On Thursday, May 1st, the historic Shrine Auditorium/ Expo Hall in Los Angeles, just across the street from USC, came alive with the unique sound and soulful swagger of Smino as he brought his Kountry Kousins Tour to town. As someone who has grown up attending shows at this legendary venue, I can confidently say this was one of the most creatively staged and musically tight performances I’ve seen there.
Smino, the St. Louis native known for blending hip-hop with funk, soul, and alternative flair, brought more than just hits- he brought home. The stage design was next level: a Southern-style house complete with a front porch, where his incredibly tight live band played inside the structure, while his DJ and mixer worked from a BBQ pit in front. The setup gave the whole night the feel of a neighborhood block party in St. Louis. It felt intimate, warm, and full of flavor. The only this missing was St. Louis BBQ!
Photo credit: William Song of Goldenvoice
Opening the show was Samara Cyn, who not only brought her own flair as a featured artist but also provided background vocals for Smino throughout the night. Her energy and chemistry with the headliner added a rich, layered texture to the performance, and the synergy between the two was undeniable.
Photo credit: William Song of Goldenvoice
What made this concert especially memorable was the seamless fusion of musicianship and stage presence. Smino’s band was phenomenal—dynamic, polished, and able to translate the studio magic of tracks like “Rice N Gravy,” “Netflix and Dusse,” and “Wild Irish Roses” into fully immersive live experiences.
The setlist was packed with fan favorites, but a few moments truly stood out:
- “No L’s” is my personal favorite song from him. This was a great choice as an introduction.
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“90 Proof” had the entire crowd vibing in unison.
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“Passenger Princes” brought a surprise guest appearance by Aminé, which sent the energy through the roof.
- “NetFlix & Dusse” was definitely the fan favorite on this night and had the entire Auditorium singing in unison.
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He closed with a powerful run of hits including “I Deserve” and “Z4L,” making sure everyone left fully satisfied.
Each song was met with cheers, but it was the deeper cuts like “Matinee” and “Maybe in Nirvana” that really showcased Smino’s artistry. He did an amazing job of switching flows, hitting falsetto runs, and riding the live instrumentation like a veteran bandleader.
Bottom line?
This show was an experience! It was celebration of roots, rhythm, and real artistry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, Smino on tour is something you don’t ever want to miss. I will now order BBQ & replay the footage to reenact this amazing evening!
Photo credit: William Song of Goldenvoice
Photo credit: William Song of Goldenvoice
