Inspired, family-friendly, profanity-free hip-hop is not something one comes to expect, but Buffalo's own talented musicians may help to change that.
The 5th annual UB On The Green concert series featured many local acts appealing to many audiences, and Wednesday night at Rotary Field was no exception. Some of Buffalo's best hip-hop and R&B acts were featured, with Billy Drease Williams and N2Deep representing that talent.
N2Deep is a highly energetic five-man funk R&B band, and they entered the stage with vigor and liveliness. Their infectious spirit and passion for performance invaded the crowd, and almost as fast as they began performing, the audience started dancing, mirroring the energy on stage.
With covers of retro music from The Four Seasons and Prince's Purple Rain, the band left the crowd dancing and reliving the past. N2Deep also played soulful, slow songs that inspired the audience. The band's powerful stage presence allowed each performer to highlight their talents, and instrumental solos abounded.
However, the real inspirational entertainment came from hip-hop artist Billy Drease Williams. Drease has an unique persona as a rapper, and his songs have a sole purpose: to inspire.
Paired with DJ Tony Caferro, Drease wasted no time in spreading his positive messages when they hit the stage. Drease's songs reverse the negative stigma of hip-hop music, while providing positive lessons in a pleasant atmosphere.
In his song "Get Free," Drease raps about breaking free of stereotypes, fear, apprehension and anything that can hold a person back.
Drease showed humility toward audience members and stimulated the crowd with his humor and personality. Although the audience was small, Drease performed with full force, capturing the moments that allowed the audience to connect with his strong messages.
"I have a good time wherever I go. This is why I do what I do and the way I do it," Drease said.
Drease closely inspired one of the audience members, Xavier Flywalker Drayton who was featured in Drease's video "Just Doin' It."
"My favorite part was seeing someone close to me doing a talent of mine. He inspires me dearly," Drayton said.
Through his lyrics and stage charisma, it is no wonder that Drease's song "Just Doin' It" was nominated for a Video of the Year Grammy in 2010.
"I think he's got talent," said Dan Kozlowski, a junior computer engineering major. "He has strong verses, and I liked some of the music samples used."
Skilled piano player Richie English was featured midway through Drease's set, and added an impactful musical element as he took the stage to play songs from Drease's album Good Morning Amy.
The piano brought a jazzy, uplifting sound to the the act, and it helped Drease get his unique message across.
"What inspires me is to inspire people," Drease said. "I want the message to come across. [I want] to be highly influential and be an inspiration. [My music] is positive and reflects real life. It's real so that everyone can relate."
Other songs Drease performed – including "Run," "Fresh," and "I Like It" – exemplified solid verses with repetitive simplistic hooks to get the audience to sing along.
"I think he's bringing fresh back to Buffalo in a clean and awesome way," said Julianna Wojcik, 21, of Buffalo. "It's so versatile that the kids in the audience can watch, and there are people here in lawn chairs. [Drease] can speak to a lot of people."
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
