Yeat performs at The Anthem in DC on Thursday, March, 2023. (Photo by Katie Child)
Tearing up The Anthem recently, Yeat brought indescribable energy to the sold-out venue. Decked out in balaclavas to match Yeat’s iconically masked look, groups of young concertgoers crowded the floor, forming mosh pits and dance circles before the artist even hit the stage. The energy in the audience was the craziest I’ve ever seen at The Anthem, and once Yeat hit the stage, I understood why.
Noah Olivier Smith, professionally known as Yeat, is a 23-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer from the Portland area. First blowing up on TikTok in 2021, Yeat has had a rapid rise to fame, and reasonably so. With his music focusing on hip-hop, rap, and trap, he’s worked with artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Gunna, NBA YoungBoy, and Young Thug. Yeat started his tour on March 1 in Minneapolis, and he has a total of 27 shows on his 2023 North American Tour, which will play through April.
Before Yeat was slated to perform at The Anthem on March 9, a few DJs came on to hype up the crowd. They played familiar songs, and time flew as everyone anticipated the start of the main act. At one point taking a pause from the rap music and playing the iconic We Are Young by FUN., everyone sang in unison, drawing such a strong sense of connectedness. Soon after, the house lights dimmed and bright green stage lights flashed, as the intro to Yeat’s most popular song began blaring on the speakers.
Listen to Yeat’s top tracks on Spotify.
The crowd nearly overflowed over the barricade, and layers upon layers of fans held their phones high, hoping to capture the moment Yeat stormed the stage, breaking through the haze. When he finally appeared, the audience roared before joining him in his opening song, Flawlëss. The rest of his set kept up just as much energy, as people on the floor continued the cycle of mosh pits. Looking up to the balconies on the upper floors, fans with seated tickets were up and jumping to the music as well. No matter where you stood, the show was just as incredible.
Watch Yeat’s official music video for “Gët Busy” on YouTube.
Even while making my way back home at the end of the night, fans were still everywhere raving. The nearest Metro station was packed by fans still hyper from the show, suited in their new Yeat merchandise.
Of all the shows I’ve photographed and attended, the energy at Yeat’s concert at The Anthem was undoubtedly unmatched. Next time he’s in DC, you won’t want to miss it.
Here are some photos of Yeat performing at The Anthem in DC on March 9, 2023. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Katie Child.
