Yo Majesty + Does It Offend You, Yeah? (2008-05-13)

In a cavernous building in Logan Square aptly named the Mansion, Does It Offend You, Yeah? and Yo Majesty teamed up for a riveting show memorable on two counts: the massive noise of DIOYY, which shook our ear drums senseless, and the mysterious and unexplained absence of exactly one half of Yo Majesty.

DIOYY’s UK electro-rock could use more glam but is otherwise good for losing yr senses: of hearing, that is! I was relegated to the wings, as far away as possible from the amps, and even still am convinced I left 20 percent deafer. Well, kids, it’s like they say: ear plugs can make the pain go away. I should say that while I was making no bones about being in ear-bleeding misery, many other people (mostly young ones) were going bananas, so verdicts are: yeah, it offends me, and DIOYY can rile a crowd up no problem.

Shunda K of Yo Majesty came out cool and composed in banter mode, chatting up the crowd and not bothering to explain why her other half, Jwl. B, was gone missing. When someone asked her point-blank between raps where Jwl. was, she diplomatically said “Not here. But I am. Ain’t I enough?” Cue applause. That was that. And sure thing, she was enough — performing a tight set of duets solo with perfect rapidfire timing, including crowd faves “Leather Jacket” and “Pussy Kryptonite”. It was a short set, no more than 40 minutes, but she brought it, and she brought it strong. No news I could find about Jwl. B’s whereabouts that night — and so far, no hints of inner turmoil for the band. If something’s up, no one’s talking. –Megan Milks