GRIEVES “Running Wild Tour” Runs Through The Bayou City Saturday at House Of Blues
Houston, It’s a Rhymesayers Party
It was a Rhymesayers party Saturday night as GRIEVES kicked off the Houston leg of his newly announced Running Wild Tour. The Seattle rapper and producer announced the tour back in August in support of his 5th studio album titled, “Running Wild” . The new project was released via the legendary independent record label, Rhymesayers Entertainment who notably is responsible for acts like Atmosphere, MF DOOM, P.O.S, and now GRIEVES graces the annals of the label.
Following up to his 2014 LP release, “Winter & The Wolves”, which hit #13 on Billboard’s Rap/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #57 on the Billboard Top 200, GRIEVES has released videos for his singles “RX” and “Gutz” in support of “Running Wild”. The 15-track collection was recorded in Seattle and Stockholm alongside Swedish producer Chords (Jens Eric Resch Thomason). Featuring guest appearances from Fearce Vill, Romaro Franceswa, Paris Alexa, and Davey Jones, the album features elements one might expect to find on a classic soul record, such as rich guitar tones and humming organs, mixed with modern and experimental components. Click images below to expand gallery.
Live at House of Blues Bronze Peacock Room
GRIEVES, otherwise known as Benjamin Laub, brought out label mate, rapper, Dem Atlas along on the tour. Missouri City native, Flyger Woods also made an appearance Saturday night in support of GRIEVES on the tour. With “Running Wild”, Grieves emerges with a modernized sound that is lush and intoxicating, pairing punchy drums with thick layers of synths and warm bass lines, and penning verses that range from vulnerable and confessional to carefree. Much of what captivates fans and critics alike is just that; Laub pulls his listeners in with his carefree humor on record as well as in a live setting, divulging about dark subjects such as having panic attacks all while having a pleasant sense of humor about himself. A great aspect of GRIEVES live performance is his humor which he shared with fans throughout the night. The jokes ranged from laughing about his first show in Houston where four people showed up, to some raunchy jokes that we’ll have to save for a different article. Coupled with an amazing, spirited, hiphop performance, GRIEVES ability to make you laugh really makes for a great live experience.
The Running Wild tour will continue on through November in select cities. Check out GRIEVES website for more details. All proceeds from the Houston tour date were donated to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.