Mick Jenkins performed at Holy Mountain to a packed room at an event presented by Red Bull Sound Select and Scoremore Shows.

Though SXSW is not here yet, the event felt much like a test run for the festival.

There was an RSVP list, an interactive camera area and of course the enormous Red Bull logos. This is not to undermine the venue or the tour’s promotion. Of course, someone has to help fund the tour, but there is definitely a difference between the aesthetic of a regular show and a SXSW show.

The doors finally opened at about 9 p.m., which was a relief because it was pretty cold out, and the venue began to fill up. The whole RVSP thing would make you think that if you came late you won’t get in. Who knows? I got there when the doors opened just to be safe.

Trying to come up as a rapper must be really difficult.

“This is my first headlining tour,” Jenkins said on stage.

Jenkins’ 2014 official release, “The Waters,” has gained him recognition in his hometown of Chicago and nationwide.

On top of that, Jenkins put on a great concert playing many of the songs from his new project and a few old ones from the “Trees and Truth” mixtape. Jenkins even performed a song that he is featured on with Supa BWE, entitled “Treat Me Caucasian.” The song has a powerful message referring to the case of Trayvon Martin.

“All in my hood with my hoodie on, Skittles in teeth, I’m like fourteen, treat me Caucasian,” Jenkins raps.

Jenkins’ performance did feel a little short, which added to the SXSW vibe of the show. There were four acts before Jenkins, which got progressively worse throughout the night. That may have been a result of my diminishing patience, but the opening act, WhyJae, put on the best performance aside from Jenkins.

Maybe I’m just being bitter, but the tradition of having to wait all night to finally get to see the act you paid to see is getting old. I know the bar has to make their money, so they get everyone in there early, play some songs that everyone has heard and then eventually bring on the first act.

By the time the headliner comes on, the audience is exhausted. They’ve already been standing for 3 hours. That being said, it was exciting when Jenkins finally did perform. He came out on stage and shouted the catchphrase of the project, “Drink more,” and the crowd responded, “Water!”