[Review] Kehlani’s Crash World Tour

Kehlani, Flo, and Anycia crashed into New Orleans on Wednesday night at the Fillmore.

Anycia

Atlanta rapper, Anycia, kicked off the night with a 15-minute set while rocking a New Orleans Pelicans cropped jersey top. Similar to her conversational rap style, her stage presence was nonchalant. The 27-year-old walked back and forth on the stage as she performed tracks like “Boss Moves” and “Heartbreak Anthem.” Although her stage presence was simple, she successfully connected with the crowd especially when she performed her hit, “Back Outside” featuring fellow Atlanta rapper, Latto.

Flo

British girl group, Flo, was next to take the stage. The group consists of three members, Jorja Douglas, Renée Downer, and Stella Quaresma. It was instantly clear why the London-based trio has been named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 Artists of the Future. As they performed “Cardboard Box,” “Check,” and their collaboration with Missy Elliott, “Fly Girl,” I instantly got old-school R&B vibes. Their powerful vocals, coordinated choreography, and three-part harmonies will have you reminiscent of Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, and TLC. The 2023 MTV Video Music Award nominees are just getting started. I’m excited to see where their musical journey takes them!

Kehlani

It’s been almost a decade since I first saw Kehlani live in concert. In July 2015, their You Should Be Here Tour stopped at the House of Blues in New Orleans. Since then the singer-songwriter has been nominated for a Grammy, signed to Atlantic Records, and collaborated with artists like Justin Bieber, Post Malone & Cardi B. It’s no surprise fans lined up for blocks on Wednesday night to get inside the Fillmore to see Kehlani’s latest tour.

The 29-year-old walked on the stage rocking a Crash Money Records button-down – a nod to Cash Money Records, a prominent New Orleans record label that has released signed and released music from Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, and more.

Accompanied on stage by a three-piece band and six dancers, Kehlani captivated the crowd for an hour and a half with infectious vocals and smooth choreography. Although the tour is focused on their newest album, Crash, the setlist is 50% songs from Crash and 50% filled with other songs from Kehlani’s discography. From their 2015 collab with Chance the Rapper, “The Way” to their music that got fans through the pandemic like “Water” to a couple of songs from their While We Wait 2 Mixtape. The only album lacking from the setlist was SweetSexySavage – surprisingly the only track from that album that made the setlist is “Distraction.”

Kehlani made sure to take time out to express gratitude to the crowd. They thanked everyone for supporting them and shared how much they loved the city of New Orleans before bringing out some special guests. UK artist, Kwn, joined Kehlani on stage to perform “Clothes Off” together. “I can’t be in New Orleans and not bring out my friends,” the Oakland native stated surprising the crowd with Subtweet Shawn and Rob49. They both performed a few of their hit songs.

The show ended with an electric performance of “After Hours!” But the night didn’t end there. Kehlani hosted an after-party at Hide/Seek NOLA with sounds by Legatron Prime & ANTWIGADEE!

Kehlani’s Crash World Tour is on the road until November. You’ll regret missing this one!