Re-imagining a song to its acoustic or stripped down version is a pleasant feeling. From its electronic cut in the studio, to its natural acoustic rendition gives it an extra umph. In 2022, Hip Hop has been embracing the live execution of its music offerings. Straying away from the play-back culture, artists are cutting amazing records that have chunk-sized live appeal. And in return, corporations are tapping into this by creating avenues a live music industry can be commercialized. In this instance, we are not attributing to booked live performances, but intimate live sessions where artists play some of their revered hits with live band backing, meant for later viewing.
From NPR Music’s Tiny Desk, to Audiomack’s Orchestra Symphony, Triple J’s Like A Version, BBC Radio 1’s Cover Sessions, we get to see the artists in their most vulnerable forms. Just a microphone, live bands, no auto-tune, and their passion all laid out.
Below are some of 2022’s most intriguing acoustic shows:
1.) KayCyy – Hold You Up (Feat. Annahstasia) [Sunset Live Session]
Reminiscent of Gunna’s compelling 2020 Wunna Live Session, 2022’s rookie of the year KayCyy delivers a riveting showing of his single “Hold You Up”. Glazed in the warm LA sun, KayCyy taps Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Annahstasia & Sparky Live Production crew for a heavenly performance. KayCyy has been rising swiftly throughout the year following his breakout being featured majorly on Ye’s 2021 opus, Donda. If you love smooth R&B with marinating vocals, and appreciate lush music, this is for you.
2.) Usher – NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Commemorating Black Music Month in June, Usher did what Usher does: stun, mesmerize, excel. What else? Usher is an R&B and music legend, and to take some time off from his Las Vegas Residency was more than worth it. Running through his plethora of hit songs, Usher has never looked or sounded better. He would be so courteous to offer one of the most viral moments in passing, the “watch this” viral meme that dominated social media. Watch this superstar work and be marveled at his talent.
3.) Glo Rilla – F.N.F Let’s Go (Acoustic Version)
Memphis breakout star of 2022, Glo Rilla has been a renegade this year. Churning out hits such as her song of the summer contender, “F.N.F Let’s Go”, Glo has been able to provide entertainment galore to music fans with her star power. Commissioned to perform her undisputed anthem, “F.N.F Let’s Go”, the CMG signee straddled through her hit song in memorable fashion. Backed by her usual posse, Glo remains one of the gifts that keep on giving from the Hip Hop universe this year.
4.) Westside Boogie – Killa Mode feat. Storm Ford
Westside Boogie is an emcee from Compton idolized for his introspective, mind-boggling, and effortless storytelling. Packing soulfulness and a peppered tone, Boogie is one of the most lyrical and poetic artists hailing from the West Coast to grace a microphone. On this performance, he taps collaborator Storm Ford to pour his heart out with an energetic and cathartic spew of his song “Killa Mode”. If you’ve never heard clarity in bars, shrouded in heartfelt message, this is where the two intersect.
5.) Oxlade – Ku Lo Sa (Colors) [Honorable Mention]
Nigerian crooner Oxlade is one of 2022’s brighter stars. Belting his romantic anthem “Ku Lo Sa” aka “Closer”, the Afrobeats emoter reminds us what it feels to be in love. Employing different inflections, this Colors performance is a masterclass in melody and chord progression. A creeper hit song based off this performance alone, Oxlade has redefined how a hit song can be appreciated through its live performance alone. Check it out.
