It was the first-ever rap concert to be held at Houston’s newest concert venue, 713 Music Hall. (That title was supposed to go to Megan Thee Stallion, but she postponed her show that was originally scheduled for December 3.)
The sold-out show started with a genre-spanning set by DJ Big Reeks of The Waxaholics that left the crowd pumped, and ready for the show. The opening act was singer David Michael Wyatt, who sings in a gorgeous falsetto style reminiscent of Marvin Gaye. So beautiful!
One of the coolest moments of the night was when Tobe invited his mother to join him on stage. She was dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, dancing along to her son’s raps. Tobe then handed her the microphone and asked her to share some advice with the crowd. “Houston! Merry Christmas! Your faith will take you wherever you want to be. Dreams do come true! Your dreams are in your hands,” she shared.
Tobe had so many other guests come on stage too. There was comedian Mo Amer, who stepped up to the microphone for an appreciation and congratulations. He also mentioned that he and Tobe are currently filming a series for Netflix here in Houston. One of Tobe’s friends, during the show, proposed to his girl on stage.
Houston rap pioneers also made an appearance. Slim Thug did “Still Tippin,'” Lil Keke did “Southside,” and Bun B did “International Player’s Anthem”. Trae Tha Truth, Killa Kyleon, Young Deji, Royce da 5’9, and CyHi The Prince also stepped foot on stage.
People from Hollywood were also in attendance. Actor Anthony Ramos was in the audience, famous for his roles in Hamilton and In The Heights. Apparently Tobe will make an appearance in the new Transformers movie alongside Ramos.
“We did it, and with no middle man and no label,” Tobe told the crowd at one point during the show.
Musically, the show was everything a Tobe fan could have hoped for. My favorite track is “Juice,” with Paul Wall. It just hits so hard. The song “Try Jesus,” will always be amazing. And this week was the first time Tobe performed that song here in Houston.
The show ended with Tobe’s rendition of “Crank That,” by Soulja Boy and “Swag Surfin’,” by FLY.
The Monumintal Tour began in Atlanta, and continued to Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, before returning for a homecoming show here in Houston at the brand new 713 Music Hall.
The Houston show ran past midnight, which probably wasn’t part of the plan. “This might be the last time we perform here, but whatever!,” Tobe said with a shrug.
For the sake of all his fans and Houston, here’s to many more shows at that venue.
Check out the slideshow above to see images from The Monimintal Tour at 713 Music Hall.
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