Ric Wilson Brings the Funk to His First L.A. Show: 9/20/23
Ric Wilson, giving a toast. Photo by Atikis Curiel
Ric Wilson, also known as “Disco Ric.” is among one of my favorite hip-hop artists in the genre today. Mixing genres such as Hip-hop, soul, funk, house music, and disco, you’re in for a ride when listening to his music. Recently, he came out with a new album titled “Clusterfunk.” And as the title says, it is precisely what you expect it to sound like. It is a great album and one I would highly recommend. So, when I found out he was having his first L.A. heading show, I bought tickets the minute they went on sale.
My introduction to Ric was through a collaborative EP with another one of my favorite artists, Yellow Days, titled “Disco Ric in London Town.” The EP is fantastic. The production quality, the melodies, and the fusion of hip-hop, soul, and funk make all the tracks. My favorite track off that EP is between “Love Bloom” and “PEOPLE TALKING PEOPLE WATCHING.” And then, seeing him open for Yellow Days back in 2021, it was that day where I became a true fan. He performed with so much energy. Interacting with the crowd, making them rowdy and bursting with life, he knew how to woo a crowd. From his two-step to break dancing on stage, it was a performance to behold. So, after almost two years, it was finally time to see him retake the stage at The Echo.
While driving to the venue, I experienced a beautiful sunset slowly falling behind the L.A. skyline. Traffic was minimal, so the drive to the venue was relatively quick. Once we arrived, a good friend and I were the first in line. A definite first for me. When we were let into the venue, we sat down and waited for the opening act. While waiting, I saw Ric pass by but did not stop him in time. Then he came back a second time around, and I was able to take a couple of pictures with him. Off the bat, he came off as a genuinely lovely person, and I was even more excited to see him perform.
Ric Wilson. Photo by Atikis Curiel
The opening act was an artist named YaSi. She came on about 8:20 p.m. She had an incredibly unique voice and also a unique blend of music. She incorporated Middle Eastern instruments into her music, and the sound was fantastic, the soft beat and then some Middle Eastern guitar, a beautiful melody. It was an entertaining set.
Around 9 p.m., YaSi finished her set, thanked the crowd, and told us to make some noise for Ric. Ric’s guitar man, Maxwell, came onto the stage, went to tune his guitar, and stood behind the desk that had a “Ric Wilson” banner. The banner had a man standing with a disco ball as a head, a fitting illustration for Ric. Soon after, Maxwell, another member of Ric’s crew, Charlie, came on stage with a trumpet, and the moment he stood in front of the crowd, he started playing his trumpet and Maxwell began to play a funky rhythm soon after. They ramped things up, the man of the hour bolted on stage, and the crowd went wild. Ric’s presence was ecstatic and felt throughout the room. He started by saying hello, and while there was the beat, guitar rift, and trumpet playing, he asked everyone to raise a fist and say “No racist, no homophobic, no transphobic, “NO BULLSHIT,” and the last line, “NO BULLSHIT” was repeated. It was an excellent way to interact with the crowd and establish what you are about.
Ric Wilson performing. Photo by Atikis Curiel
He started performing, and his grip on the crowd was something to behold. Not one face had anything but a smile, and most people were dancing and enjoying the show he was putting on. One of the many highlights of the show for me was getting to hear some of my favorites from him, such as “Chicago Bae,” and some of his new music, “Pay It No Mind” and “Everyone Moves to LA.” Throughout the show, the interactions with the crowd were enjoyable; he would give a background to certain songs and hype the crowd up. Sometimes, before starting the next song, he would say, “All right!” or “Hell yeah! And the public would repeat that back to him. His interactions reminded me of how the great and late Freddie Mercury would interact with the crowd at his shows.
As the show went on, Ric brought YaSi on stage to perform “Everyone Moves to LA,” it was an excellent and fun performance. Both were having an exciting time on stage and smiling all around. As the show ended, Ric asked the crowd if they knew what a soul train was before he performed his last song. He explained what it was and is: you create two groups and leave a wide gap between them, and once the music plays, you start dancing down a line of the gap. The crowd complied, and Ric began the last song, “Move Like This.” The entire crowd danced down the hole until it became one big group. At the song's end, when it was just an instrument, Ric showed everyone why they call him “Disco Ric” by break dancing on stage.
Ric and his trumpet man Charlie Trumpet. Photo by Atikis Curiel
The show ended once the song finished; Ric said his thanks and walked off stage. The show was nothing short of amazing. Ric had a grip on the crowd and the attention of everyone and delivered an entertaining show and performance. If, by chance, you have the time, have a listen to his music, and I am sure you will find something you’ll love. And the next time he comes to LA, come and dance at the disco.
Recommended Tracks
Love Bloom, Life’s Been Good To Me, Move Like This, Clusterfunk, Don’t Kill The Wave
Overall rating of the show: 9.8/10