Jamaica's first dancehall superstar, Yellowman ushered in a new era in reggae music following Bob Marley's death. His early-'80s success brought the popularity of toasting -- the reggae equivalent of rapping -- to a whole new level, and helped establish dancehall as the wave of the future. For better or for worse, he also epitomized dancehall's penchant for "slack" lyrics -- that is, casual violence, sexism, homophobia, and general rudeness. Graphic sexuality was his particular forte, reaching levels of explicitness previously unheard in Jamaica. It brought him numerous detractors, but it was also a big reason for his early popularity. There was more to it than that, though; Yellowman was one of the most verbally nimble toasters of his time, with a loose, easy flow, a talent for improvisation, and a definite wit in his wordplay. Plus, all the boasting about his prowess on the mic or in the bedroom had to be over the top to be convincing: true to his stage name, Yellowman is an albino, which carries a tremendous social stigma in Jamaica. His rise to stardom was unlikely enough, but his transformation from untouchable outcast into sex symbol was staggering -- and may not even have taken place without his trademark lewdness. Shocking though it could be, it affirmed him as a sexual being just like his listeners, and was delivered with enough humor to let the audience know that he didn't take himself too seriously. Bouts with cancer pushed him into more thoughtful, socially conscious territory in the 1990s, but his initial style remains the most influential, paving the way for countless dancehall toasters to follow. He remained quiet through most of the 2000s before mounting a comeback with 2019's No More War.Age Requirement
All shows at The Venice West are 21+ only, unless otherwise stated. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Guests who cannot provide proof of age will not be admitted and no refunds will be issued.
Parking
Please note that residential/street parking is the only parking available near the venue. We strongly encourage rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.) for a safe and convenient experience.
Accessibility (ADA)
We strive to make The Venice West welcoming and accessible to all guests. If you or someone in your party requires ADA seating or other special accommodations, please reach out to us in advance at [email protected] so we can best prepare for your needs.
Ticket Policy
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.
In the event of a cancellation without a rescheduled date, a full refund will be automatically issued to the original form of payment.
By purchasing a ticket, you agree to this policy. Please double-check the event title, time, and location before completing your purchase.
For questions, contact us at [email protected].
We look forward to hosting you at The Venice West—thank you for supporting live entertainment and our artists!
Event venue
1717 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA, United States, California 90291
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.