K. Michelle, Jaheim, Trey Songz, and Keyshia Cole
Love Hard Tour
CFG Bank Arena
Baltimore
March 8, 2024
With lights beaming from the stage, Jaheim’s popular throwback “Fabulous” blared on the speakers. The crowd sang and grooved along to the chorus, ‘Don’t hate on us; we’re fabulous.”
We rushed down the dark arena steps, and finally made it to our seats for the Love Hard Tour at the CFG Bank Arena in downtown Baltimore. It made for a satisfying end to a slightly chaotic journey.
Seeing all the artists perform live enhances the meaning of their music, and increases the value of their stories. Many of their songs are rooted in advice and teaming with their own tales of struggle and success.
During the course of the show, K. Michelle, Jaheim, Trey Songz, and Keyshia Cole each bellowed out their own experiences of love, making the name of the tour reign true. They sang ballads about all the facets of love, like the triumphs and troubles, the pain and sacrifices, and the joy and beauty comes with it. Each performer had a role to play.
The live bands added an element of funk to each artist’s set. The drummers kept the beat steady, and a times, exploded during the chorus. The keyboard players and guitarists amplified the rhythms of the bridge, while maintaining a consistent flow throughout each performance.
First to take the stage was K. Michelle. The Memphis native belted out her biggest hits, which have become anthems for overcoming heartbreak and having the courage to build yourself back up after. They’re testimonies for anyone who’s been faced with a difficult relationship, outlining red flags and issues to look out for, and when to leave a situation that no longer serves you. This makes songs like “Can’t Raise a Man,” “Love ‘em All,” and “V.S.O.P.” recognizable and relatable stories.
Jaheim’s soulful melodies paired with lyrics about the strife of dating, the mistakes he’s made, and the growth he’s had, led fans to their feet. With a live band and backup dancers, the Grammy-nominated artist performed his chart-topping songs from the early 2000s including, “Anything,” “Looking for Love,” “Never,” “Put That Woman First,” and “Just in Case.” He wore a black suit with a jacket decked out in diamonds.
It was easy to groove along to the hits that once dominated radio waves. Some spoke of wanting to right a wrong, others about finding the right partner, and how to treat another person. Jaheim made his way off the stage and into crowd singing and handing out flowers to fans and then wrapped up his set.
Trey Songz followed, starting first with his hits about sex. From “Love Faces,” to “Panty Droppa,” and “Neighbors Know My Name.” Each described a journey to the bedroom and the spicy events that took place thereafter. The lights flashed to the beats played by the live band. The self-proclaimed “Mr. Steal Yo’ Girl” singer even took his shirt off and threw it into the crowd, sending some fans into a tizzy. He bantered with the DJ during transitions and vibed out to a solo by the guitarist.
He took things full circle by performing “Can’t Be Friends” and “One Love,” which both describe the strong bonds of love, and fans sang every word. “Here I am, I’m your man/ I came with everything you needed, you and me are undefeated/Til the end of time, one mind, one heart, one love.” He ended with the chart-topper “Bottom’s Up.”
Keyshia Cole graced the stage last, bringing a new energy to the arena. She came out strong, singing the chorus of “Let It Go”: “Now I get if he don’t wanna/ Love you the right way, he aint gonna/ It ain’t where he’s at, it’s where he, Where he wanna be.” She sported a patent leather body suit, knee high boots and red and black jacket to match, with backup dancers moving with her sways, turns and spins. At times she did struggle, losing her breath; and started at least one number off key.
Nevertheless, fans sang every word to each song the award-winning singer performed, with some even trying to hit those powerful notes in “Last Night,” and “I Remember.” Some people did get too excited for that second one and started singing too early. While amused, she did have to tell the crowd, “Not yet, y’all.” She continued with “Heaven Sent” before disappearing for a quick outfit change.
The Oakland native came back out wearing a white, sparkly outfit featuring feathers and a cowboy hat, singing, “I Changed My Mind.” She relied more on the chorus here as she began to move more to the beat, and also announced her upcoming eigth studio album. She ended with the iconic classic “Love,” in which the crowd basically took over.
Keyshia Cole performing 'Last Night'.
Her songs range from stories about finding the perfect partner, knowing when to walk away, falling short, and recognizing your own issues and strengths. They have become pillars in the R&B genre.
Keyshia Cole performing 'I Remember'.
The Love Hard Tour stops in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, then goes on to Philadelphia, Houston, New Orleans, ending in Savannah, Georgia in June.
