September 2022 Lone Wolf

Vegas Baby

Basic sophomore releases album

by Payton Mattoon and Aspen Swecker staff reporters

On September 21, the quad shook during both lunches. As students went to lunch, they could hear that the thumping was music—live music. Sophomore Antonio Shields, also known as JR from Da City, gave a live performance of his new album, “Vegas Baby: First Take,” during both lunches in the quad.

JR performs in the quad on Sept. 21 to a crowd of students.

Photo by Ms. Hollis

At a young age, JR was introduced to the music industry by his dad who is an artist.

“When I was young I always used to see my dad and a bunch of my uncles around me doing music, and that made me want to start to make music,” JR said.

JR’s family, especially his dad, has played a big role in his music career and is one of his main inspirations.

“My dad plays a big part in everything that I do when it comes to music. He helps me get where I need to be,” JR said.

Music has always been present

in JR’s life and he is determined to make a name for himself.

“I’ve been rapping since I was three years old. But I got into the studio for the first time when I was eight, ever since then I’ve just been rapping and I’m 15 now,” he said.

Although artists of all mediums create art for personal reasons, it feels great when it is appreciated by an audience.

“It was dope. Everyone was showing me love and it just made me wanna keep going. Overall it was a really cool experience,” JR said.

JR’s friends and family were there to see his debut performance and were sure to show their support.

“It was a great performance, we had a great time. JR was very involved with the crowd and got to shout out his merch “#BANGIT”. Many people were involved in the show especially Mrs. Peveler, Dr. Lane, and Brian Peveler,” Sophomore Christopher Smith, JR’s hype man and one of his biggest supporters, said.

Senior Brian Peveler played an important part in JR’s performance as the sound technician. He recommends everyone to listen to JR’s album.

“While JR was performing the crowd went wild. There were many students who knew every lyric to his songs. Being his sound guy was a great experience and the show was a success,” Peveler said. JR released his album—“Vegas Baby: First Take”—on Sept. 2 and it is available on platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music.