Yelawolf Brought His Love Story to The Fonda
Stephanie Hernandez
Born in Gadsden, Alabama rapper Yelawolf has managed to successfully blend the country and rap genres together to create an infectious sound all his own. His emotionally driven lyrics paired with his devil may care attitude are the two qualities that have helped him gain an enormous fan base as well as a record deal with Eminem’s label, Shady Records in 2011. With the recent release of Yelawolf’s latest album “Love Story,” this Southern man has been busy on tour bringing the tracks to life on stage. Fans finally got a chance to get a taste of what Yelawolf is capable of at his show at The Fonda on June 10.
This Bible Belt born rapper has been bringing his own brand of Southern charm to the public since he was a teen. Yelawolf began writing songs, raps and poems in middle school, much to the dismay of his teachers, at one point being suspended for some “inappropriate” lyrical expression. Never one to rely on others, Yelawolf independently released his debut album “Creek Water” in 2005, followed by a multitude of mixtapes, singles and even an EP up until 2010. It was during this five-year period that Yelawolf released the beginnings of his “Trunk Muzik” series, a string of EPs that became extremely sought after in the underground rap scene and eventually landed him a deal with Interscope Records. Fellow wordsmith Eminem caught wind of Yelawolf’s music and was so impressed that he decided to offer him a contract on his own label Shady Records in 2011, resulting in the release of his album “Radioactive.” The record charted in the top 30 and brought national attention to Yelawolf’s name. After four years, Yelawolf released his much-anticipated follow up, “Love Story” to critical and commercial success.
Opening the Fonda Show the same way he opens his record, Yelawolf took the stage to high decibel screaming as he began the first lines of his track “Outer Space.” The stage was drenched in red and blue lights, a patriotic backdrop hung across the stage, further accenting the backwoods references made thought the show. The fans hung on Yelawolf’s every word, his call and response style of performing engaged the audience and showed just how well the fans that gathered knew his music. From the energetic “Box Chevy V” to the more subdued “Best Friend” it was clear Yelawolf loves to perform, but his fans love him just as much. Bringing Country, Rock and Roll, Funk and Hip Hop together, Yelawolf kept things interesting and the crowd moving for the entirety of his set. Ending the night with his hit single “American You,” no one left the Fonda unsatisfied.