You know, a live performance can make a huge difference on how your fans/spectators go from there about your music, right?
I'm not going to say no names, but I've seen artists like Lauryn Hill to which I was a fan of their music, but disappointed me, losing points. I haven't cared for her music since. The Score album will always be a classic though!
On the other hand, I've seen artists like Erykah Badu, Zion I, and PUTS who blew my mind enough to gain a whole 'nother notch of loyalty & respect not just for their music, but for who they are based on their energy & interaction with their audience. In regards to live hip-hop shows that have been memorable, PUTS is up there with Tribe, WU, Shadow & Cut Chemist, Meth & Red...
That said, so far I've seen Thes and KK @ the following:
1. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Jul 16th, 2012 w/ Skeme & Verbs [most recent album - Highlighter]
That year, MURS (Living Legends) hosted a series of monthly hip-hop shows, and P.U.T.S. was invited for the 3rd installment. Surprisingly, the LA crowd got down with this show. The opening acts were ill! All locals, it was a variety of West Coast Hip-Hop sounds from Gangsta throwback (Skeme) to Modern (Verbs) to PUTS Flava :D
2. Cozmic Pizza Venue (Eugene, OR), May 18th 2014 (12SP Tour)
One of the dopest, intimate shows I've ever gone to; not to mention, a pretty sweet venue. PUTS gave me a reason to try couch surfing all on my own for the 1st time just to go see them after 2 yrs (Humboldt to Oregon). At the last minute, I ended up being on a tight budget and decided to save my $ to see them that summer back in our hometown. Swung by just to hear them outside, and sure enough one of them (KK) steps outside to have a smoke. Spoke to him, shared my love & respect. Long story short, eventually when the big homie had to step back inside, and asked me to come along, told him that I didn't have a ticket & would be saving it for them back in L.A. KK wasn't having it. He was generous enough to escort me in fo' free, showing appreciation to a loyal fan that traveled all the way out there just for them. In return, I bought their Highlighter album as they ran out of 12SP.
3. Troubadour (W. Hollywood, L.A.) July 18th, (12SP Tour) 2014 w/ Dam-Funk, Aceyalone & DJ Mark Luv (Pharcyde's 1st group DJ)
You'd think that PUTS' hometown would know how to show some love & get down like James Brown. BUT I am embarrassed to admit that my city has a tendency to be a weak sauce crowd all-across entertainment. Over half the crowd in Eugene didn't really know who were PUTS, and yet responded & rocked w/ 'em far more. Another downside: PUTS didn't pop out with their game system on stage like they have been in the past # of shows. On the flipside, Thes One & KK recognized, and invited me backstage afterwards, sharing love & gratitude. Oh yeah, they just keep scoring bonus points :D
4. Tentatively The Roxy Theatre on Nov. 29th, 2014