On Nov. 21, Danny Brown brought his “Stardust” tour to local SLC venue The Complex. The album, which came out earlier this year, is a collection of songs ranging from vulnerable narratives to ego boosters. In keeping with his past formula for success, the album boasts a wide range of features, with a recurring theme of recent additions to the hyperpop scene. Danny Brown’s creativity and tendency to pursue different challenges in regards to his music are what keep his albums and live shows relevant after 15 years.

Artistic Choices

On stage, Brown kept his design impactful by avoiding complex or overbearing set pieces. The only things on stage were Brown, his DJ and a towering box of flashing lights.

The strobe effect emitted by his setup often made his movements look ghost-like, with his silhouette disappearing on one side of the stage only to end up with the other half of the crowd. Brown’s audience was completely engaged with the music, knowing every song that was played and singing along with the rapper. Brown’s ability to keep up with the musical gymnastics that he attempted on the new record while performing live is a feat in and of itself, and it’s this prowess that makes buying the tickets worth it.

Femtanyl and underscores joined Brown as the openers for his tour, which was no doubt a big move for their careers. The two artists are also featured on “Stardust” and joined Brown on stage for their respective songs.

While the majority of rap artists prefer to stay within their own genre, Brown is always looking for something new to explore. He has always pushed the boundaries of rap, despite the overwhelming hate that he has received for it in the past. Brown is also passionate about breaking down barriers between the rap and trans community.

“Even now, thinking about who I wanted to work with on ‘Stardust’ I was seeing people like Jane Remover and Underscores and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get them to work with me. I was thinking, ‘Why ain’t nobody else working with them, though?'” Brown said in an interview with ‘Hearing Things’ magazine. “Is it because of all of this trans shit that people don’t wanna embrace them?’ That made me wanna fuck with them even harder, because I’ve always been about that. When I first came out, people were hardcore judging you based on what you look like instead of judging the fucking music. Those artists are making the sickest shit out, so that was my goal: to shed light on that scene.”

The Message

At the end of his set, Brown took the time to extend his gratitude to the crowd, mentioning that he had been playing in Salt Lake for 10 years now.

He shared how when he was a young artist, he would go to shows and imagine himself on stage and making music. Brown wants to be that source of inspiration and encouragement for any artists of the next generation in the audience. He also credited his now two years of sobriety for allowing the album and tour to happen. Talking with members of the audience after the show, they expressed how impactful it has been to see their favorite artist’s sobriety journey.

Danny Brown’s impact on different communities has cemented him as a legacy act in rap history. With every album that he releases, he leaves his audience excited for what will come next. Looking back on his narrative as both a musician and a person, it is clear to his extensive audience that Danny Brown is only getting better from here.