Young Dro: The Best Thang Smokin' On North Watkins

By: Brink Young

April 10th, 2023

MEMPHIS,TN - APRIL 8TH: Young Dro Performance At "Pull Up On Me Saturday's" (Excitement Lounge) Presented By: Big Keith Promotions April 8th, 2023. In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

MEMPHIS,TN - APRIL 8TH: Young Dro In VIP At "Pull Up On Me Saturday's" (Excitement Lounge) Presented By: Big Keith Promotions April 8th, 2023. In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

"The Prince Of Polo" Young Dro gave a double dose of Atlanta flavor to North Memphis' Excitement Lounge. If you aren't familiar with the area, The Excitement Lounge (3188 N. Watkins) is the venue that hosts weekly events like "Bossed Up Tuesday's" & "Pull Up On Me Saturday's". via Big Keith Promotions Keith Houston Jr. (Big Keith Promotions) has been in the party/event industry since high school curating his own events at age 18. He began at the learning tree of a few notable Memphis promoters like Shunn Gunn, Rico Owens, & Sean Rumby. Currently, Big Keith Promotions features 3 weekly events "Bossed Up Tuesday's", "Give It To Em Thursday's", & "Pull Up On Me Saturday's". During our recent BrinkTV Interview with Big Keith Promotions, he expressed strategizing on how he could spice up the April 8th edition of the Saturday night event. Keeping in mind April 8th was "Easter Weekend", Keith decided to add a splash of color to the event. (Who better than Young Dro to add color?) lol

MEMPHIS,TN - APRIL 8TH: Young Dro & Lionheart In VIP At "Pull Up On Me Saturday's" (Excitement Lounge) Presented By: Big Keith Promotions April 8th, 2023. In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

The Atmosphere

When I think of the word "lounge", I immediately picture a small facility with an open floor big enough to accommodate an 8 person cupid shuffle. That statement can not be said about the Excitement Lounge. It features a large dance floor, an intimate stage, an elevated dj booth (separate from the stage), & a second level VIP section in the middle of the floor overlooking the festivities. The Excitement Lounge also has a full service bar & the Big Keith Promotions Bottle Girls put served as an exclamation point to the party.

The Music

An inspiring footnote from the BrinkTV Interview with Big Keith Promotions was giving indie talent a chance to open up for the headliner. The opening act was recent BrinkTV guest Indigo. What immediately stuck out from this performance was Young Dro watching & vibing out to Indigo's live show. Out of the many concerts I have covered, and attended, this was among the first I have seen where the headliner is present and watching the opening act. He appeared impressed at the Ohio native's display. Young Dro didn't wait long after Indigo's performance to grace the stage. This particular audience was relatively younger than Dro's diehard fanbase. "Shoulder lean" seemed to be a bit before the 25 & up crowd's time. However, "FDB" & "Top Back Remix" proved to be tipping points as the crowd began to join in reciting Dro's lyrics. The performance ended with "We Be In The City" which added more of a frenzy element. Young Dro's lyrical ability and relentless cadence during the second verse of "We Be In The City" made the crowd erupt. Young Dro humbly thanked the audience and exited the stage,

MEMPHIS,TN - APRIL 8TH: Brink Young & Young Dro In VIP At "Pull Up On Me Saturday's" (Excitement Lounge) Presented By: Big Keith Promotions April 8th, 2023. In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)