Over a mysterious beat pounding through the speakers, a raspy voice proudly proclaims, “I swear, they love the way I’m tellin’ it.”

Joshua Dillon, known by stage name Dillon Fuego, hopes Iowa City will love the way he tells it at 7 p.m. Saturday at Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington St.

SOUNDCLOUD: Dillon Fuego

A two-year veteran of the local rap scene, Fuego will bring his blend of biting lyrics and charisma, along with Sly Swift, Peer Pressure, OG Kobi, and Sick Savage. Together, the acts make up the Night of Glow, presented by Forever Relevant Tour.

Though he’s no stranger to Gabe’s, or the stage in general, this will be Fuego’s first headlining show.

“You’re going to get a lot of high energy from him,” said Fuego’s promoter Brandon Miller. “He touches on a lot of different subjects in these songs, instead of, you know, just revving up the same thing each time. He actually has some substance to his music.”

Miller said he discovered Fuego at a studio in Iowa City called Elite Sound and Design and was immediately impressed by him.

Refusing to be categorized, Fuego said he has no set style or signature, which can be limiting for an artist. Citing no particular musical influences, he said he’s free to explore whatever comes to mind.

“From a musical standpoint, I just want to be as versatile as possible,” he said. “If you hear one of my songs, it’s not going to be like the next one you hear. I just want to be able to do it from all angles.”

The up-and-comer’s claims are supported by those around him.

“It’s a wide variety of sound; that’s why I like him,” Miller said. “A lot of people in Iowa, they just pretty much rap and have their friends come out and support them, but you don’t even have to know him to like his music, which I think says a lot about it.”

There’s been a huge outpouring of support from friends and family, Fuego said, and he couldn’t ask for anything else.

“He talks about real stuff, and he’s good at making people relate,” said Austin White, Fuego’s friend and fellow rapper. “The listener’s going to understand what he’s saying, you know what I mean? He’s good at getting in people’s heads with what he’s saying. He’s witty, you know? I like that.”

Fuego will release a mixtape called Clear Eyes, Hot Head in the future, though there is no set date. Until then, he hopes to keep performing in the area.
MUSIC
What: Dillon Fuego
When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Gabe’s, 330 E. Washington
Admission: $5-$7