When you think of rage rap, you think of Ken Carson. Among his peers and competitors, Carson offers the clearest vision of what rage is: insistent, bludgeoning, and brutal. Where the positivity-pilled tour opener prettifun seems to mutate the subgenre’s first-wave sonics into something bright and new, Carson’s music is more interested in plumbing the lightless depths, exploring just how subterranean a bassline can feel and how overpowering an 808 can become.
Carson’s desire for disorder was on full display at Barclays Center in Brooklyn last week. Preceded by prettifun and FADER cover star xaviersobased—who received something of a hometown hero’s welcome—Ken was coolly professional when he stalked onto the stage. Later in the evening, OsamaSon made a surprise appearance to perform “vamp city,” his feature on Carson’s most recent release cartunez; the performance was greeted by raucous cheers as the stage pyrotechnics flared.
The energy throughout the night was palpable, reflecting the growing influence of the rage rap movement within the current musical landscape. Below, check out the exclusive photos of Ken Carson and xaviersobased performing on the xperiment tour at Barclays Center.
