21 September 4–10, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Clipse 8 P.M. THURSDAY, SEPT. 4, THE BOMB FACTORY, 2713 CANTON ST. $95+ AT AXS.COM 2025 has been a banner year for hip-hop heads, between the triumphant Wu-Tang Clan farewell, Kendrick Lamar’s culture-commanding, one- two punch of dominating the Grammys and the Super Bowl halftime show (and ethering Drake in the bargain) and closer to home, the rapid as- cent of local talents like BigXThaPlug and Erica Banks, have made the last few months feel like a dream. To add the unexpected reunion of Clipse — Pusha T and Malice’s beloved duo act — to the pile feels like gilding the proverbial lily. The pair dropped its first album in 16 years this summer (Let God Sort Em Out) and then, even more un- believably, booked a tour in support of it. Expect the room to lose its mind to staples like “Mr. Me Too,” “Grindin’” and “I’m Good” — the latest high in a year filled with ‘em for rap fans. EarthGang will open. PRESTON JONES Nelly 7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, DOS EQUIS PAVILION, 3839 S. FITZHUGH. $43+ AT TICKETMASTER.COM As someone married to a St. Louis native, I may have a deeper, more abiding appreciation for the man born Cornell Haynes than most. (Fun fact: Nelly was actually born in Austin, before moving to St. Louis when he was seven.) They’re both from the Lou, and they’re proud — Nelly is a roving ambassador for his adopted Midwest- ern city and has been since he burst onto the scene 25 years ago with his indelible debut, Country Grammar. Reeling off a string of chart- topping hits, including the title track, “E.I.” and “Ride wit Me,” Grammar has aged exceptionally well, and in 2016, was certified diamond for moving more than 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. It’s been three years since his last LP (2021’s Heartland), but let’s be honest: Most of those filing into Fair Park hunger to hear the be- loved hits, which Nelly will only too happily de- liver. Ja Rule, Chingy and the St. Lunatics will kick off the evening with opening sets. PJ Black Tie Dynasty 8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, TULIPS, 112 ST. LOUIS AVE., FORT WORTH. $20+ AT EVENTIM.US Fort Worth foursome Black Tie Dynasty marked its second decade of existence last year, yet reaching that milestone was anything but as- sured. The core trio — Cory Watson, Blake Mc- Whorter and Brian McCorquodale — endured the loss of bandmate and brother Eddie Thomas in December 2020, but persevered to create its third studio album, the aptly titled Steady, which dropped last May. “I think one thing we’ve realized through this whole process is how im- portant it is to be true to yourself and have fun,” Watson told the Observer last year. For this hometown gig, the band has welcomed a new, permanent member: Jeff Ryan, who’ll take a seat behind the drum kit. BTD is also gifting fans with a free vinyl copy of Steady as a thank you. With The Plum Boys. PJ MJ Lenderman 8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPT. 6, TANNAHILL’S TAVERN AND MUSIC HALL, 122 E. EXCHANGE, SUITE 200, FORT WORTH. $51+ AT TICKETMASTER.COM Gen Z slacker rock star MJ Lenderman has moved swiftly over the last few years, shifting from a member of buzzy alt-rock band Wednes- day to forging his own, acclaimed path as a singer-songwriter on the strength of two al- bums: 2022’s Boat Songs and last year’s Man- ning Fireworks. For all the acclaim, however, the North Carolina native is adhering to a refresh- ingly straightforward approach to building his career and keeping his head about him. “Writers can kind of put together a story or a narrative as to what’s going on in my life and what my music is,” Lenderman told Interview magazine in 2024. “And when you get that reflected back at you over time, and with fame and stuff, the harder it is to compartmentalize that from your actual life and who you actually are.” With Nap Eyes. PJ The Hives 8 P.M. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 10, HOUSE OF BLUES, 2200 N. LAMAR. $25+ AT TICKETMASTER.COM In a just and loving world, Swedish garage rock- ers The Hives would be filling stadiums and dominating radio on the strength of their fre- netic, fuzzed-out bangers. “Hate to Say I Told You So” turns 25 this year, and still slaps harder than 98% of what’s in heavy rotation these days — that energy derives, in part, from the one- man supernova that is frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist. The quintet, armed with seven studio albums to date, including the recently released The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, reliably de- livers the kind of full-tilt, recklessly entertaining rock show you don’t find terribly often these days. Show up, scream your head off and lose yourself in the blissful roar of professionals. Snooper will provide support. PJ Cian Moore You aren’t dreaming, rap fans. Clipse is back with a new album and a tour that will bring them to Deep Ellum. | LET’S DO THIS | t Music
