Akeem Ali Brings More Than Music to The Texture Tour in Minnesota
Written by: Precious Drew
Some artists make music that takes you back. Others make you feel like you're experiencing something new. Akeem Ali somehow does both.
His Texture Tour stop at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, blended hip-hop, R&B and funk with throwback grooves that made it hard to stand still. From the music to the choreography, the night celebrated sounds and styles that never go out of style.
The night opened with two 20-minute sets from Reason and bdifferent. Los Angeles native Reason brought a West Coast vibe and showcased his lyrical ability with “Too Much.” Atlanta native bdifferent followed with a laid-back Southern sound, performing fan favorite “Chosen.”
By the time Akeem took the stage, the trickle of fans entering during the opening sets had turned into a line outside. Amsterdam Bar & Hall was packed, with barely enough room to move.
The crowd came ready. Fans sang along to “Love Me” in sync, with cheers erupting as the song ended. Later, Akeem asked everyone to raise their drinks as he transitioned into “Indian Giver,” bringing a smooth, player-style vibe to the room.
After a brief intermission, he returned in a red-and-white outfit that fit his Keemy Casanova alter ego, channeling the 1970s-inspired mack persona that helped introduce him to a wider audience.
One of the night's most memorable moments came when Akeem noticed a fan near the front who needed medical attention. He immediately stopped the show, asked everyone to put their phones down and encouraged the crowd to look out for one another. He waited until the fan was back on her feet before continuing.
It was a moment that made me an even bigger fan. He put the person before the performance, and that said a lot about him. Care first, fun after.
Back to the music, Akeem moved easily between rapping, singing and dancing alongside his backup dancers. The choreography was crisp, and at one point they even broke into the Electric Slide. With a little more room in the packed venue, I have no doubt the audience would have joined in.
One thing I enjoy about Akeem is that his sound doesn't fit neatly into one box. There's hip-hop, R&B, funk and dance music, all with an old-school feel and modern delivery. I caught hints of André 3000, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak and Wale, but he brings those influences together in a way that feels like his own.
“Sit Down on It” put a playful, explicit spin on Kool & the Gang’s “Get Down on It,” using quick-witted wordplay and adult humor over the 80’s hit record. Later, H-Town’s “Knockin’ Da Boots” brought a grown-and-sexy moment as his dancers took the stage. “Pretty Brown Eyes” gave Akeem another chance to show off his vocals, while “Suede” stood out for its seductive choreography.
Akeem put on the kind of show that reminds you there's more to performing than just rapping your songs. Sometimes I feel like artists forget the “show” part of a live performance, but Akeem clearly understands it. Between multiple outfit changes, choreographed dancing and constant interaction with the audience, he gave fans plenty to take in beyond the music.
He closed with “Mesh,” the song that made me a fan earlier this year after a viral video of him and Muni Long doing the signature dance caught my attention. Bringing a fan onstage to perform the dance with him made the moment even better and was a fitting way to close the night.
Akeem Ali’s Texture Tour delivered a little bit of everything. He can rap, sing, dance and entertain, all while bringing together different sounds, styles and eras. For anyone who enjoys hip-hop with a little funk, R&B and nostalgia mixed in, he's an artist worth seeing live.
The Texture Tour Continues
Akeem Ali is taking the Texture Tour across the country through December. Check out the remaining dates below and visit AkeemAli.com for more information and tickets.
Photos by: Precious Drew
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