Megan Thee Stallion hosted her virtual performance — which she coined “First Day Back” — on Saturday night (Aug. 29). Presented by Live Nation and creative directed by choreographer Jaquel Knight, the Houston Hottie treated her fans to energetic renditions of “WAP,” “Savage,” “Hot Girl Summer,” “Girls in the Hood” and more. Pitchfork reports that Megan also performed her features from songs like Yo Gotti’s “Pose,” DaBaby’s “Nasty,” Tyga’s “Freak” and Young Dolph’s “RNB.”
In true socially-distanced fashion, each of Meg’s six dancers busted out choreography in their own designated spotlights, while the Houston rapper encouraged her fans to break out their own moves at home.
After performing “Big Booty,” Meg’s virtual event gave way to a chilling tribute to African Americans who have lost their lives or been injured by police violence and acts of racism. The stage lights went dark, leaving only an illuminated backdrop that read “THIS SHIT IS EXHAUSTING.”
The names of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Elijah McClain, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Atatiana Jefferson, Jacob Blake and others flooded the screen. Beside each victim’s name also read how, when and by whom they were harmed. Soft, rhythmic drumming continued to intensify as the list grew, before the screen glowed with a final message: “Why is it so hard being Black in America?”
The powerful tribute arrives after Megan revealed to Variety that her upcoming debut album will address ongoing protests against police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“I feel like everything that’s going on right now, if it hasn’t moved you to speak out or try to make some type of difference, then something might be slightly wrong with you,” she told the outlet. “Even though I haven’t already come out with a song with that messaging, I definitely plan on it.”
Watch clips from her virtual performance on TIDAL and see the moving tribute to police brutality victims on Twitter below.