Audio By Carbonatix
North Texas is spoiled for choices when it comes to local talent making it on late-night TV. St. Vincent, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato and Leon Bridges have all become regulars in recent years. So it’s almost hard to believe that viral singer and Justin Bieber tour mate Post Malone hadn’t made it onto late-night himself — until last night, that is.
Less than a month after the release of his debut mixtape, August 26, and a hometown performance at JMBLYA on the very same day, the Grapevine rapper-turned-singer followed in the footsteps of M83 member Kaela Sinclair in making his network TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Wednesday night. Malone closed out the show with a performance of new his single, “Go Flex.”
The song had the same familiar synths and trap snares that characterized the 20-year-old’s viral hit “White Iverson,” but it’s a departure in that it showcases Malone’s singing and guitar playing. Last night on Kimmel, he took things a step further and performed with a three-piece backing band in front of a backdrop reminiscent of the music video. Guitar playing aside, Malone’s live vocals should quiet any critics who deride his affinity for autotune on songs like “White Iverson” and “Too Young.”
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“Go Flex” isn’t featured on August 26, but may be featured on his debut album that will reportedly be released the same date as the mixtape’s title. Malone has done a lot of work to avoid the one-hit wonder label that was tossed around last year, and his performance on Kimmel looks like year another hurdle cleared.
