Despite the title of his last album, rapper Aaron May has quickly gained recognition for his accessible yet soulful lyrics and beats. The Alief native brings a refreshing blend of authenticity and lyrical depth that resonates with a diverse audience, including an enthusiastic Salvadorian fanbase (May is half-Salvadorian). At only 23 years old, May’s music often delves into personal struggles, triumphs, and the realities of life, making his tracks both relatable and thought-provoking. With a growing fanbase and a string of successful singles and albums, May’s debut national tour put a lot of pressure on the rising star – and on May 19th at the House of Blues, he didn’t disappoint, delivering a dynamic setlist that showcased his unique niche in the hip-hop game.
The night kicked off with performances from the rest of MIA’s label, including Jay Millz. My personal favorite of his, “Sad Truth,” contains an Aaron May feature but was really carried by Millz’s ability to make his performance personal. May’s set led with “Still Humble,” immediately setting a tone of raw energy that would define the entire show. Fans of lyricism like myself also got their instant gratification as May performed tracks off his most recent album such as the title track “No Recognition” and “Time,” drawing the audience into his world with every verse. The crowd’s enthusiasm was genuine, a testament to the connection he has built with his fans in Houston throughout the years.
One of the night’s standout moments came from the performance of “Hidden Voices.” He had labelmates play guitar on this track, adding another soulful layer that gave the song life beyond a freestyle flow. The intricate guitar work complemented his vocals perfectly, showcasing a versatility that kept the audience engaged and wanting more (which they got on “I Ain’t Worried”).
May skillfully balanced his setlist between his well-loved singles and tracks from his albums “Chase” and “No Recognition.” Each song flowed seamlessly into the next, maintaining a dynamic pace that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Even tracks like “Wild Wild West” and May’s latest single “My Bad,” which are more about lean/purple drank imagery than any sort of conscious commentary, still resonated with the crowd. This highlights Aaron’s ability to adapt and capture the essence of both his past and present.
Adding to the intimate feel of the concert, May invited five lucky fans on stage to join him and his numerous friends onstage, creating a memorable experience for those selected. In particular, it was cool to see May show love to Salvadorian fans, as the gesture emphasized the intercommunal vibe of the evening (Race, Gender, Age, etc). Despite bringing different communities together, Aaron’s connection to Houston was evident. He frequently expressed his love for his hometown, the crowd predictably responding with roaring approval. This mutual affection was further solidified when he and his labelmates threw free merchandise into the audience at various points during the show. The energy peaked as fans scrambled to catch these shirts, each piece a token of the unforgettable night. To make it even more special, Aaron took the time to sign all the merch post-show, ensuring that everyone left with a personalized memento.
Despite the high spirits, there was a lingering topic that many fans were eager to hear about—his much-anticipated album, “MAKEORBREAK,” which was rumored to drop on February 28th. Although there was no official update during the show, the buzz about the album added an extra layer of excitement, with fans speculating about the potential new tracks and the direction Aaron might take with this release.
The night culminated with the expected high-energy performances of May’s hits “I’m Good Luv, Enjoy.” and “Let Go,” the latter of which May performed twice on the crowd’s level. As the final notes of “Closed Hands” echoed through the venue, it was clear that Aaron May had delivered a powerful and unforgettable performance. His ability to connect with the crowd, combined with his musical talent and genuine love for his hometown, made this a night to remember for all who were fortunate enough to attend. For those who weren’t: Don’t miss the chance to see him in an intimate setting before he inevitably ascends to arena tours with Toyota Center crowds.
Setlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1VLp5wKUuRIQ8nJgbHtTaR?si=3436b0dc372543e2
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