A Houston Revival: Monaleo Closes the First Leg of the Who Did the Body Tour

Dec 18

Photos by: Loreal Curtis

Monaleo closed the first leg of the Who Did the Body Tour in her hometown of Houston with a performance rooted in pride, intention, and cultural reverence. The venue was packed with fans dressed in black and pink 90s-inspired attire, answering Monaleo’s call for visual unity and immediately establishing a shared language between artist and audience. From the beginning of the show, it was clear this was not a routine tour stop, but a carefully curated homecoming designed to honor her city, her journey, and her evolution as an artist.

The show opened with “Open the Gates,” a dramatic and symbolic choice that framed the night as a revival rather than a standard concert. Audience members were handed pink Who Did the Body church fans, reinforcing the church-themed concept that guided the evening. A DJ briefly set the energy before the stage transitioned into something ceremonial. A choir in flowing robes emerged, followed by praise dancers whose movements echoed gospel tradition and spiritual release. Two powerful dancers sharpened the momentum, building anticipation before Monaleo stepped into the spotlight.

When she appeared, the response was immediate. Monaleo entered wearing a fitted black dress, her signature pink curls illuminated beneath the lights, pink rhinestone headphones worn over her ears, and two dancers accompanying her. From her first step forward, she embodied her lyrics with confidence and commanding stage presence. The lighting design was exquisite, shifting with precision to match each emotional turn of the set. Every element of the production felt deliberate, underscoring Monaleo’s strength as a conceptual and intentional artist.

Throughout the performance, Monaleo made it clear that she is more than a rapper. She is a fully realized artist. While her bars hit hard and land with authority, she also moved fluidly into melodic moments, singing with vulnerability and emotional depth. Her duality is not a contradiction, but a defining part of her character. Although her aesthetic leans soft, feminine, and pink, her lyricism is heavy-hitting and unflinching. She balances strength and softness effortlessly, allowing both to exist without compromise.

The tour draws inspiration from her latest album, Who Did the Body, but her setlist was dynamic and thoughtfully paced, pulling from across her catalog to create a complete narrative. Songs like “Bigger Than Big” highlighted her technical command and sharp delivery, while her melodic performances of “Diary of an OG” revealed emotional depth. Houston culture was woven into every layer of the show, from cadence to confidence. Her artistry does not imitate Houston’s legacy; it lives within it.

A defining moment arrived when Monaleo performed “Baller,” her collaboration with Summer Walker. Before launching into the song, she shared that it marked her first song on the Billboard Hot 100, a milestone that drew a loud and proud response from the crowd. The moment felt celebratory and affirming, a reminder of how closely Houston has followed her rise. Her setlist continued with crowd favorites, including “Don Who Leo,” “Sexy Soulaan,” “Life After Death,” and “Wam Bam,” each met with full-volume sing-alongs and unwavering energy.

One of the most explosive moments of the night came during “Putting Ya Dine.” The crowd response was so intense that Monaleo restarted the song and performed it again, this time with the stage filled with guests and friends. The moment became communal and unfiltered, capturing the celebratory spirit of the night. Saucy Santana joined her onstage, grabbing the mic to publicly give her flowers and celebrate her growth.

The emotional core of the show emerged when Monaleo dedicated a song to the friends she has lost. The venue grew still as she delivered the performance with visible emotion. Her openness about grief and mental health has long been a cornerstone of her connection with fans. She consistently advocates for mental health, sharing her personal experiences not for attention, but in hopes that her honesty helps others feel seen and less alone.

The first guest appearance came from KenTheMan, who joined Monaleo to perform “First,” reigniting the crowd’s energy. The tone shifted again when Monaleo’s husband, Stunna 4 Vegas, stepped onto the stage. Together they performed “Passenger Princess,” followed by an intimate moment where Monaleo sang “Cosmic Love” directly to him as he sat at center stage. Their exchange felt grounded in genuine partnership and mutual support.

As the night progressed, Monaleo paid homage to Houston’s musical lineage. Lil Keke appeared to perform “Southside.” Slim Thug followed with “Still Tippin,” joined by Paul Wall for his verse. The celebration reached its peak when Bun B stepped onstage. Monaleo invited him to perform “International Players Anthem,” the same song he performed at her wedding, seamlessly tying her personal milestones to the city’s cultural history.

Fan favorites continued to land with precision as Monaleo maintained a tight, emotionally expansive set. Several times throughout the night, she paused to absorb the crowd’s response, visibly moved by the love surrounding her and the pride she carries for her city, her culture, and who she is.

The show concluded with a powerful final gesture. Monaleo brought her grandmother onto the stage and shared that she was the inspiration behind the tour. As her grandmother prayed over the audience, the venue grew still, anchoring the night in lineage, faith, and collective gratitude.

The Houston finale of the first leg of the Who Did the Body Tour was more than a closing performance. It was a revival. A statement of identity, intention, and artistic maturity. Monaleo proved that her power lies in her authenticity, her duality, and her unwavering pride in being exactly who she is and where she comes from.