KenTheMan's Kinda Famous Tour touches down in Houston for it's final night. Credit: Photo by Darrin Clifton

โ€œHouston, oh my God, it feels so good to be back home!โ€ exclaimed a smiling KenTheMan as she walked closer to the edge of the stage at the House of Blues. Dressed in a black catsuit, the Northside MC grinned as she scanned the crowd, trying to pick out faces amidst a sea of camera phone lights. โ€œAlright, yโ€™all, itโ€™s been slow enough. Letโ€™s turn up! I got some questions!โ€

The crowd surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse as the beat for Kenโ€™s viral duet “I Got Questions” filled the room. Cheers erupted when Kaliii walked out to join her on stage, raising the energy even higher. The Kinda Famous Tour touched down in Houston for its closing night.

KenTheMan, born Kentavia Tytiana Miller in Houston, has steadily made a name for herself as one of the most compelling voices in hip-hop. Her breakthrough came with the 2019 single โ€œHe Be Like,โ€ which showcased her unapologetic lyricism and bold style. Building on this success, she dropped her 2020 mixtape 4 da 304โ€™s and the 2021 album Whatโ€™s My Name, both of which earned critical acclaim for their raw honesty and confident delivery.

Her presence was further solidified when she was featured in XXL’s 2022 Freshman Class, marking her as one of the genre’s rising stars. KenTheMan’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional, with her decision to take control of her music and brand at a pivotal moment in her journey.

KenTheMan returns home. Credit: Photo by Darrin Clifton

In late 2024, KenTheMan made a major move in her career by leaving Roc Nation to go fully independent, a decision that reflected her desire for creative control and autonomy over her music. Her 2025 album, Kinda Famous, marks the next chapter in her artistic evolution. The album blends bold, brash anthems with introspective, vulnerable moments, capturing her growth as both an artist and an individual. Songs like โ€œBaggageโ€ delve into her personal struggles, offering fans a deeper look at the woman behind the music.

KenTheManโ€™s current Kinda Famous Tour has further amplified her status. Kicking off in July 2025, the tour has garnered widespread attention, with sold-out shows in cities like Atlanta. As she wraps up the tour in Houston, this final stop at House of Blues serves as a homecoming of sorts. The tour not only celebrates her latest album but also marks a triumphant moment in her career, as she navigates her path outside of major label constraints.

Sunday night, Ken stopped several times to shout out fans who rapped lyrics word-for-word and pointed out longtime collaborator Bigg Cuz Beats on the balcony.

โ€œI just want to point out Bigg Cuz right now. You are so selfish,โ€ laughed Ken as she looked up toward the second floor. โ€œYou so selfish for making me like all of your beats. I think weโ€™ve just been playing your music so far.

Bigg Cuz who stopped to speak about the show as the house lights rose.

โ€œMan seeing her perform never gets old. Iโ€™ve seen Ken perform a million times and I donโ€™t care if its 20 people or a Rolling Loud Festival crowd it always hits the same. It never gets old.โ€

The Northside MC performed for a sold-out crowd at the House of Bluse Credit: Photo by Darrin Clifton

The focus wasnโ€™t just in the crowd. After joining Ken onstage for “I Got Questions,” Kaliii performed her hit “Area Codes.” Ken was also joined onstage by Houston artists Inayah, who performed โ€œBest Thing,โ€ and Monaleo, who performed “Don Julio” and “We On Dat.”

โ€œI couldnโ€™t be in my hometown without bringing out another rapping ass bi$&h, and thatโ€™s one rapping ass bi^&h,โ€ yelled Ken as Monaleo exited the stage.

KenTheManโ€™s performance wasnโ€™t just a reflection of her talent but a declaration of her resilience and independence. In a space where many artists struggle to find their footing, she has carved out a path all her own, unapologetically owning her space in the industry. With the support of a city thatโ€™s always had her back, her journey is far from over. The future is wide open, and for KenTheMan, itโ€™s clear that this is only the beginning.

Set List
Iโ€™m Perfect
Gimmie More
Feeling Sexy
Cocky
I Love a Freak
Yo Face
He Be Like
Laffy Taffy Freestyle
Still
BDK!!!
Monaleo – Don Who Leo
Monaleo – We On Dat
Black
Checkin In
Join Em
Crazy Bout Me
Home
Inayah – Best Thing
IDGAF
I Got Questions (with Kaliii)
Kaliii – Area Codes
Not My N*gga
Not My N*gga (Acapella)
First
Anyways (Unreleased Song)

Houston Press contributor DeVaughn Douglas is a freelance writer, blogger, and podcaster. He is 1/2 of the In My Humble Opinion Podcast and 1/1 of the Sleep and Procrastination Society. (That last one...