REVIEW: Lexa Gates: Live at The Masquerade (Heaven) - ATL

The genre-bending artist brings together fans from ATL at her sold out Masquerade show

Lexa Gates performing at The Masquerade (Heaven) in ATL (Photo by Javier Bastidas)

Lexa Gates in ATL (Photo by Javier Bastidas)

Brooklyn native Lexa Gates took to The Masquerade this week in what can only be called a celebration of her new album, I AM. Upon arriving at the venue to prepare for the show, I was overcome with an energy stemming from the fans, who were lined up far down the doors long before opening. Their love for Lexa Gates and anticipation was palpable and would soon be reciprocated. Shortly after the lights dimmed and Gates took the stage, she took a white rose from a vase to hand over to the crowd, marking the start of her captivating set. 

While Gates’ discography can be found under the hip-hop category on all your favorite music streaming platforms, her sound uniquely incorporates elements of pop, jazz, and R&B, filling the venue with a soothing and romanticized atmosphere—an atmosphere that invites you to listen in on the stories she tells with a smooth flow of lyrics carried by an unmistakable East Coast influence. I also wanted to draw some attention to the crowd, who maintained an exceptional level of energy from the very start. Many chanted and called for her attention all while singing all her newly released songs word for word without missing a beat. I look forward to seeing how the rest of her tour plays out and even more to seeing where her talent will take her next.

Article and photos by Javier Bastidas. Please credit @maybesumdayy or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.