Lil Baby (Photo by Vxsionary)
Dominique Armani Jones, better known as Lil Baby, released Harder Than Ever, his debut studio album, in 2018 via 4 Pockets Full, Wolfpack Music Group, Quality Control Music, Motown, and Capitol Records. The trap superstar-in-the-making now performs at The Anthem on Jan. 23.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, rapper Lil Baby is at the forefront of a new wave of hip-hop artists coming out of the city. In the short time he’s been recording — the artist penned his first bars in early 2017 — he’s found instant stardom and universal acclaim as a leading light within the scene, collaborating with rap luminaries Drake, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty.
Coming up in Atlanta, Lil Baby spent his adolescence in the same neighborhood as fellow trap star Young Thug — before the rapper wrote his first lines he was hanging out in the studio with Migos and the Quality Control crew, absorbing the creativity and determination that would later propel him to international fame. His first mixtape Perfect Timing was released in April 2017, featuring contributions from Young Thug, Lil Yachty, and Young Scooter.
Harder Than Ever debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The album was supported by the wildly popular singles, “Southside” and “Yes Indeed” featuring Drake — the latter peaking at No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Watch the official music video for “Woah” by Lil Baby on YouTube:
As Lil Baby sets his eyes on a second studio album, he recently released a new single, “Woah.” Rolling Stone liked what it heard.
“Produced by Quality Control producer Quay Global, ‘Woah’ is built on a bed of heavy hitting 808s and suspenseful piano, which provides Baby with a canvas to sing and stretch his vocals as he describes how far he’s come since embarking on a full-time rap career only two years ago,” Tom Breihan said for Rolling Stone.
Lil Baby’s return to DC is presented by DC-based events and music company Major Life Entertainment.
Florida rapper Rod Wave also performs, setting the stage for Lil Baby. Two local newcomers will open the show — Luckey and Walkdown Will, both artists from DMV record label Major Life Music, an offshoot of Major Life Entertainment.
Lil Baby
w/ Rod Wave, Luckey, Walkdown Will
The Anthem
Thursday, Jan. 23
Doors @ 6:30pm
$55
All ages