B.O.B Listening Party for #UndergroundLuxury [RECAP + PHOTOS]

December 6^th, 2013

As I strolled into the venue extra early (before most people), I peeped the inside of the venue. Rose Bar is big enough to have a chill event like this. With enough space to fit a few people, but not too big so the situation becomes overwhelming. The bar is for events. Comfy seating and serene candles lit up the place to make it seem subdued. I must say that Rose Bar can feel relaxed when necessary.

Once the people started coming through, I began to notice familiar ATL musical players and mainstays. Gorilla Zoe rolled through in his black attire and iced out chain. TJ of TJ’s DJs made his rounds. And we would all expect Playboy Tre and Scotty ATL to show up on the scene. As time progressed, it was sizing up to be a noble night for ATL hip hop.

Even more interesting is how people presented themselves. Many of the patrons were smartphone/camera ready for the sake of social media patronizing. Between the plethora of Lebrons, Oreo Jordans, meggings (men leggings) and sagging pants with name brand belt buckles, you had people actually enjoying themselves. Then again, it would be pretty hard to not have at least a decent night when there was an open bar. Eventually, the marijuana smoke hit the air and it was going to be a musical night. This all made way for the grand entrance of B.O.B himself.

As soon as B.O.B stepped into the place, there was no time wasted on greeting the man of the hour. As I took pictures for people, spilling some of my cranberry-and-vodka down my sleeve in the process, I noticed that most people showed nothing but love. Even the scantly clad-body-paint women were in great spirits. After working the rounds in the bar, B.O.B began announcing his assortment of songs for his upcoming album (Underground Luxury).

From what was given, many will see that B.O.B is more concerned about “making good music”:

“All I Want” – this track seemed to have plenty of integrity to it. Yet, it is meant to be a “true to materialism” type of song. More than anything, you will get to hear his voice recorded.
“One Day” – with B.O.B behind the boards and DJ Toomp providing the drums, the man formally known as Bobby Ray reminisces on his days of being raised. Candler Road has helped make his personality. Now, he just needs to find that balance.
The Future assisted “Ready” smells like a club banger.
“Back Me Up” – pretty hard track. That is all I need to say about it.
“Wide Open” – This track is something for the ladies. And if anyone wonders anything, they should rest assured that the ladies love this particular song.
“Cranberry Mohawk” – as dreamy as the soundscapes became on this song, they lyrics by Bobby were still raw.

Regardless of the amazement of people seeing Wiz Khalifa in his Pyrex gear, it can be said that B.O.B wants to show the world his efficiency. Many times in the past, B.O.B had to worry about making a “balanced album” still close to his mixtape roots. After the first two major releases, there has been an industry concern of Bobby keeping it “Decatur” and not being so “pop friendly”. What B.O.B worked to do was have an album that is honest, street wise, and hard hitting all in one. For the most part, Underground Luxury will be just fine.

Photo Recap: