UPGRADE SIZZLED AT SHEA STADIUM BROOKLYN

There is a very small, select number of bands, that I’m willing to travel all the way to Bushwick to see. In fact, in the the three years I’ve been covering shows here, I’ve only made the trek three times. So, if I’m headed to Shea Stadium BK, let it be known, it’s a special act.

Bushwick Street Art

This year’s reason was an up-and-coming hip-hop act known as Upgrade, whom my neighbor introduced me to recently and have since, really dug his easy flowing style. The real world issues he incorporates into his songs aren’t of the normal hip-hop subjects of drugs, woman, fast cars and booze, but rather, deals with thoughts of depression, addiction and internet-age dating. Of course there’s room for fun subjects too as he’s no hardass, and with his smooth-ass delivery and jovial nature, pulls them off flawlessly.

Upgrade

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Upgrade’s early opening set, while short, was a lesson in how to grab a small room of people and make them your own crew willing to shout, dance, get onstage and rage. His delivery, while effortless, is something you get drawn into because of the way he conducts himself all while his talented DJ whips up ridiculous tracks. By the end of the set he had numerous fans onstage for a rollicking finish, and by the way everyone was smiling and dancing around, big things are in store for this young man. Just keep plugging.