2016 has already been looking a little grim. My friend Joe buried his grandfather this week. We’ll be burying my friend Sid in the next few days. And I learned a few other people I know, but don’t know well, are badly sick, in a bad way.
So it was already time for a party.
Granted, it’s usually time for a party. You don’t need death close enough to tweeze your eyebrows to feel the righteous urge to put a few back and dance. And Albuquerque producer-emcee Def-I‘s new album, Shields for Raining Arrows, is a great reason to get out and get down.
Shields for Raining Arrows came out last night, at Sister.
It was preceded by a solid writeup in the Alibi, Def-I’s own promotions machine, and years of craft-honing. He tore it up.
But Def-I isn’t a stage-hog. Just as if you met him at the smoothie shop he’d shake your hand warmly, and ask sincerely what you do, he brought that warmth and will to connect in a bunch of other up-and-coming performers. Beat-maker Per C Wells, emcees Katrina Benally & LETSJUSB, Wake Self, and reggae band Innastate all partied on. And by the time the man himself took the stage at midnight, a circle had already cleared for b-boys, local live-painters had finished new spontaneous work, and the crowd was ready to burn the walls. I mean, jeez—he gave you a copy of the album just for buying a ticket.
I hope everyone will forgive me for saying he was my favorite act. His skill on beat, and a cappella, is decisive. He inhabits the stage as he inhabits his body, like a slingshot. He feels the crowd and moves with them, pushes them the way you push a dance partner. In fact, dance is a good metaphor for all of what Def-I does. He’s a bit of a marvel.
I wish so much success to every Burque artist.
Def i is an artist true to the hip hop culture. I’m truly inspired by his music, my favorite artist!!! Take time to check his music and get inspired.
Very talented young man. Family oriented. Knows what he wants and will go out and get it.