Goldlink performing at Afro Punk Fest 2015 | Photo credit: Pancakesandwhiskey.com
D’Anthony “GoldLink” Carlos and EARTHGANG are scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at Potbelly’s with special guest rapper Masego. The performance serves as part of GoldLink’s “At What Cost” tour.
The “At What Cost” tour’s opening line up includes EARTHGANG, a hip-hop duo from Atlanta. EARTHGANG is composed of rappers Johnny “Olu O. Fann” Venus and Doctur “Eian Undrai Parker” Dot, who are signed to J. Cole’s imprint Dreamville. The duo recently dropped “Rags” EP that is No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
GoldLink, 24, grew up in the Washington D.C. area and began exploring his musical talents after high school. He released his first tracks under the name “Gold Link James.”
The stage name “GoldLink” was introduced to the world in 2013. In 2016 GoldLink released his No. 1 hit single “Crew.” The song includes features from Brent Fiyaz, and D.C. native Shy Glizzy.
The single is a hit for fans like Deja Kennon and it is sure to ignite the crowd Sunday night
Kennon is a graduating African-American studies student at Florida A&M University (FAMU) who said the single is her favorite song.
“Crew is my favorite song hands down. It makes you come alive with every beat drop,” Kennon said.
The songs explosive success earned him a No. 45 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and his first platinum plaque. He celebrated the achievement over an Instagram post stating “Black men for the win.”
The album “At What Cost” pays homage to the D.C. musical legacy. Using “Go-go” influence, a subgenre of funk mixed with modern day hip-hop.
Bria Wesley is a devoted fan of GoldLink, who mentioned that “Crew” has a soul beat with old-school resemblances.
“It’s has a funky soul, yet upbeat vibe to it — mixed with a hip hop style — but presented in an old-school way,” Wesley said.
“I think he’s an artist that will bridge the generational gap, because music is a universal language and his sound exemplifies that. There’s something in there for everyone.”
The album introduces a new “flava” with a new bounce to the current musical. Thick layers of brass instruments, kick drums, and a hint of congas to make a tasteful sound that will make you want to dance.
GoldLink’s tight beats outlined by electronic texture merge to tell his story, and Sunday night fans will see that story come alive on stage.
“I just love him, and I’m most excited to hear his song “summertime” and of course the hottest track “crew” because it’s a sound and feeling that the audience will gravitate to,” Wesley said.
GoldLink is bringing his self-proclaimed “future-bounce” genre to the forefront through his unconventional tribal and pop infusion. The album, “At What Cost,” is a mix of grooves fit to a rhythm made for everyone’s feet.
Devante Jefferson, a FAMU graduate and DJ from Blazin’ 102.3 FM in Tallahassee, said GoldLink’s music makes him different from other artists.
“Nobody sounds like him musically, so that makes him unique. He’s not riding anybody’s wave, so that keeps it original,” Jefferson said.
“When he performs, I would really like to hear meditation, I play it a lot when I DJ and it’s a really good song to dance to.”
GoldLink and his “crew” will have Potbelly’s bumping to a new beat sure to have everyone on their feet.
For ticket information visit ticketfly.com, or GoldLink.Info