Summer concerts are a great American past time. For decades, popular musicians have used the summer months to tour and present elaborate shows to their fans. Thus far, the ‘I Am Still Music’ tour has become the most important hip-hop inspired tour of the summer. Lil Wayne, Keri Hilson, Rick Ross, Lloyd, and Far East Movement have joined for a 40-city tour that will run until September. Rolling out magazine caught up with Keri Hilson who revealed how she prepared for the big tour and discusses the tour’s most unforgettable moments.–amir shaw
How did you get involved with the ‘I Am Music’ tour?
Lil Wayne has given me the opportunity before and reached out again for me to join him. Anytime I can get a chance to receive energy from my fans I’m excited.
What has been your most memorable moment thus far?
The most memorable moments are my VIPs. My VIPs get to come on stage with me, join me backstage and meet my crew. I meet my VIPs before I go on stage and I take their energy with me. My most memorable VIP was a guy named Owen. I usually get girls, but he has been my only guy VIP. You can got to www.kerihilsonvip.com to register before the show.
How do you prepare?
It’s a month of work. We have about two or three weeks of preparation and rehearsal. Sometimes there are dancer auditions. We have to figure out concepts and wardrobe. It takes proper preparation. My concept on stage is an extension of my album concept.
Which city has been the most receptive?
Hershey, Pennsylvania was the best crowd so far. But there are some crowds that are to hard pleased. They are usually the crowds that get a lot of artists that come through on a regular basis. Smaller cities are more appreciative. Cities that get a lot of shows, they just don’t show as much love.
Before the tour kicked off, you worked to help out a cancer foundation. How did you get involved?
Polow Da Don has a foundation called Focus 4 Life. I am affected by cancer. I never met my grandparents on my mother’s side. They both passed because of cancer. … I feel very strongly about supporting that cause.
Back to the tour. What can fans expect when they come out to see the ‘I Am Still Music’ tour?
You can expect to see me in a different way. It’s very energetic and empowering for girls. It’s also aggressive. You will be able to see that I’m having fun on stage. The show consist of Lloyd, Far East Movement, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and I. From start to finish, it’s a show that you can enjoy. There is never a dull moment.
