Photos by Zach Arquilevich.
As the last stop in California of the “Best Tour Ever”, Aminé did not disappoint, and neither did his loyal fans in the Anaheim crowd.
When first arriving at the show, the room was filled with young fans bobbing their heads patiently waiting for Aminé’s show openers, 454 and Cochise. The room was shining with strobe lights of all colors with the DJ playing songs in an attempt to get the crowd going. There were also fans watching from the balcony which surrounded the center stage, though those people were a bit more laid back than the fans in general admission who were ready for a good time. Although not too successful with hyping up the crowd, the DJ kept his energy up and played a good mix of rap music.
Around 7:20 PM, the first act, 454, came out with a few songs. Similar to a lot of tour openers, the crowd did not know much of his music. Despite the crowd not matching his energy, he did not fail to bring his best show forward and was clearly excited to be there at all.
After a quick set from 454, Cochise, most known from viral songs on Tik Tok, hopped out on stage. Sporting a white cardigan, plaid pants, and sleek black loafers, Cochise brought ecstatic energy and style to the stage. Fans loved his trendy outfit with one fan yelling “I love your cardigan,” while others agreed. The crowd’s energy doubled after hearing Cochise sing his hits, “Tell Em” and “Hatchback”. Cochise was jumping all over the stage and the crowd went wild for him; he seemingly spent more time jumping in the air than with his two feet on the ground.
As Zach and I waited for Aminé to hit the stage, the DJ came out to get the crowd going. The front row of fans behind me in the pit all held on tight to their Amine tote bags with their bodies excitedly pressed against the barrier. The DJ hit the crowd’s sweet spot when he played Tyler the Creator’s “NEW MAGIC WAND”, followed by a Playboi Carti song which got the crowd jumping up and down with deep yells from all around the room. He knew what the crowd wanted and did not fail to give that. It was when the covers started getting pulled off of the sets when the crowd instantly knew that this signified Amine’s set was about to begin.
Around 9:30 PM, the strobe lights went steady and out emerged Aminé from the Alberta Street Market set with the most contagious smile. The bass felt like it had increased and I could literally feel the music inside of me as Aminé bounced all around on stage directly in front of me. With his “tour pants”, New Balance dad shoes, and neon orange beanie from his merch line, Amine brought as much energy as there was bright, flashing, lights to the show. I thought Cochise was energetic, but Amine proved me wrong with his goofy dance moves and hand gestures to get the crowd screaming. Amine played a wide array of songs ranging from his album “Good For You” to his latest one, “TWOPOINTFIVE”.
Throughout his whole set, Aminé kept up high energy and I was impressed with how much he interacted with the crowd. At the very start of his set, Aminé addressed the crowd and yelled into his microphone, “YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL”, and with that he asked the crowd to respond with, “I KNOW.” Later on in the show, Aminé even called a lucky fan up on stage to sign his pants, which he referred to as his “tour pants”, that he wears for every single show. The fan was told to write a phrase that would remain a secret between her and Aminé , himself. His pants included messages from other fans that were picked during his last couple shows in California. Aminé yet again proved the chemistry he has with his fans. Overall, Aminé radiated happiness and positivity throughout his entire set, a big smile plastered on his face as he sang and danced around, something so genuine and pure to witness right in front of me.
Something I really enjoyed about this concert was how genuine Aminé was with his fans. At one point, before singing his song, “Blinds”, he got up on the Rose Garden set and asked if the crowd could clearly see him, and this really sold me. Thanks to Aminé kindness and positive energy throughout the show, I could feel myself smiling at him from under my mask whilst simultaneously singing along and feeling the energy of the crowd for most of the night.
His standout performance would have to be towards the end of his set with, “Heebiejeebies” which originally features singer, Kehlani. Aminé easily hyped up the crowd filled with loyal fans who knew word for word of the song; he is quite the natural performer and has amazing chemistry with the crowd. The fans went wild over this one and the best part was watching how much fun everyone was having with Aminé , who clearly maintains and cherishes a close bond with his fans. With this song he got the whole room singing along, with occasional pauses to allow the fans to sing along and fill the silence; even the security guard was bopping his head to this one. And I can’t forget everyone’s favorite, the song everyone knows with their whole heart, “Caroline.” The fans screamed with excitement over this one and I included sang my heart out to this throwback song.
Right when we thought the show was over with his hit song, “Caroline,” Aminé came out and surprised us all with an encore of, “Mad Funny Freestyle”. The crowd enjoyed one last moment with Aminé as he thanked us all for being there with him and officially said his goodbyes to the amped up crowd. The night was still young, but ended on a sweet note for Aminé and his fans as he said his thank yous and goodbyes to Anaheim, his last stop in California for the “Best Tour Ever.”
