Live Review: Danny Brown at Irving Plaza

Adderall may be having a shortage, but the “Adderall Admiral” was in full supply. On March 16 Irving Plaza played host to a legendary evening as Detroit rap luminary Danny Brown brought his electrifying Quaranta tour to New York City. The momentous occasion doubled as Brown’s 43rd birthday celebration and marked a pivotal moment in his sobriety journey, approaching a full year without alcohol.

The energy was electric from the get-go as Brown burst onto the stage, launching into “Quaranta,” the title track of his latest critically acclaimed studio album. Dressed in his signature eclectic style, his presence radiated a newfound confidence and clarity. His voice cut through the roaring crowd, showcasing his ever-impressive vocal dexterity and lyrical sharpness.

“Tantor” and “Ain’t My Concern” followed, with their infectious energy igniting the audience. Brown, fueled by adrenaline and an evident love for live performance, kept the intensity high with the brooding “Dark Sword Angel” and the anthemic “Monopoly.” The audience mirrored his passion, reciting every word with a fervor that filled the venue.

The party reached a fever pitch with the timeless bangers “Smokin & Drinkin” and “Dip.” As Brown playfully reminisced about wilder days, an unmistakable sense of growth permeated the room. His dedication to bettering himself was apparent, adding a new depth to his performance.

In a tribute to his work with JPEGMAFIA, he dove headfirst into ferocious covers of “Steppa Pig” and “Garbage Pale Kids.” The electrifying set continued with blistering renditions of “Burfict!,” “Orange Juice Jones,” “God Loves You,” and the chaotic, pulsating title track “SCARING THE HOES.” Though JPEGMAFIA himself wasn’t there to deliver his verses, Brown’s masterful delivery captured the spirit of their collaboration, showcasing his versatility and igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm even further.

Brown returned to his solo material with the reflective ballad “Really Doe.” Revitalized, he launched into a crowd-pleasing run of favorites including “When It Rain,” “Ain’t It Funny,” “Dirty Laundry,” and “25 Bucks” with his signature manic energy lighting up the room. The relentless “Y.B.P,” featuring Bruiser Wolf, brought an extra jolt of adrenaline.

The infectious hit “Jenn’s Terrific Vacation” marked the set’s climax. Then, amidst the crowd’s enthusiastic chants, a heartfelt happy birthday song almost erupted before Brown shut it down. Brown, visibly moved by the outpouring of love, wrapped up the main set with a poignant performance of the introspective “Grown Up.”

However, the night couldn’t end there. Thunderous demands for an encore brought Brown back to the stage to deliver a blistering rendition of “Side B (Dope Song)” – the perfect, high-octane exclamation point to a triumphant show.

Setlist

1.  Quaranta
2.  Tantor
3.  Ain’t My Concern
4. Dark Sword Angel
5. Monopoly
6. Smokin & Drinkin
7. Dip
8. Steppa Pig (JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
9. Garbage Pale Kids (JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
10. Burfict! (JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
11. Orange Juice Jones (JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
12. God Loves You(JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
13. SCARING THE HOES (JPEGMAFIA & Danny Brown cover)
14. Really Doe
15. When It Rain
16. Ain’t It Funny
17. Dirty Laundry
18. 25 Bucks
19. Y.B.P. (with Bruiser Wolf)
20. Jenn’s Terrific Vacation
21. Grown Up

Encore:

1. Side B (Dope Song)