November 03, 2022
Rappers Flo Milli and Monaleo performed a sold-out show to an energetic crowd at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul on Wednesday night. Clad in matching all-pink outfits, the pair stunned concert-goers with boisterous lyrics and lively deliveries.
Monaleo opened the show, introducing herself as a Houstonian rapper and getting right into “Beating Down Yo Block,” which samples Yungstar’s “Knocking Pictures Off Da Wall,” a Houston classic. After performing the song, she paused and then took time to explain that the next song had upset a few people. The song in question was “Faneto Freestyle,” which uses the beat from Chief Keef’s stalwart party anthem “Faneto.” The line that had presumably upset people, “I can’t date no white man 'cause I'ma kill him if he say ‘nigga,’ and I’m not playing, ” resulted in loud cheering from the crowd, showing that Monaleo’s playfulness was well-received. Her set was brief, yet animated. Though she has yet to release her debut album, Monaleo’s live performance proved that her talent will take her far.
After a brief waiting period, it was Flo Milli’s turn to stun the crowd. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Flo Milli had the audience singing along to all her songs and dancing to every word she rapped. Beginning with “Come Outside,” “Roaring 20s,” and “Like That Bitch,” Flo Milli’s cheerful delivery matched perfectly with the “Mean Girls” inspired visuals that were displayed behind her. The images of a burn book in addition to her blonde hairstyle and bright pink clothing were a clear homage to Regina George, the main character of a movie that centers on young girls who are finding their way in the world. This is a theme that permeates most of Flo’s work.
As she rapped her “Beef FloMix”, a remix of Ethereal and Playboi Carti’s “Beef,” I looked around to see mostly young women whose eyes lit up at the mention of Flo’s affinity for “cash and my hair to my ass.” While it felt like a party, the night was also a celebration of Blackness, femininity, and empowerment. At one point in the show, she brought a few people onstage to vogue as she sang “PBC,” a song that lifts up those who are often cast to the sidelines, reminding them that they are “pretty, Black, cute.” Monaleo was brought back out onto the stage with Flo to perform the remix of “We Not Humping,” a collaboration that epitomizes female rapper unity.
With their punchy deliveries and consistent engagement with the crowd, Flo Milli and Monaleo showed their full, charismatic selves to Minnesota. In addition to their viral hits, they have genuine talent that translates to real-life stage presence. As long as these two are around, the future of rap is safe.
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