but over the past year, he’s become one of music’s biggest rising stars. Not everybody is all in on Sombr, though, and one person’s experience has started some online discourse.

TikToker @meganator__ shared an eight-minute video summarizing their time at Sombr’s October 13 concert, dubbing it “one of the worst experiences of my life” and “the closest I’ve ever been to a middle school dance since I was in middle school at a dance.”

Sombr later responded with his perspective in his own video, saying:

“I thought I was chronically online, but it’s just come to my attention that there’s a TikTok drama going around because a 25-year-old attended my concert and was basically complaining that there were too many tweens there. I was making too many brainrot jokes and she just thought it was a cringe concert. And also, she was body-shaming me and it kind of started a massive body-shaming hate train directed towards me on a lot of videos of me on the internet right now, which is I totally respect people having opinions, but I’m a 20-year-old artist, freshly 20, and if you’re 25 years old and you’re going to come to my concert and not expect people younger than you to be there when I, the artist, am five years younger than you, it’s just a skill issue. I mean…

Also, like the jokes thing, like, you had to have known about my online presence before coming to my concert. I mean, anyone who knows me knows I’ve never uttered a serious word in my life. And also, I make jokes for five minutes of the concert and the rest is music. Like, live a little, enjoy life. Every age, sex, sexuality, gender, race… everyone is welcome at my concert, and I mean everyone. You guys need to find problematic people to hate on because I am just existing.

Also, I’m just going to give a quick tutorial. [literally touches grass] Also, I just remembered that I had a fever and bronchitis at the show she went to, but the show goes on. I will not cancel unless I’m on my deathbed.”

Check out Sombr’s video here and find his upcoming tour dates below.

Sombr’s 2025 & 2026 Tour Dates: The Late Nights & Young Romance Tour

10/21/2025 — Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
10/24/2025 — Seattle, WA @ Shadowbox SoDo
10/25/2025 — Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
10/27/2025 — San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
10/28/2025 — Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
10/29/2025 — Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
10/31/2025 — Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
11/01/2025 — Pomona, CA @ Fox Theater Pomona
11/02/2025 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre
11/05/2025 — New York, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
11/06/2025 — New York, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
12/02/2025 — Auckland, NZ @ Auckland Town Hall
12/04/2025 — Melbourne, VIC @ Festival Hall Melbourne
12/06/2025 — Ballarat, VIC @ Spilt Milk Festival
12/07/2025 — Perth, WA @ Spilt Milk Festival
12/09/2025 — Sydney, NSW @ Hordern Pavilion
12/11/2025 — Brisbane, QLD @ Fortitude Music Hall
12/13/2025 — Canberra, ACT @ Spilt Milk Festival
12/14/2025 — Gold Coast, QLD @ Spilt Milk Festival
02/10/2026 — Stockholm, Sweden @ Annexet
02/11/2026 — Copenhagen, Denmark @ KB Hallen
02/13/2026 — Hamburg, Germany @ Inselpark Arena
02/15/2026 — Warsaw, Poland @ Stodola
02/16/2026 — Prague, Czech Republic @ Forum Karlin
02/18/2026 — Vienna, Austria @ Gasometer
02/19/2026 — Munich, Germany @ Tonhalle
02/20/2026 — Zurich, Switzerland @ Halle 622
02/22/2026 — Milan, Italy @ Alcatraz
02/24/2026 — Madrid, Spain @ Riviera
02/25/2026 — Barcelona, Spain @ Razzmatazz
02/27/2026 — Paris, France @ Salle Pleyel
03/02/2026 — Amsterdam, Netherlands @ AFAS Live
03/04/2026 — Berlin, Germany @ Columbiahalle
03/05/2026 — Cologne, Germany @ Palladium
03/06/2026 — Brussels, Belgium @ AB
03/08/2026 — London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton
03/12/2026 — Manchester, UK @ Academy
03/13/2026 — Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy
03/15/2026 — Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy
03/16/2026 — Dublin, Ireland @ 3Arena

I Barely Know Her is out now via Warner Records. Find more information here.



source https://uproxx.com/music/sombr-cringe-concert-tiktok/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

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.