Kevin Gates returns to Jackson for his I’m Him tour

Wakil Atig

Sports Editor

Atlantic Records recording artist and Bread Winners Association co-owner Kevin Gates decided to bless the city of Jackson with a performance that will be remembered for the ages.

 

While on tour promoting his latest album, “I’m Him”, Kevin Gates was in rare form as he electrified the crowd at Thalia Mara Hall.

 

The doors opened at 6:30 p.m. as a crowd of people formed outside in the rain. For most people, this was their first time seeing Gates in concert and you could see the excitement on their faces. Opening acts, YK Osiris and OG Boobie Black did a great job getting the crowd ready for Gates as fans were in high anticipation.

 

YK Osiris’ hit single, “Worth It” was a crowd shaker as he opened and closed his set with it. The high pitched vocals of the 21 year old prodigy can cut bricks with a knife as he took members of the audience through an emotional rollercoaster. His energy and stage generalship set the tone for the show. Also with OG Boobie Black providing nothing less than street excellence with his performance, the crowd knew they were in for something beyond special.

 

At 9 p.m. after a brief intermission between the opening acts, it was time for Kevin Gates to hit the stage. Dj Ron warmed the crowd up briefly with some of Gates biggest underground hits and then the lights went out. Dj Ron instructs everyone raise their cell phones and turn on their lights while an introduction video plays on the screen on stage. When Kevin Gates ran out on stage, smoke and fireworks shot out on stage, while he ripped through “Push It” as the roof nearly exploded off the building.

 

After the song, Gates pauses to tell the crowd, “Last time I was in Jackson, it was not this many people here. So this time since yall packed out in here, I’m going to do something special for y’all. Listen I love doing this music thing it’s cool and all, but I am not perfect. Throughout my journey I have learned that it’s not about where you start, but it’s about where you finish so don’t let nobody hold your past against you.” This provoked an emotional cheer response from the crowd as he dived into his next song, “Imagine That”.

 

Gates not only performed his music, but he talked to the crowd and gave sound advice on life, success and relationships. His brute honesty with the crowd made the show feel like a therapy session as the emotions of some crowd members were uncontrollable. He managed to lead into most songs with a brief story about his life and how he has overcome challenges along his journey.

 

After performing “Face Down” and “Fatal Attraction”, Gates informs the male members of the crowd of the stealth cunningness of some women and how to not let it get the best of them. This got the crowd to chuckle a bit while he led into more songs from his album including “Facts” and “Let it Go”. Gates wittiness in between songs kept the crowd engaged and amused although most of his music reflects a dark reality from his past.

 

To close the show, Gates performed his two biggest singles to date, “ 2 Phones” and “IDGT”. These records were like a war cry for the crowd as they cheered joyfully with sheer emotion.

 

With the floor shaking, cell phone lights beaming and fireworks exploding on the stage, the show had come to an end. Before he left the crowd, Gates said a prayer and thanked everyone for having him. “Hey Jacskon it was my pleasure. I love all yall to death. Without yall, I don’t know where I would be in life. Thank you,” said Gates as he exited the stage.

 

Dasia Dyson, a sophomore healthcare administration major from New Orleans, La., definitely got the best out of the “I’m Him” tour experience.

 

“The concert was amazing! Gates is the type of artist where you have to understand him in order to feel his music. All his songs tell a story and are very therapeutic. This was not my first time seeing him in concert, but it was definitely his best. The “I’m Him” tour was definitely a great experience. History was made tonight in Jackson, Miss.,” said Dyson.

 

Alexis Hewitt, a sophomore social work major from Jackson, Miss., was not let down during her first ever concert experience.

 

“It was a great experience for me. This was my first time going to a concert and it was honestly amazing. He interacted with the crowd, talked about his life and gave brief introductions for most of his songs. Overall he made us feel like we knew him on a personal level and I loved every moment of it,” said Hewitt.