This week, Cardi B is playing the first Canadian date on her world tour in support of her second studio album, Am I The Drama?, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.The New York rapper is playing Vancouver’s Rogers Arena with a nearly sold-out crowd. With multiple No. 1s in the country, she’s set to deliver a captivating performance topped with high-energy and back-to-back chart-topping moments.
Additionally, Halifax’s Ria Mae brings her confessional, catchy tunes to Winnipeg on an intimate string of shows, while Montreal electro-pop duo Milk & Bone plays a night in Toronto. Soulful singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith shines across Ontario and Quebec.
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Concert of the Week
Cardi B, Rogers Arena, Vancouver — February 21
Cardi B is bringing the drama to the west coast.
Last year, the Bronx rapper released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, after seven years. Featuring her signature rap flow over a variety of beats — from street-level club hits to experimental pop and R&B crossover tracks — the project peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart.
Now she’s continuing her comeback in a major way, with her first-ever arena-headline trek and first significant tour in six years — even if it sets her back a couple of million dollars.
“I know I’m a good performer,” Cardi told Billboard. “Well, am I? No, I’m great. I’m actually really great because I was a stripper. But no, I think my personal tour is not going to be like any other performances that I’ve ever had. From the aesthetics to the look to even the way I perform, I’m going to be doing things that I don’t normally do, like work out, because I want to be the best.”
Last month, the “WAP” hitmaker took to Instagram, sharing a clip of some choreography with back-up dancers in the studio. She appeared to be happy with the results, writing: “I ain’t do so bad first day of rehearsal….I’m finding the pocket,” leaning into her confidence instead of the pressure to deliver. Yet, during one of the first shows on her global trek, Cardi took a tumble on-stage in Las Vegas, but played it off like a pro.
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While the rapper’s chart-topping debut, Invasion of Privacy, didn’t receive a tour, fans of Cardi B can officially treat themselves to hearing both of her top 10 charting albums live. In March, she’ll head over to Ontario, tackling two shows at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena and Hamilton’s newly opened TD Coliseum.
Kicking off a small run of shows, Halifax’s Ria Mae is taking the stage in Winnipeg to play a sold-out show. With her signature blend of confessional lyrics and catchy hooks, Mae has crafted a fruitful discography that resonates with listeners. Last November, the platinum-certified artist released her album, Two, featuring “The Ring (Damn!),” which hit the Billboard Canada Hot AC Airplay chart — proving her ability to hit the airwaves over 10 years into her career.
One of Montreal's finest duos, Milk & Bone — a.k.a Laurence Lafond-Beaulne and Camille Poliquin — are performing a set in Toronto. Exploring electronic textures and layered synths, the pair have created a sonic universe that feels unique in the electro-pop genre thanks to their perfectly paired vocals. As they ponder the darker aspects of love, friendship and lust, it’s their tightly-knit bond that’s essential to their live shows.
Lauren Spencer Smith, House of Blues, Ottawa — February 22; MTELUS, Montreal — February 24; History, Toronto — February 25-26
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Soulful Canadian singer Lauren Spencer Smith is known for her diaristic songwriting and modern pop sensibilities. While she amassed online fame with multiple TikTok viral hits — including charting singles “Fingers Crossed” and “Flower” — Spencer Smith is bringing the emotional rollercoaster captured on her sophomore album, The Art of Being a Mess, to multiple sold-out crowds. Now’s the time to see the B.C. native, before she joins Hilary Duff on her arena tour next year.
