MistaDC, a Seattle native r&b artist, performed a sold out show on Saturday, November 23 at The Crocodile Back Bar. This night was special, as we all packed into the audience to feel every moment of his joy at his first sold-out show. Since releasing HAPPYer NOW in September, MistaDC has been marking his presence in r&b with love and growth, making him one of the most dynamic voices of The Emerald City. 

Opening the night were sets from U Moore and Ladanyo. Arriving late to the show due to a timing mishap, I missed an opportunity to groove to DJ UMoore. But, the effect of his set must’ve paid off, because the energy was high as the audience became enticed by Ladanyo. Ladanyo’s swag and music was debonair in every way as he introduced me to a new style of soul. Mixing sounds of autotune and neo-soul, he showed to be a great transition into MistaDC. 

Taking the stage with grace and masculinity, MistaDC was fearless. He welcomed the crowd into his set, stating gratitude to his fans. Performing at the first of many sold out shows, he was joyful and expressed his fullness.

The set was loaded with various gems from his first album, Sorry We Lost You, and new release HAPPYer NOW. Interactive in his presence, he kept the crowd engulfed in every word of his hits. He initiated a call and response from the audience, maintaining the energy of the crowd and keeping us wanting more. On top of MistaDC’s vocals, the band balanced the sound of keyboard, drums, and electric bass. The collaboration amplified the sound of songs such as “Sick Boy / Sneak Dithen” and “Flaws.” At one point, he took a break from his own music and blessed us all in a cover. Singing one of Erykah Badu’s songs from Mama’s Gun, “Didn’t Cha Know,” MistaDC had the masses crooning along to this notorious single.  

This wasn’t his only crafty transition, though. Before playing “Sick Boy,” MistaDC brought the audience into his music by talking about flu season and his past week of illness. Stating he had been resting in bed all week, he showed us how resilient he was as he turned his sickness into a lively performance. Expressing intensity with every moment in his set he put us all into a state of sickness mentally, physically, and emotionally, but in the most uplifting way. The song hit with a smooth wave that turned into a groovy weight as we all sang along. 

Jumping into the crowd to release his joy and energy at the end of his set, MistaDC left us with positivity and motivation. He put out messages such as, “you’re ready. Don’t be scared to grow. They can’t stop you. You’re too powerful.” He repeated this statement multiple times, giving us a message to take into the reality we all are learning to be “happyer” in. As we left the Back Bar, we all were ready to manifest what it means to be HAPPYer Now.