Well-known Tennessee “hick-hop” artist Big Smo performed to an enthusiastic and packed Main Street Music on Wednesday, Nov. 26. During his time onstage, I was able to see how Smo really “kicked it in Tennessee.”
To start the night off, Big Smo’s co producer, Orig the DJ, delivered an opening set to get the crowd hyped up for the man of the night. Orig’s set kept true to the hick-hop genre by mixing his set’s content with popular country, classic rock and hip-hop songs. He started the set off with a song by Florida Georgia Line, then quickly transitioned into a electronically enhanced version of the Steve Miller Band’s “The Joker.” As the set moved along, songs like “Teach Me How to Dougie” by the Cali Swag District and “My Chick Bad” by Ludacris were heard. To conclude the set, Orig played one of his personal remixes of “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey.
All in all, this was one of the most interesting DJ sets that I have listened to live, based on the range of music that was being used within this particular mix. By using such unorthodox combinations, Orig the DJ is able to make unique mixes that are a defining factor for the genre of hick-hop.
Next in the lineup of openers for the night was, surprisingly, Big Smo’s band, minus the “Boss of the Stix” himself. Lead singer Haden Carpenter took the reins for the second opening act, accompanied by Smo’s other band members: Travis Tidwell on guitar, Eric Flores on bass, Ryan Peel on drums and Orig the DJ on tambourine.
Carpenter used the time to play a few songs of his own with the support of the rest of the band. He describes himself with the word “Arkansoul,” which translates into what he gains inspiration from: his Arkansas roots and Southern soul. From this inspiration, songs like “Hustlers & Thieves” paint the picture of “the difference between hustlers and thieves,” stated Carpenter while explaining the background of the song onstage. In order to bring a personal tie to the performance, Carpenter sung a song about a corrupt judge in his hometown in Arkansas. By including this particular song in his set, the atmosphere of the venue seemed to change to a mildly communal, hometown feeling.
One thing that I realized at this point of the concert was that Big Smo believed in his band, even without him. Instead of being the center of attention at all times, Smo allowed both his DJ and his accompanying band to perform separate sets before him, instead of booking alternate openers. This particular aspect of the show not only allowed Orig and the Smo band to get stage time, but revealed that Big Smo did not want to direct all the attention to himself, spreading the exposure to his talented “kinfoke.”
Photo by Zach Dilgard
After a 10-minute intermission to allow the Smo band members to catch their breath, it was time for the main event, “Hick Ross” himself.
To start the set, Big Smo performed some of his various hits, such as “35s on It” and “Country Boy Swag.” During this part of the performance, he brought out Haden Carpenter to accompany him and get the crowd stoked. With the excitement building, Smo performed his hit “Kickin’ It in Tennessee,” which made the crowd go wild. During this song, I took a moment to look around Main Street Music and saw the crowd enlivened with energy and singing along. The atmosphere was riveting.
The concert took a lighter turn when it became known that a girl in the crowd was celebrating a birthday. Upon hearing this, Smo took time out of the show to sing the girl “Happy Birthday,” country-style, to make it a memorable night. This truly showed that his “kinfoke” are closest in Tennessee.
Big Smo eventually reached a deal with Warner Bros. Records to produce his first major-label project, entitled Kuntry Livin’. Some of the songs on this album include “Anything Goes” and “Hick Ross,” which proved to be a favorite with the Main Street crowd.
Big Smo also has a television show on A&E, starring himself, his family and longtime friends. The show follows Smo on every angle of his life, from touring to spending quality time with his family. The show develops a family-friendly atmosphere with its teachings of daily values and keeping your head straight while rising to stardom. While not on tour, Smo resides at his estate in Unionville, Tenn., called the “Kuntry Ranch.”
