Steve Lacy has had a pretty the busy year.
It all started the summer of 2022. TikTok was at its peak and the most popular song on the app was Bad Habits by Steve Lacy. More than half a million videos used the singer’s viral song.
This isn’t new. TikTok has become known for not only breaking out new artists but also highlighting old and current artists.
Miguel’s 2010 single “Sure Thing” returned to Billboards Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts more than a decade after its release. Lil Nas X accumulated a huge following on the popular app shortly after “Old Town Road” which that ultimately led to his career taking off.
So, how does Steve feel about his newfound popularity on the clock app?
He went viral quite a bit during his world tour last year. Videos of him smashing fans phones soon after they were thrown at the singer on stage, new fans not knowing the words to his viral hit outside of its chorus and day one fans not being able to purchase tickets due to high demand from new newfound stardom.
Despite the criticism of his attitude towards fame, it isn’t a new concept to Steve. He gained his start as the bassist for Grammy-nominated R&B collective The Internet. In 2017, his debut solo EP Steve Lacy’s Demo was released and the reception was mainly positive. Fast forward to 2023, his latest album Gemini Rights won a Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album.
There is definitely something to be said about the state of fan, or “stan” culture There is a sense of entitlement that a lot of fans harbor for their favorite artists that has essentially shifted the relationship between artists and their supporters as we know it.
Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped Steve from doing what he loves. He recently headlined the Re:SET Concert Series tour in multiple cities across the U.S. with boygenius, James Blake, Toro Y Moi, LCD Soundsystem, Fousheé and more.
On Friday June 10, Steve Lacy, along with James Blake, Fousheé and Toro Y Moi, performed at Central Park in Downtown Atlanta.
James Blake performed “Retrograde” and “Life Round Here” from his 2013 album Overgrown. Other songs on his set list included “Say What You Will.” Fans swayed to the airy yet calming voice of the English musician as he played his keyboard piano.
As the sun started to set across the Atlanta skyline, Steve finally hit the stage and the energy throughout the crowd skyrocketed. Despite fans from his previous shows struggling to recite his lyrics, Atlanta definitely showed out for him.
Opening with “Helmet” from his latest album, Steve had the crowd entranced as they sang along to every word while he effortlessly played his signature guitar.
There were even some deep cuts that were lucky enough to make it to the set list, including “Infrunami” from his 2020 The Lo-Fi’s project.
And of course, he couldn’t close out the night without giving “Bad Habits” some shine.