This past Sunday, hip-hop artist and founding member of The Wu-Tang Clan, GZA, took the stage at The Novo before a sold-out crowd where he opened for the R&B/soul/funk group Lettuce. GZA is known for remarkable performances, and his show at the Novo was no exception. GZA performed his 1995 second solo studio album Liquid Swords in its entirety—an album widely considered an all-time classic.
An hour after the doors opened, fans waited patiently in anticipation of GZA hitting the stage. Just as GZA’s bandmates were tuning their instruments, GZA emerged, bearing a striking resemblance to his late cousin, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB). No time was wasted as GZA launched into his first song “Shadowboxin’” followed by “Cold World.” GZA then brought out special guest rapper Killa Priest—best known for being featured on GZA's hit song “B.I.B.L.E”—and the pair’s performance was an instant crowd favorite. Songs like “Duel of the Iron Mic,” “Gold,” and “4th Chamber” had the crowd in a frenzy, shouting, "We want more! We want more!” Though most of the audience was too young to remember when Liquid Swords was first released, they still knew the words to every track.
Just before his set closed for the night, GZA paid homage to his late cousin ODB by rapping a few of his songs, leaving the evening on a nostalgic note as the crowd once again sang along. After his performance, GZA took time to sign autographs for fans, many of whom were eagerly throwing albums, sneakers, and hats his way. With his usual humility, GZA ensured that everyone went home satisfied. His performance was unsurprisingly extraordinary, proving once again that hip-hop will never see another artist like GZA and that Liquid Swords remains unmatched.
Photos by Daniel Seyum
Previous Story
LETTUCE AT THE NOVO
Next Story
Celestion Announces the Availability of the TSQ2145 ...
It all started back in 2009, my brothers and I decided to move back to South Central, Los Angeles from the Inland Empire. Both my brothers attended music and film school in Hollywood. At the time I was working construction in Las Vegas for nearly one year, but I always knew I had a passion for photography, but didn’t know what or where to start shooting.
As soon as I finished working in Las Vegas, I saved up enough money to buy a Canon camera. A friend of mine who was a night club promoter at the time asked me to be a roaming photographer at his venue. I had little to no experience shooting anything or anyone, but I felt confident and plus I was a people person, so I knew both of those qualities would help me succeed in being a photographer. I was a club photographer for almost a year until I started meeting people and networking. Then eventually I met a club photographer who owned his own business shooting venues all over Southern California.
For the next five years, I was shooting many nightclubs in LA, OC, IE and the Valley, eventually booking my own gigs. I even shot at the RIO in Las Vegas on the weekends when I worked out there for three months. Additionally, I booked a local night club working Tuesday nights as a roaming photographer for almost three years. At the same time, I was shooting Tuesday nights at a radio station working for rapper Dub-C. So after working at the radio station, I would leave to shoot at the club at night…
But I always felt like I needed to do more and take it to the next level. I felt like I couldn’t possibly shoot night clubs forever. I eventually linked up with my brother who had been writing for Music Connection. And thus, I began shooting local concerts all over Los Angeles and nearby counties. I felt like this was my calling. Not only do I like shooting musicians I listen to, but occasionally, I get to meet them and network with people in the business as well. I love doing what I do, but I do not put all my eggs in one basket.
Aside from shooting clubs and concerts, I have organized photo shoots with models. I have shot many events including birthday parties, weddings, Quinceaneras and more. I feel as a photographer, I cannot stick to just one preference. I feel like I have to do it all and “NO” can’t be the answer. I believe my path may be difficult, but eventually, it will pay off.
