California singer, songwriter, and producer Steve Lacy’s songs divulge his experiences with love and self-acceptance. On July 15, 2022, Lacy released his album, Gemini Rights. The recent number-one hit from the album “Bad Habit” gained him widespread recognition after it topped the charts.

On Oct. 23, at Atlanta’s Tabernacle, Lacy performed as a part of his “Give You the World” tour. The show’s opening act, singer Fousheé, can be heard on Lacy’s latest album, “Gemini Rights,” on the track “Sunshine.” 

Though few in the crowd could sing along to Fousheé’s punk rock/soft R&B songs, she successfully worked up the crowd in anticipation of Lacy’s entrance.

Lacy eventually made his grand entrance, emerging from a cloud of smoke while wearing a white button-down shirt with a money symbol painted on it. A black tie and his signature sunglasses were the finishing touches. With him were his bandmates, all of whom were dressed in matching white button-ups. 

After the interminable break between sets and flashy entrance, the enthusiastic crowd was ready to hear Lacy. With “Buttons” opening the set, Lacy’s extraordinary performance got off to a great start. 

Fans sang their hearts out from the song’s start to finish and do so with the other various pieces played from “Gemini Rights,” “The Lo-fis,” “Apollo XII,” and “Steve Lacy’s Demo.”

Towards the end of the setlist, Lacy invited the tour’s opener, Fousheé, to perform their song “Sunshine” ending the passionate song with a hug that warmed the crowd.

Then came the moment that everyone had been anticipating all night. Lacy introduced his first-ever global hit, “Bad Habit.” From start to finish, fans were ecstatic and screaming every lyric. However, this led me to recognize that the majority of the audience only knew the lyrics that were posted on social media.

As an encore, Lacy directs this toward his longtime fans by playing two songs that led to his initial discovery, “C U Girl” and “Dark Red.” The nostalgia and passion Lacy brought with the two final songs, combined with the audience singing along, made the encore the most memorable part of the night.

Thanks to his mainstream success, he now has the exposure he deserves. I’m confident this is only the tip of the iceberg for Lacy, and it will be exciting to see what’s next for the 24-year-old artist.