Megan Thee Stallion performs for the first night of her sold-out Houston showcase

“I’m in a fucking arena!” shouted Megan Thee Stallion as her single Big Ole Freak played behind her. Just under five years ago, she performed the same song to a packed house at Warehouse Live, a venue that seats about 1,300 people in the ballroom. On Friday night, she returned to Houston, this time performing in her first show or two to sold-out shows at the 19,000-seat Toyota Center. The MC, wearing a form-fitting white jumpsuit designed to mimic a snake’s scales, bounced across the stage while gesturing to the people in the pit below her.

“I see a lot of familiar faces!” I’m so happy to be home. Houston, I love you.

The Hot Girl Summer Tour is the first headlining tour for local MC Megan Thee Stallion who will perform on 35 stops across North America and Europe with opening for GloRilla. Upon announcement, additional shows were added in Chicago, Atlanta and here in Houston due to high demand. The sales announcement came amid media speculation that the MC would not be able to sell out every arena and did not have the catalog for a tour of this magnitude. To this, the MC had a response via Twitter which she reiterated on stage Friday evening.

“It’s a special evening. It’s the first night of the 100% sold out hottie tour in Houston, Texas. You all know what we went through. I love you all. I appreciate you all. I respect you all. And I’m grateful to you all.

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The MC returned to Houston for The Hot Girl summer tour

Photo by Darrin Clifton

Megan Thee Stallion’s career trajectory is difficult to understand, with the rapper first releasing music via Soundcloud in 2016 to now selling out arenas across the country. Since then, she has achieved incredible heights creating music with Beyoncé, landing major brand deals for brands like Revlon, racking up numerous awards and nominations including three Grammys, and appearing in film and television. television. These highs are accompanied by some lows, ranging from the artist’s typical experience to extreme depths. While fighting against one’s original label is a common task for an up-and-coming artist, losing one’s mother/mentor/manager, being the victim of a high-profile shooting, and becoming a lightning rod for speculation and internet gossip is more than most people can manage. But she knows how to handle the problem, as evidenced by the announcement of her new self-titled album and her successful tour. Her show offers the same familiarity as Warehouse Live from years ago, but on a bigger scale, with Megan really making fans feel her presence. Whether dancing alongside her fans, stopping the show to sign autographs, or simply joking with the audience, Megan exudes an infectious charm that keeps her audience coming back for more.

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GloRilla brings the crowd to their feet.

Photo by Darrin Clifton

Megan is undeniably Houston and, after running through “Southside Royalty” from her 2022 album Tramazine she brought out Lil Keke, Slim Thug and Bun B. They weren’t the only guests in attendance when GloRilla returned to the stage to perform her latest single “Wanna Be” to the screaming crowd. The two put on energetic shows that really complemented each other, and the roar of the crowd echoed throughout the building when they appeared on stage together. GloRilla’s opening offers the same appeal as Meg’s, with the MC winning over the crowd with his personality alone. The MC ended his set with a dance during which members of his stage entourage laughed as they danced across the stage.

“Megan, I just want you to know that you’re one of the realest ever,” GloRilla smiled as she walked away from the stage after their duet.

Megan has been through a lot since entering the entertainment world. The tour is a demonstration not only of what Megan has become over a brief period of time, but also a glimpse of what more she is capable of as an artist. The Hot Girl Tour returns for its second night on Saturday.

Setlist
Hissing
Ungrateful
It’s shit
Evil Monster
Megan’s piano
Gift and curse
hot girl
Kitty Kat
Cobra
Plan B
Queen of Cognac
Big monster
Girls in the hood
BOA
Sex chat
Eat it
More real
What’s new
Captain Hook
I want to be with Glorilla
South Side Royalty
South Side – Lil Keke
Always Tippin’ – Slim Thug
International Player Anthem (I Choose You) – Bun B
WAP
Do not stop
Stalli Freestyle
Shit money
Body
Wild Remix