The Teeta Optimizes His ACL Appearance With High-Energy Show

Hyping the magnitude of the Teeta’s ACL Fest debut, DJ Joaqu.n repeatedly informed vocal attendees at the BMI Stage they were witnessing a “motherfuckin’ legend" of the Texas capital. The East Austin native lived up to that lofty billing by enchanting the crowd with intense stage presence.

Few names carry more weight within the local rap scene than the Teeta's. On record, he, at times, sounds unhurried in a style he claims represents purposeful burial of hidden messages. The decade-plus veteran came out happily dancing to Drake's chart-topping "Way 2 Sexy" two minutes into his allotted set time. The 78724 representative started off wearing a fresh all-black fit more apt for a strip club than a hot afternoon in a park, yet showed no signs of lethargy or fatigue. Proper opener “Activated,” a vibrant March 2021 single off his album 24, instantly established an energetic tone as the longtime grinder chose to rap a capella during beat cuts rather than letting backtracks carry him.

“The way I perform, I like the show to be about everybody,” said the co-founder of local hip-hop collective Next Gang before a moderate-sized, but receptive opening crowd. His signature ad-lib (“aw, yeah!”) easily turned into a hit during call-and-responses among the pool of attendees that doubled by show’s end. Bass-heavy instrumentals boosted everything surrounding the BMI Stage as the Teeta nailed rhymes and slick, pertinent dance moves to those lyrics. “They need to hear us at the Lady Bird Stage ‘til we’re over there,” he added, referring the festival’s biggest platform.

The self-professed “Texas rattlesnake” changed into a Stone Cold Steve Austin sleeveless vest five songs in. Meanwhile, his “aw, yeah!” refrain increasingly grew in volume. “Kung Fu” brought everything: wild fighting stances, a jumping kick, and a smooth moonwalk during the lyric “Diamonds dancin’ on me, on some Thriller shit”. After numerous acknowledgements to the noisy brigade on tap – some of whom started an unsolicited mosh pit and danced wildly – the local talent ended his rapid-fire, near 20-song set with an up-and-close rendition of “Teeta 3:16” from 2017 project Killstreak.

Several Austin hip-hop acts received placement on this year’s ACL Fest bill and performances like the Teeta’s impressive mid-afternoon showcase prove that they deserve more than default day opening time slots. Nothing else at Zilker Park seemed to matter during the blistering 45 minutes DJ Joaqu.n and the Teeta took over.