Youth Soul Love returns to Houston for ‘The Homecoming’
CORRECTION: 11/7/17 – Ashley Toman’s name was incorrectly spelled as “Ashely” and has been corrected.
Friendswood native Stetson Rhodes, who goes by the stage name Youth Soul Love (YSL), brought hip-hop music to the Bayou Theater stage Oct. 28 as a homecoming performance.
The Clear Brook High School graduate recently moved back to his hometown after living in New York for a few years to work on his craft. YSL’s mother always told him to never forget where he came from, which influenced the theme of his UHCL performance, “The Homecoming.”
Alex Malone, managing director of the Bayou Theater, believes YSL’s concert will support “a bastion of the arts” for the campus community. He hopes to bring in new audiences by adding diverse and relatable performers to the roster.
“Rap is a version of poetry,” Malone said.
YSL turned a notebook full of lyrics into music and is living his dream right here in Houston, but credits it to hard work and studying.
“Always study what you are about to get into,” YSL said. “And follow your heart, always be confident in what you do. Never hold back, and always give back.”
While concert goers waited for the performance to begin, they could stop by the photo booth station for a snapshot. Also, a merchandise table was set up with hoodies and shirts for purchase.
As the lights dimmed, UHCL student Ashley Toman, communication major, opened the show performing two soulful numbers. She was followed by Port Arthur rapper Dylan Cohl, who goes by Young Cowboy Jones. The opening acts warmed up the audience for the main event.
It was a small, intimate performance with about 20 attendees. There was no lack of energy as the audience engaged with the performers by standing up to dance and clap along.
As curtains opened for YSL to hit the stage, a video projection displayed scenes of space and artful graphics. Already on stage was a band and a DJ playing tunes that had a mixture of hip-hop and rock ’n’ roll sounds.
YSL’s musical style has been influenced by a variety of genres.
“Me and my sister, we always grew up on different music,” YSL said. “I always see myself as a rockstar, so I always want to keep that into hip-hop.”
YSL came out on stage to a cheering audience. He was dressed in an orange astronaut jumpsuit as a nod to NASA.
Throughout the performance, YSL had the audience engaged and at one point asked them to wave their cell phones in the air. The wave of light coming from the phones illuminated the theater.
At the closing of the show, he thanked UHCL for all the support he has received on his homecoming.
There are a lot of new ventures in the future for his brand. Fans can expect to see new music projects, shows, music videos and updates on merchandise. To check out YSL upcoming projects or to purchase merchandise, visit www.youthsoullove.com.
