Before New Orleans newcomer Boyfriend even took the stage, a bright yellow divan held the southern rapper's place, adorned with a black boa. Adjacent stood a matching yellow coat rack, holding what, I presumed, were outfit changes. Boyfriend, followed by two backup dancers, performed what can only be described as "lite aerobics" — bending, stretching, squats — while "Attention" played pre-recorded in the background. Performance as music, music as performance — that's exactly what Boyfriend's set could be classified as, as she spent as much time singing as she did lounging on the divan, sipping from a martini glass, slowly shedding clothing.
Perched on the edge of the couch (during "Jealousy"), Boyfriend's encompassing gaze watched as a dancer performed an empowering striptease. Draped in tulle or clothed in jumpsuits emblazoned with "tight box," Boyfriend delivered a raunchy set filled with commentary on feminine hygiene, sex work and masturbation, complete with a chant of "the power of Boyfriend compels you!" — and damn, if it wasn't entertaining. I mean, what other artist closes the show by having backup dancers shave her pits onstage while belting out the final track?
Perched on the edge of the couch (during "Jealousy"), Boyfriend's encompassing gaze watched as a dancer performed an empowering striptease. Draped in tulle or clothed in jumpsuits emblazoned with "tight box," Boyfriend delivered a raunchy set filled with commentary on feminine hygiene, sex work and masturbation, complete with a chant of "the power of Boyfriend compels you!" — and damn, if it wasn't entertaining. I mean, what other artist closes the show by having backup dancers shave her pits onstage while belting out the final track?
