BabyTron and BLP Kosher, two emerging talents in the world of hip hop, are set to perform in Spokane next Friday as part of their tour, “The Adventures of Tron & Kosher.”
Both artists have cultivated modest, yet dedicated fanbases, and have started to gain viral attention in the last year.
James Edward Johnson, better known as BabyTron, is a 24-year-old rapper from Detroit. He discovered his passion for rap at age 17 with his high school classmates, forming the group “Shitty Boyz” with two friends. The trio continues to release music sporadically, but BabyTron quickly gained individual attention. He is known for his unique approach to rap, including unconventional, often comedic lyricism that borders on outlandish at times.
“If you ain’t looking for the checkmate,
You ain’t thinking right.
Every move you take be an L,
You must be the knight.”
BabyTron wears his inspirations on his sleeve, often making a dizzying number of pop culture references that range from Harry Potter to obscure basketball references.
“Straight to the racks, I’m a warrior like Kevon Looney”
This unique lyrical style led to immediate notoriety in the Detroit rap scene. While his following was initially limited to the underground, he has recently garnered mainstream popularity, most notably after fellow Detroit rapper Eminem featured him on his most recent album.
Benjamin Landy Pavlon, known as BLP Kosher, hails from Broward County, Florida — a hotbed of Florida’s hip-hop scene, which has produced artists like Kodak Black and XXXTentacion. Friends introduced BLP to rapping, and he committed to pursuing it full-time during the pandemic.
BLP’s hair perfectly represents his rap style. He dons a distinctive hairstyle that pays homage to two influential aspects of his life: his Florida upbringing and his Jewish faith. BLP once wore payot curls, a traditional Jewish hairstyle, which he later styled into wicks — a South Florida hairstyle with thick, cylindrical dreadlocks. This fusion of identity is also present in BLP’s music, in which he stays true to his faith and his Florida roots.
“They kicked me outta every job, but now I’m worth a Nautilus Patek
I’m playin’ mancala, fact, checkers, stickin’ out they chest
They let the dreidel in the industry, but I ain’t skippin’ steps”
Despite different backgrounds, both artists share common ground in their music. Their off-the-wall lyricism and unapologetic authenticity make them an unexpected yet synergistic duo.
The two released their single “MazelTron” in March of last year and are now kicking off their first tour together.
BabyTron and BLP Kosher will perform at the Knitting Factory on Friday at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
