Review: Despite the pandemic University Union still managed to put on Block Party
Review: The show must go on: Block Party 2021
University Union hosted the annual Syracuse Block Party concert on Friday, May 14, 2021, where Lil TJay, Aminé, SOFI TUKKER, Dominic Fike, and Flo Milli — the only catch was that it was a virtual event.
The concert opened with Flo Milli who released her first track, “Beef FloMix” on SoundCloud in late 2018 and went viral by 2019 on TikTok. She is known worldwide for her aggressive and bubbly bars that were prominent in the performance on Friday.
Milli kicked off the concert singing on a gold-colored set, with countless lights shining behind the performer. She started the concert off strong by encouraging female empowerment. Milli was a strong performer and her confidence was infectious.
SOFI TUKKER went on after Mill. They performed a DJ set and killed it. Milli was a tough act to follow, but SOFI TUKKER definitely brought the heat.
The DJ duo, Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern, are notable for their inclusive and global perspective on electronic music and are known for addressing the topics of liberation, unity, and self-empowerment. SOFI TUKKER has achieved Gold and Platinum status across the globe and the pandemic did not stand in their way from recording music. They started live streaming from their home outside Miami and released new music.
SOFI TUKKER performed soft and smooth lyrics which contrasted the upbeat tempo. It was brilliant the way that they brought the lyrics and the music together.
When the duo sang together, Tukker took the baseline and Sofi took the melody for most of the song but did harmonize with Tukker in an amazing way.
Dominic Fike came after the dynamic duo. His set really juxtaposed SOFI TUKKER as he encouraged the audience to mosh to some of his songs. Fike also called his set the “Dominic Fike Show” as he and his band performed with high energy.
Fike has been prominent in the alternative music scene since his release of his 2018 EP Don’t Forget About Me, Demos from Columbia Records. His success has continued to grow as he reached No. 1 on the Billboard‘s Alternative Songs chart with his single, “3 Nights” and still continues to have a successful career.
Aminé, also known as Adam Aminé Daniel, took the stage after Fike and the energy continued to be infectious. Daniel entered the music scene with a quintuple-platinum single, “Caroline.”
His background included a huge big screen that at times showed Daniel, which made it easier to visually see how the artist felt about the song. It was an impactful way for the audience to get a feel for the music.
The closer for the concert was Lil TJay who sang mostly about struggle and trying to get out of a difficult situation.
He is best known for his released biographical album about a kid surviving adult sin and consequences on the streets of New York City.
Lil TJay brought the energy and night to a close on Friday. His background color kept changing throughout the set which added to the experience of watching virtually.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.
