Spree Wilson was one of a few performers at the ‘Leaders of the New Cool’ show at Drom last week. deadlymelody.com writer and beatmaker dRes was there to review and get some photos. Complete recap and more photos inside…

Review: Spree Wilson @ Club Drom//07.22.09

It’s been said that “Spree Wilson is a writer’s dream”, but Tuesday night I was wide awake for his first show in NYC and so was the crowd at DROM in Alphabet City.  To be honest, I was sleepin’ on the Nashville born, ATL transplant until I decided to check out Spree’s song “Where do we go” on okayplayer months ago and could not get the song out of my head for weeks.  After that I had to track down the rest of his music and found out that not only is Spree a dope MC with a unique voice and flow, but dude produces, writes SONGS and fully plays the guitar.  Yes, I emphasized songs because it’s rare that an MC focuses on song structure and fleshed out concepts.  This talent has not gone unnoticed as he is set to work with everyone from producer NO ID and Cee Lo to dead prez and members of TV on the Radio.
 
Spree’s versatility was on full display Tuesday night as he blazed through a short set that showcased his diverse style and showmanship.  The upbeat “D reamwor ld” opened the set.  Spree energetically danced around the stage while he rhymed, and then shocked the crowd by jumping off the stage after his verses and writhing on the floor during an elongated guitar solo.  This energy drew the crowd in as Spree continued with “Bring Me Down” and then a dope instrumental cover of Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”.  Next, was Spree’s newest joint “Pick you Apart”, a melancholy song with a propulsive beat that he instructed the crowd to dance to.  Though surely most of the crowd was unfamiliar with the song, they could not help but oblige Spree’s request.  The set closed with the No ID produced “Word” and a raucous round of applause. 

Although the DROM crowd surely appreciated Spree’s energy and stage presence, his lyrics warrant closer analysis as his rhymes are replete with wit, introspection and a touch of whimsy which may not have been fully appreciated by the crowd.  Nevertheless, Spree surely awakened the DROM crowd to his brand of hip hop; one that is sure to wake up many more crowds in the future.