Thundercat’s Grammy award winning Album takes the stage

9/4/22

Fans were lined up two blocks down West Broad Street for the Sunday evening show on Thundercat’s It Is What It Is tour. The LP, released in 2020, went on to win a well deserved Grammy. The bass guitarist and singer-songwriter has been well known for his collaborations and funky rhythms. Before his solo work, he played bass for Snoop Dogg and Suicidal Tendencies that wowed concert-goers with his intricate solos. 

The long-awaited sold-out show was everything a fan could want and more. Instead of just a concert, it felt more like an intimate evening. By the end of the night I felt like I was a close friend just catching up after not having seen each other in years. As if to keep our conversation going he went “let’s see, let’s see, let’s talk some more,” as I eagerly awaited to hear his next update. He talked about his 4 years of sobriety and how it has changed his life for the better and his love and collaboration with Louis Cole. 

During songs we all watched in awe as his fingers moved as effortlessly and quickly along the fretboard. The songs ooze soul, funk and a groovy atmosphere where everyone of all ages moved along. The album is about love and loss. Thundercat, also known as Stephen Lee Bruner, said that one of his favorite things he used to say with his friend and fellow musician, Mac Miller, was “sit down and let it happen.” Thundercat collaborated on the hit What’s the Use? with Mac Miller before his tragic passing in 2018. The record of the album includes an insert dedicated to him. “Some things you can’t do anything about. And sometimes that’s death.” Thundercat said to the audience. Before performing the lick of, What’s the Use? ,he told everyone to put up a peace sign in honor of the late musician. 

Not only is Thundercat a renowned musician, but he has also begun his acting career. He announced “I was in Star Wars. One of the greatest moments of my entire life,” as the crowd screamed. His debut in “Star Wars: The Book of Boba Fett” has led him to other amazing opportunities like working alongside Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichirō Watanabe with Flying Lotus on the soundtrack for Yasuke, a new Netflix anime. 

Thundercat’s endearing persona and unimaginable talent crafted a memorable and unforgettable performance that had the full venue begging for more. I know that we will be getting much more of Thundercat in the coming years with rhythmic and smooth albums, incredible collaborations and now on the big screen.