My Life: DC’s Fat Trel Rocks NYC at The Fader Fort (CMJ Part 1)

October 26, 2011 by JD in My Life

If you don’t already know, CMJ is a similar type of concert series as something like SXSW in Austin or A3C down in Atlanta – up and coming artists (and some established ones as well) taking over all the music venues in the city for an ongoing concert series.

From last Wed through Saturday I had 17 events (literally typed out an impossible itinerary for myself) I wanted to be at in just 4 nights, but I knew for sure that I had to roll by the elusive Fader Fort on Saturday afternoon for sure. Why? Not only does The Fader have a solid reputation for throwing great events in NYC, but they have a knack for exposing great new artists to the masses.

One artist that has had my attention out of D.C. is Fat Trel. When I saw he was on the schedule for Saturday I had to check him out. Did Trel live up to expectations? Click below for my personal pictures from his set as well as my thoughts:

Actually started off the day heading over to the NYC Clemson bar to see my team come out victorious over UNC. ESPN was there filming (camera phone pic) for a segment they are going to run during Game Day this coming Saturday. Hopefully we can keep the streak going. After the win, I headed downtown to 18th and 9th ave to check out the scene…

I was met with a venue that looked like a giant garage/warehouse space – perfect for a music event. As with any Fader event, the crowd was an eclectic mix of people.

Of course the event was nicely sponsored by Bushmills and Budweiser. Free drinks all day? Check.

They had a number of interactive features in the venue, including this ‘instaprint’ photo booth. Fiat cars, a coffee bar, open bar, free snacks, etc. The essentials to any nice event. I’ll get to other pictures and features in Part 2, but on to Fat Trel’s performance…

Having first listened to Trel when he collaborated with Wale back in March of 2010, I’ve watched his career steadily rise as he rocks everywhere from DC to Atlanta. However, as far as I know, he hasn’t really performed in one of the toughest cities to be accepted – NYC. With that said, I was interested in not only how performed live, but the crowd reaction as well.

Mr. Trel came out to a warm welcome from the fans. You could tell he was right on threshold of NYC folk knowing him and knowing OF him. With his upcoming mixtape, Nightmare on E Street, dropping on 11/11, I’m sure his exposure level will be at an all time high.

With energy for days and the confidence of a seasoned veteran, Trel performed a short set which included music from his April Foolz mixtape.

He’s got money, he’s got power, he’s got “Respect with the Tech” !

I can firmly say that while not everyone in the crowd necessarily knew his music, he controlled the people with his booming voice. Hands in the air, people. He rocked “Deep Thoughts.”

Overall, Fat Trel’s set was more of an appetizer rather than a full course meal of an NYC performance. Sort of like an album sampler that has left the people wanting the full album – or in Trel’s case, his performance - even more. I foresee good things to come for D.C.’s Trillest (c) Modi of DCtoBC up and coming MC.