New York is a city known for its diverse culture, and few things reflect that better than the musicians who come and perform here. This week, South Korean boy band Monsta X will play at Manhattan’s Playstation Theater on their first stateside tour, and chart-topping rapper Kendrick Lamar hosts two all-star nights at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Who: Korean boy band Monsta X
Where: Playstation Theater in Times Square
When: July 14th
Korean pop is making its mark in the United States, and less than a month after K-Con, a two-night concert for K-pop fans, sold out Prudential Center in Newark, popular boy band Monsta X is embarking on its first American tour, performing at six theaters across the country in July. The group, composed of seven members (two rappers and five vocalists), combine a sound influenced by teen pop, American hip hop, and electronic dance music with elaborate costumes and dance routines. Unlike many of their contemporaries, the men of Monsta X are heavily involved with the writing and production of their music, and bandleader Son Hyun-Woo, known as Shownu, has said that they wish to show their capabilities to excel in any genre.
Who: Acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar, with openers Travis Scott and D.R.A.M.
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn
When: July 20th and 23rd
Fresh off the heels of his critically acclaimed third album, “Damn.”, Compton-born rapper Kendrick Lamar is on tour, and will perform two sold-out concerts at the Barclays Center this week. Though “Damn.” channeled the sound of ‘90s era hip hop, Lamar’s music is known for incorporating elements of various genres, including, prominently, jazz and rock — U2 even features on a track on “Damn.”, the standout “XXX.” Regardless of style, Lamar is also known for his philosophically and spiritually rich lyrics, which differentiate him stylistically from his openers. Joining Lamar are fellow rappers Travis Scott and D.R.A.M., both of whom present their own takes on modern rap. Scott is known for his dark, beat-heavy music, featuring his signature drowsy, filtered vocals and hedonistic subject matter. D.R.A.M., an anagram for “Does Real Ass Music,” makes more playful music, infused with touches of soul, with his voice often transitioning between rapping and singing. The two shows are highly anticipated and represent a real who’s who of current hip hop.