In 1971, artist Chris Burden shocked the world by subjecting himself to a gunshot in front of a live audience. The performance, aptly named Shoot, explored Burden’s endurance and the audience’s complicity in witnessing such an extreme act. Decades later, Lil Ugly Mane, a rapper known for his shadowy and introspective style, made a statement at the Oblivion Access festival by donning a Chris Burden Shoot T-shirt, leaving observers to interpret the underlying message.
Lil Ugly Mane’s appearance at Oblivion Access was unexpected. His recent activities on Instagram, which have since been deleted, raised concerns. Ugly Mane, recognized for his lo-fi murk-rap addressing themes of drugs, depression, and mortality, openly expressed his reluctance and personal turmoil surrounding his American tour. His Instagram stories contained deeply troubling content that I hesitate to recount. Consequently, his tour was abruptly canceled. Yet, there he was in Austin, performing.
Lil Ugly Mane has always maintained an air of mystery. In the early 2010s, Travis Miller, a Richmond punk artist immersed in the realm of harsh noise, ventured into the Lil Ugly Mane persona as an exploration of the aesthetics of Southern underground rap, particularly drawing inspiration from ’90s sounds originating from Memphis and Houston. He found a connection with Raider Klan, a clandestine collective of Florida artists experimenting with similar styles. Although Ugly Mane remained an outsider in the rap scene, his impact was undeniable. His production skills and visceral lyricism paid homage to older styles while infusing them with a distinct and abstract quality. Before his live shows, many were unaware that Ugly Mane was a white artist.
Over the past decade since the release of his underground classic album “Mista Thug Isolation” in 2012, Lil Ugly Mane’s dark and enigmatic style has gained considerable recognition. Artists such as $UICIDEBOY$ and Ghostemane, emerging from similar underground circles, have now ascended to arena tours. However, Lil Ugly Mane chose a different path. Travis Miller delved deeper into experimental sounds and vulnerable lyricism. His 2015 album “Oblivion Access” serves as a poignant chronicle of a man unraveling. Miller has occasionally distanced himself entirely from the Lil Ugly Mane persona, exploring black metal or free jazz under different aliases, while at other times, he has retreated from the public eye, releasing no new music. Notably, he performed at last year’s Oblivion Access accompanied by a towering animatronic dog as his backing band.
Lil Ugly Mane’s artistic trajectory remains elusive and unpredictable. His presence continues to intrigue and challenge audiences, reflecting a journey that defies conventional expectations. As he navigates the boundaries of rap and ventures into uncharted sonic territories, Lil Ugly Mane remains a captivating enigma, captivating fans with his enigmatic persona and constantly evolving artistry.
Lil Ugly Mane’s performance at Oblivion Access in 2022 instantly became the stuff of internet legend. The night commenced with an unexpected twist as an orange animal mascot, a budget version reminiscent of a Chuck E. Cheese house-band character, announced that Lil Ugly Mane would not be able to perform. Instead, the classically trained Thermos Grenadine took the stage in his place. However, Ugly Mane eventually appeared, engaging in a humorous back-and-forth with Thermos. Although he did perform songs, the music itself seemed secondary to the overall experience. Lil Ugly Mane had embarked on a journey of his own, defying expectations and embracing his unique artistic vision. This unconventional approach was evident in his 2021 album, “Volcanic Bird Enemy And The Voiced Concern,” which offered an unexpected and impressive fusion of ’90s breakbeat-slacker indie rock akin to Folk Implosion. He was determined to defy convention and venture into uncharted territories.
When Lil Ugly Mane announced his return to Oblivion Access, uncertainty loomed over what he had planned. At one point, it seemed as though he might not appear at all. Following weeks filled with unsettling news surrounding Lil Ugly Mane’s chaotic state, it came as a genuine shock when Oblivion Access organizers confirmed that his set would proceed as scheduled, acknowledging the importance of seeking help when needed. Until I witnessed Lil Ugly Mane stepping onto the stage, I doubted his presence.
Lil Ugly Mane performed during the daytime lineup, alongside another enigmatic rapper, the remarkably prolific Rochester street-rap sensation RXK Nephew. The live show by Nephew, who had gained significant recognition on YouTube, remained an open question. However, his energetic and unpredictable music translated exceptionally well in a club environment, captivating a devoted group of fans who enthusiastically jumped along to every beat. The performance, while frenetic and slightly unpolished, with Nephew rapping over recorded vocals and often obscured in shadows at the back of the stage, remained engaging and enjoyable. It was a true rap show.
When Lil Ugly Mane finally took the stage, the essence of rap dominated the atmosphere. I have been informed that Ugly Mane had brought his animatronic animals to Austin, but they never made it onto the stage. Instead, it was just Ugly Mane and a DJ, delivering an electrifying rap set that predominantly featured tracks from his acclaimed album “Mista Thug Isolation,” without delving into his more recent experimental endeavors. The performance was outstanding. Lil Ugly Mane exceeded all expectations, captivating the audience. Personally, I did not anticipate such a remarkable display.
Lil Ugly Mane possesses a remarkable talent for rap. Onstage, he exuded confidence and commanded the audience’s attention. His deep, in-the-pocket drawl resonated powerfully, sounding even more impressive without the delay and tape-hiss effects often present in his recorded music. The tracks from “Mista Thug Isolation” assumed the status of anthems, with the crowd chanting along in unison. Moreover, Lil Ugly Mane presented himself well. While I half-expected him to be wrapped in bandages, his appearance was unblemished, save for an Allen Iverson-style Nike shooting sleeve, hinting at any recent physical ordeals he might have endured.
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