knittingfactoryhollywood

Last night, members of the Minneapolis-based hip hop collective Doomtree took over the main stage here at Knitting Factory as part of the cross-country NEVER BETTER TOUR.

Sims, Mictlan, and P.O.S. all played separate and collaborative sets, and WOW they are some seriously talented emcees. With their alternative-influenced music and punk undertones, these guys break every stereotype about rappers. The best thing about their original and genre-spanning music is that it guarantees a diverse fanbase -  you're just as likely to spot a kid in a XXXL white tee as one in a tight fitted flannel, and they're both singing along to every word.

Mike Mictlan performed his set with producer Lazerbeak spinning beats, playing songs off their collaboration album "Hand Over Fist." I was so impressed with the way Mike stayed with the crowd the entire time, making conversation with the kids and holding the mic out over the audience. My favorite part was the accapella chant ending "LA Raider's Hat," a clever and biting commentary on racial discrimination in America.

Then POS absolutely blew me away. He is really unlike any other rapper out there today - he played the electric guitar, made his own beats onstage, and spoke intensely about the importance of understanding equality, how we're all in the same struggle and the most important thing is to figure out what you love and pursue it with everything you have. When Mictlan and Sims joined him to perform a few songs as the (almost) full force of Doomtree, all three of them jumped into the crowd for an impromptu dance party. Ironically, a circle pit broke out just a few minutes later, which accurately demonstrates the versatility of P.O.S.'s music.

All in all, it was a PHENOMENAL show and thanks to everyone who came out! If you missed this dose of hip hop action, or you just want more, make sure you come out on TUESDAY MARCH 3RD for Aceyalone and Myka Nyne!! It's going to be insane..

OH and if you have any pictures or opinions, feel free to leave comments!

-Ella Devine, KFLA intern