The ravishing R&B songstress Kehlani kicked off their Crash World Tour at the Minnesota-famous Armory arena in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Doling out a dozen live debuts from their 13-track new LP, Crash, the only song off the record that wasn't played was "Better Not."
Maybe that one will see the light of day later in the tour. They better not leave that banger behind.
The 29 year-old Juilliard graduate and mother of a five-year-old daughter, identifies as non-binary and appreciates being referred to as they because "something feels really affirming when people say they", because "it feels like you really see me."
The heavily-tattooed Kehlani was born in Oakland and is of mixed race: Black, Native American, Filipino, Mexican and white.
Kehlani's music reflects those cross cultures in a sensual and unique way that can make you dance, grind, or groove depending on the tune.
Crash is the singer and dancer's 4th studio album. In the past they've worked with Eminem, Cardi B, Charlie Puth, and Chance The Rapper. On this new release there are guest appearances by Jill Scott, Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko, and Nigerian singer Omah Lay.
Scott and Miko add a sultry dimension to "Sucia" on the album, but it was more than apparent that Kehlani is all the audience needed and wanted and yearned for there at the Armory.
Don't be surprised if the song becomes a breakout hit if it is released as the fourth single.
The Armory, by the way, is no stranger to sexiness and romance. In 1982, Minneapolis native, Prince, recorded the video for "1999" at the arena.
A decade later, Aerosmith shot the video for "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" at the venue that was home of the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1940s and '50s before they moved to Los Angeles.
It's safe to say Prince would have approved of the show.
Broken up into five acts (War, Nostalgia, XXX, Stripped, and Super Salad), the Grammy-nominated performer spoiled fans with 31 tracks from their albums and mix tapes.
Some in the crowd just could not handle the excitement and history the night contained and chose violence during the live debut of "Chapel," which is never the way.
They were soon escorted out and the party commenced.
Kehlani is a performer probably best enjoyed among mature audiences. There was a moment of bumping and grinding and thrusting with a dancer that was steamy hot and for adults only. And so on brand.
Audiences adore her as could be heard on these clips... and in downloads and sales.
Crash is the first of their albums to not crack the Top 20, peaking at a still respectable #25 on the charts. Their first two LPS made it into the top 3, and 2022's Blue Water Road made it to #13.
Kehlani is packing basketball arenas around North America through the beginning of November. British girl group FLO and rapper Anycia open the show. So make sure to get there early.
Tickets available on Kehlani's website.
Tue Sep 10 – Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 11 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
Fri Sep 13 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Sat Sep 14 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavillion
Tue Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Wed Sep 18 – Fairfax, VA – EagleBank Arena
Fri Sep 20 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Sat Sep 21 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
Mon Sep 23 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
Tue Sep 24 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
Wed Sep 25 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
Fri Sep 27 – Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park
Sat Sep 28 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Center
Tue Oct 01 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater
Wed Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 08 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Fri Oct 11 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Sat Oct 12 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Tue Oct 15 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Wed Oct 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex
Fri Oct 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sat Oct 19 – Portland, OR – Theater of the Clouds
Mon Oct 21 – Vancouver, BC – Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Wed Oct 23 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live
Fri Oct 25 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Sat Oct 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena
Tue Oct 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed Oct 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
Sat Nov 02 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
