ACL Live Review: IamDDB

IamDDB’s set early Saturday afternoon felt like watching an old friend perform at a backyard barbecue. Born Diana De Brito, the UK rapper struck quite the pose at the Barton Springs stage. Her braids dipped blue with eyebrows to match, and backdropped by two DJs, she proved rooting for.

Perhaps such instant loyalty was prompted by her British charm or the way she gleefully strutted around the stage. Whatever the case, her star power was evident in the most approachable way.

The crowd was thin but eager, half singing along to hits including “XOX” and “Shade,” while the other half aimlessly shoulder bopped to the rhythm. The set was stripped down for a rap show, glittery and spacey production the only backing to cradle her rhymes. It worked, too.

Her delivery got stronger and stronger behind endless gratitude and impressive vocal runs. You were watching a performer, but she wasn’t boastful or above you. She was your friend, simultaneously humble and fearless.

“I’m so happy, you know,” she told the crowd before exiting 20 minutes early. “One last thing, wherever that loud is, come and find me.”

She darted off, but then used the last of her time to greet fans below the stage as her DJ played Drake and Migos, passing joints, talking, and snapping selfies with the few left standing.