ISAIAH RASHAD
Isaiah Rashad, House of Blues, Houston, TX. 5/20/24.
"Sold Out Celebration: Isaiah Rashad's "Cilvia Demo" 10th Anniversary Tour Ignites Houston
Houston's House of Blues was the scene of an electrifying night as Isaiah Rashad launched his "Cilvia Demo" 10th Anniversary Tour, celebrating his iconic freshman album.
The concert opened with Dallas native Yakiyn, who, along with his Houston-native DJ, brought a palpable Texas energy to the stage. Initially performing in a knit ski mask, Yakiyn later revealed his face, connecting with the audience through his vibrant energy and dynamic stage presence. Although Yakiyn is from Dallas, Houston showed him so much love, jumping to every song.
Ray Vaughn, another special guest from the TDE family, followed with a powerful set. Kicking off with Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," Vaughn's support for Lamar was clear. His vibrant stage presence and personable approach, referring to the audience as his "cousins," created an intimate connection. The crowd was fully engaged, especially during favorites like “Blasphemy” and “Problems” featuring Pusha T. Vaughn's emotional final performance added a touching moment to his dynamic set.
When Isaiah Rashad finally took the stage, the crowd erupted in excitement. Being the first stop on the tour, Houston was treated to Rashad’s reflections on creating "Cilvia Demo," including anecdotes about writing "Tranquility" while in school and his years working at Hardy’s fast food restaurant. Known for preferring to let his music do the talking, Rashad nonetheless engaged deeply with the audience, sharing stories and inviting interactions. A memorable highlight was when he brought a fan ironically named Rashad on stage and later passed the mic to a front-row fan who flawlessly rapped alongside him surprising everyone.
Isaiah showcased his dual talents as both a rapper and singer, with standout performances of "Heavenly Father" and "Shot You Down" displaying his artistic range. His stage presence was commanding and charismatic, keeping the entire venue, including those in the balcony, on their feet. "Free Lunch" was another crowd favorite that had the entire venue rapping along.
The show ended on a high note with Ray Vaughn rejoining Isaiah on stage for an encore of "Not Like Us," leaving the audience wanting more. This concert was a true celebration of Isaiah Rashad and "Cilvia Demo," affirming the album's enduring legacy and Rashad's profound connection with his fans. Houston's enthusiastic response set a high bar for the rest of the tour, ensuring the album's status as a timeless classic.
Shot and Written by Loreal Curtis.
