BY R&B Staff for The Napster Blog | Published on June 18, 2009
The line at the world famous Roxy Theater on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood stretched two blocks the night of Sunday, June 14. I've been to many shows at the Roxy in the past, but only once before, for a John Legend show, has the line been as long. To be honest, initially, I was annoyed. Maybe I'm just a snob, but I hate waiting in lines, and while I knew that the Foreign Exchange would bring in an audience, I didn't think it would be like this. Never mind the fact that this would mark FE's first performance in L.A. Never mind that their latest album Leave It All Behind is one of my favorite albums from last year and was my candidate for Album of the Year when it came out. I hate waiting in line. HATE it. To my (pleasant) surprise, though, the line moved quickly enough. By the time I got in, the room was almost full, and you could feel the energy and anticipation.
Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah, and Darien Brockington all took the stage with their band and proceeded to give one of the best performances from a group that I've seen in awhile. FE puts in work, and it shows. Missing from the lineup was vocalist Muhsinah, featured on LIAB's hauntingly beautiful "Daykeeper." Yet the beautiful and talented YahZarah expertly filled in for her, and along with the contrasting voices of Phonte and D-Brock, their complementary voices form the tightest of vocal trios. Phonte remains one of the best rappers who can also actually sing, and his command of the stage was often acknowledged by the roars of laughter and approval from the energetic crowd. Wearing many hats, Phonte sang the sweet (and sometimes bittersweet) soul from LIAB and rapped different verses of songs from FE's debut album, Connected. And between songs, he channeled Dr. Phil and dispensed relationship advice, then turned around and testified to the congregation like an old gospel pastor, with his gathered masses shouting an exuberant "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" in reply.
Not found on the album is their hilarious neo-soul version of the Soulja Boy hit "Turn My Swag On" or their rendition of Level 42's feel-good "Something About You," with which they wrapped up the show.
Do not pass up the opportunity to catch Foreign Exchange live when they come to your town. I repeat, do not sleep. Bite the bullet. Wait in line. I'm glad I did.
Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah, and Darien Brockington all took the stage with their band and proceeded to give one of the best performances from a group that I've seen in awhile. FE puts in work, and it shows. Missing from the lineup was vocalist Muhsinah, featured on LIAB's hauntingly beautiful "Daykeeper." Yet the beautiful and talented YahZarah expertly filled in for her, and along with the contrasting voices of Phonte and D-Brock, their complementary voices form the tightest of vocal trios. Phonte remains one of the best rappers who can also actually sing, and his command of the stage was often acknowledged by the roars of laughter and approval from the energetic crowd. Wearing many hats, Phonte sang the sweet (and sometimes bittersweet) soul from LIAB and rapped different verses of songs from FE's debut album, Connected. And between songs, he channeled Dr. Phil and dispensed relationship advice, then turned around and testified to the congregation like an old gospel pastor, with his gathered masses shouting an exuberant "Amen!" and "Hallelujah!" in reply.
Not found on the album is their hilarious neo-soul version of the Soulja Boy hit "Turn My Swag On" or their rendition of Level 42's feel-good "Something About You," with which they wrapped up the show.
Do not pass up the opportunity to catch Foreign Exchange live when they come to your town. I repeat, do not sleep. Bite the bullet. Wait in line. I'm glad I did.
