The time for just looking and not acting is long gone. At a time where our country is reevaluating itself and processing before the upcoming midterm elections, music streamer Tidal unveiled their fourth annual Tidal X show at the Barclays last night, with a heavy emphasis on social justice. Lil Wayne and Lauryn Hill headlined the benefit concert with hip-hop’s poster child for social justice, Meek Mill also appearing on the marquee. Tidal is working in conjunction with different organizations to fight social injustice, such as Cut 50, which is dedicated to cutting crime in in all 50 states, and the Equal Justice Initiative, who fight mass incarceration of minorities. 
 
Teyana Taylor started the night, backed by a squadron of dancers who all wore red, as did she. With a navy blue Yankee fitted hat, the multitalented performer served “Gonna Love Me,” a highlight from her K.T.S.E. (short for Keep That Same Energy).
 
Following with short but soulful sets were Patrick Droney, on guitar, and Cautious Clay. Newcomer Arin Ray sped up the tempo with and lightened the mood with his sing-songy raps on “We Ain’t Homies.”
 
“Y’all ready for a fu--in’ show tonight?” Ray asked the crowd who responded with a hearty “yeah.”
 
Ray, as many remember, was eliminated from the “X Factor” when he was just 15 years in 2011. Since then, the singer has written songs for Chris Brown and most recently toured with H.E.R. 
 
Ray made way for S.I.R., T.D.E. Record’s latest superstar-in-the-making. The crooner started with a stirring serving of “Something New,” then went into “War.”
 
“I'm not backing down,” he sang. “I made it too far to say that the war is over now. Somehow I was neglecting the fact. That your heart is what you're protecting. And that makes it special. Which is why I'm here. Standing on this ledge, trying to make it clear.”
 
Sir’s affection went from a woman to Mary Jane on “D’Evils.” The Inglewood, CA native told the New York crowd that he smokes on that Cali OG and harmonized as the sampled chorus on his song rang throughout Barclays, “One spliff a day, keeps the evil away.”
For more coverage on Tidal X, stay tuned to LiveXLive.

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