Actress and rapper Kash Doll helped ring in International Woman’s Day with the St. Louis leg of her “The Last Doll Tour” at The Hawthorn Thursday. Her standout performance brought an energy that filled the room of predominantly women with confidence and empowerment.
From start to finish, the concert displayed ladies who have asserted themselves in their craft. Doll’s music teaches women to be self-assured and become a boss. Instead of a classroom, she uses a hip-hop beat – and the Detroit grittiness fans appreciate from her.
Everything with Kash Doll’s name was displayed on something pink. From her merch, to banners, and her set design. A large banner with two photos of Kash Doll on either side in a sultry pink satin top with her name and “The Last Doll Tour” curtained the stage. To the far left there was a pink Lamborghini cut out that transformed the DJ booth.
One of the first openers was rising sensation Clare Siobhan. She took the stage in a pink cropped tracksuit performing “Chinese Finger Trap.” The song compelled ladies, many wearing fur boots and strappy pumps, to make their way to the concert floor. It was this track that brought Siobhan to the forefront of Detroit-style rap as it was shared and reviewed on many social outlets. Those who knew her music danced. Others curiously inched towards the stage to catch what the artist had to say.
The clacking of heels and excited conversations turned into a chant for Kash Doll once Siobhan left the stage. Kash Doll could have seized this moment to relish in the outpour of love. Instead, she shared her platform with another talented woman featured on her “The Last Doll” album.
Shantel May, who can be heard on Kash Doll’s “Love Myself”, came out to the stage in a 70’s inspired sparkling pink halter top adding to the theme. The Toronto native’s clear vocals moved an audience member to yell out “the mic IS ON.” She performed songs from her album “Triggered But Here” like “Dangerous” and “The Hard Way.” The audience did not seem to know her songs, but by the end of them many were humming along.
DJ Angel baby took the stage to introduce Kash Doll. The large banner was pushed to the side to reveal Kash Doll in a pink life size doll box, cleverly playing on her name. To the side of her the box had encrusted shoe and jewelry attachments that played as props later in the show. To the right of her doll box was a closet with furs and champagne. To the left was a beauty room with a vanity under a Chanel logo in pink neon lights.
Her first song on stage was the first track from “The Last Doll” album. “Klarity” is also the name of the daughter she welcomed last year. The crowd marveled at her beauty as she performed the song that pays homage to her family. “Finally, I’m who I’m supposed to be,” Doll said. “Looking at this life God chose for me.”
She then cut to a message to the haters. Two backup dancers emerged for her remix of “Poppin” and “Check.” The culminating dance break was the perfect transition for “Ice Me Out” as the crowd was already hype and dancing from the previous tracks. She performed her verses on “So Good” and “Fantasy.” Doll segued into a message just for the ladies about relationships before she started with “Krazy.”
For “Comfy,” she moved to the right of the stage in the fur closet with her backup dancers. “How I’m sleep when you leave? Peacefully,” Doll rapped. “How I’m outside in these streets? Frequently.” The song came across as just a conversation with her girls. After the song, she initiated a moment of self-reflection by posing the question, “Do you love yourself?” She then demanded that everyone in the audience give themselves a hug.
Doll brought the concert to a close with “Kash Commandments.” The song lists 10 rules to follow in relationships and business.
For an encore, she performed the song that “changed my life forever.” When “For Everybody” began to play, the audience rapped the lyrics from start to finish.
She thanked the crowd – and they returned the love with their cheers as she exited the stage. The lights faded but her aura still filled the room.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
