EarthGang performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by Shedrick Pelt)
The most courageous and enlightening part about the journey of life is the opportunity to understand more about yourself and more about what you’re capable of achieving. Self reflection goes beyond merely listing the positives and negatives of your daily pursuit. You have to activate change. You have to “spread love,” and one of the best examples in hip hop of activating destiny is Atlanta rap duo EarthGang and their Welcome To Mirrorland Tour.
On Feb. 12, the Dreamville Recording artists EarthGang — consisting of Johnny Venus & Doctur Dot — made a tour stop at The Fillmore Silver Spring to celebrate the release of their debut album Mirrorland. The album invites the world into the esoteric, neosoul community of ATL that has often been labeled Black Mecca. And in the name of black excellence, Mick Jenkins accompanies them on the nationwide tour.
Watch the official music video for “Carefree” by Mick Jenkins on YouTube:
Mick took the stage first to chants of “Mick! Mick! Mick!” echoing throughout the venue. The Chicago native by way of his birthplace (and my hometown) Huntsville, Alabama, was recently highlighted by the Alabama Hall of Fame alongside other ground breaking artists like G-Mane, Brittany Howard, Nell Ruth, and Gucci Mane.
The Southside MC opened his set with the lights low and a heartfelt thank you to the fans in attendance. As he proceeded with his 2020 single “Careless,” the performance unexpectedly turned into a “duet” as the sold-out crowd rapped word for word to the introspective record. Constantly on his “P’s & Q’s,” Mick presented a passionately perfect pilgrimage through his quotably qualified discography, setting the stage for the Georgia boys to do their thing.
As much as this tour is about reflection of self, it’s also a reflection of the craft and art of hip hop. EarthGang is part of a tribe that is inundated with some of the best lyricists in the game. Artists that never take a bar off. Artists that on any given day would run circles around your favorite rapper. Being around immense talent, plus hard work and a musical pedigree, has vaulted EarthGang into the forefront of the culture.
Watch the official music video for “Up” by EarthGang on YouTube:
The otherworldly duo seemingly materialized on stage to a roaring crowd! Bright stage lights gave Oui’s (Johnny Venus) mint green bubble coat a glow as if there was an alien landing. “I am EarthGang, you are EarthGang, We are EarthGang” proceeded a full throttle launch into Mirrorland with the hit single “Up”. Over the course of an hour and a half we were taken on a trip through some of “Love Gang’s” most special audio moments. They even invited the crowd on stage to rock with them. Much more to come from the exuberant pairs’ career. To infinity and beyond!
Below are images from a lovely night on the Welcome To Mirrorland Tour with EarthGang & Mick Jenkins at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Feb. 12, 2020. All images copyright and courtesy of Shedrick Pelt.
