B.o.B’s presence has long since been absent from the label of ‘that new shit’. But his songs instill a nostalgia that excites a crowd. He proves this as he douses Vaughan, Ontario’s Luxy Club with classic bars and celebrated hooks. Digitized backdrops light up his foreground with strobes setting a razzed-up mood. It is a far contrast to the cooled down energy that set the stage earlier from lesser-known acts such as Seige, BYDK, Pronown and Robbie G – each lending their own unique sound to the crowd’s growing anticipation.
The modest crowd inside the seemingly upscale venue, with its gold plated titan statues fencing the spacious dance floor, is no less energetic than a packed audience would be. Bobby Ray arrives with a casual strut, a pair of sunglasses and a smile that, not surprisingly, makes females respond favourably.
The performance feels a lot livelier than its numbered audience would suggest, which goes to show that a real performer and lover of the art form stays true to his craft regardless of circumstance.
In the few hours that he remains on stage, B.o.B runs through songs like “Airplanes”, “Not For Long” and “Nothin’ On You”, along with head bangers like “Ready”, all the while flashing his teeth and interacting with a crowd that sways and vibes to every beat.
The performance feels a lot livelier than its numbered audience would suggest, which goes to show that a real performer and lover of the art form stays true to his craft regardless of circumstance.
Words & Video By. Noel Ransome + Photos By. Fitzroy Facey