[Review] Future & Friends’ One Big Party Tour

The 39-year-old Atlanta rapper’s One Big Party Tour made its way to New Orleans on Thursday, March 9. After the success of the first leg of shows, eleven additional dates were added to the tour. Thousands of fans gathered at the Smoothie King Center to see Future and his friends!

The Friends

The night included performances by various acts including Lil Jairmy, Dess Dior, Mariah the Scientist, and G Herbo. They maneuvered around the X-shaped stage as fans slowly but surely made their way into the arena. Each artist performed a 10-to-20-minute-long set of their biggest hits.

By the time Don Toliver took the stage, the crowd was filled with fans from different races and nationalities and all ages. The last time I saw Toliver was last April when he surprised the crowd at Justice Bieber’s Justice Tour stop in Houston, TX. Thursday night, the Houston native was accompanied by a two-piece band and a DJ. He played music from his new album, “Love Sick” along with some of his viral hits including “Lemonade,” “After Party,” and “No Idea.” His high-pitched voice and unique sound had the crowd on their feet. The trap-rap and R&B artist danced and vibed out with fans during his hour-long set.

Future Hendrix

It’s been almost six years since the last time Future performed in New Orleans. Prior to One Big Party Tour, the last time the Grammy award-winning rapper was here was in May 2017 for his Nobody Safe Tour with A$AP Ferg, Migos, and Zoey Dollaz. As the stage lights dimmed and the curtain dropped, fans with floor seats stood on chairs to get a view as Future made his entrance rocking a highlighter yellow tracksuit.

He opened his set with songs from his latest album, “I Never Liked You”. Behind him was a giant inflatable silver woman, similar to Chris Brown’s from the INDIGOAT Tour. The rest of Future’s almost two-hour-long set took you down memory lane. It was a reminder of how legendary his decade-long career has been and continues to be. This tour was for the real Future fans. He played tracks from his nine-album catalog – from “Me or Sum” to “Wicked” to Loveeeeee Song” to “Way 2 Sexy” to “Same Damn Time.” It was also a reminder of how many of Future’s songs have gone viral on apps like TikTok and Musical.ly over the last few years.

A few special guests made an appearance. During Future’s set, Louisville rapper EST Gee performed a few of his biggest hits for the crowd. The surprises didn’t end there. New Orleans’ very own Juvenile and Birdman also made an appearance and performed a couple of songs. Plus, the special guests weren’t just on the stage. New Orleans running back, Alvin Kamara, was in the crowd last night.

Future returned to the stage sporting a blue and white tracksuit. Everyone in the crowd was on their feet as he performed some of his biggest chart toppers, “Fuck Up Some Commas,” “Mask Off,” “LOVE YOU BETTER,” and “Wait For U.” Like all great parties, the show had to come to an end. Getting to see “March Madness” performed live in March was the best way to wrap up the night. I can confirm: Future and his friends brought one big party to the Big Easy on Thursday night!

If you missed the One Big Party Tour or just want to re-live it, check out my Instagram Highlight of the festival and view the photo gallery below.