Hip hop acts make for energetic show at Bishop

The Pro Letarians, Oreo Jones, DJ Wally Wonder and headliner DJ XV, who was the final, and most polished act, entertained a large crowd at the Bishop Wednesday.

XV’s visit to Bloomington was part of his Midwest State of Mind Tour, which ends Feb. 4.

Zack Eastman, an associate with Knuckle Rumbler independent booking agency, set up the stop in Bloomington. 

“This is probably the third or fourth show we’ve done with XV, and they have all been awesome,” Eastman said.

XV took the stage a little after 11:30 p.m. and immediately began an adrenaline-filled show. The set contained 17 songs, one of which was a cover of his favorite artist, the
Notorious B.I.G.

From the outset, XV pumped energy straight to the crowd, opening with “The Kick,” “Vizzy x3” and crowd favorite “That’s Just Me”. Clips of Tupac and Snoop Dogg were mixed into the set as well.

Known for being a big video gamer, XV threw in multiple references to “Skyrim” and “Modern Warfare 3” throughout the show, particularly before “Foreign Exchange Student”.

Sez Batters, a friend of XV’s who has been with him for the whole tour, made an appearance on stage for “Squarian Anthem.” The show appeared to be ending after “Isn’t it Awesome” and “Awesome,” until Batters came back onstage and called XV out for one more track: “UFC.”

Each of the 17 songs pumped more energy to the crowd, making for one powerful and memorable concert.

XV said the tour has been going even better than anticipated.

“This is my third headlining tour, but my first with no support,” XV said. “And I was a little bit nervous about it at first, but the turnout has been amazing. It’s dope to be touring the Midwest.”

Currently, XV is working on his new album “The Kid With The Green Backpack,” and he gave a little insight to what the album might be like. 

“Visualize the rap version of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall,’” XV said. “That’s what I want.”