Exclusive Review: BIBI Shows Off Her 'BAD SAD AND MAD' Self In Boston

Kpopmap

For years, Boston-based K-Pop fans would have to travel to New York City to see their favorite artists. Yet, recently, Boston has increasingly become a safe stop for Korean music acts. BIBI, a 26-year-old singer, rapper, songwriter and actress, continued this trend, performing in front of a packed house at the MGM Music Hall last weekend.

Kpopmap

While this was BIBI’s first world tour, she’s not a stranger to U.S. stages and have previously performed at Coachella, Head in the Clouds LA, Head in the Clouds NYC and KCON. Yet, her first visit to Boston proved to be a memorable one and one that she’s been looking forward to for a long time.

“So, do you know that movie Ted? The one with a bear?” she said during one of the pauses in between her sets. “That’s how I know about Boston!”

Kpopmap

While BIBI is best known for her hit ‘The Weekend’ which appeared on national Top 40 radio stations in the U.S. in 2021, her setlist touched upon songs that she’s been performing since 2019. She was able to show off her vocal range, bouncing between poppy sugar pop with ‘BINU’ and ‘Midnight Cruise’ to soulful R&B grooves found in ‘Best Lover’ and ‘Fedexx Girl.’ She also surprisingly showed off impressive dance moves with songs ‘BIBI Vengeance’ and remixed version of ‘Sugar Rush,’ which is sure to be played in K-Pop raves worldwide in the future.

Kpopmap

Despite the adult themes throughout (“This show isn’t R rated, is it?” she playfully asked the crowd), she was able to easily connect with the audience with jokes about Harvard and the Boston Red Sox. “I don’t have a lot of experience and knowledge about balls,” she said with a sly wink before launching into a set of sensual songs that had the crowd on their feet and nearly hushed silent in appreciation.

The show was also broken up with pre-recorded videos. Unlike most K-Pop shows, these VCR segments were serious while showing off BIBI’s acting skills. The videos told the story of the tour’s name “EVE” and the difference between BIBI’s unique songwriting and performing styles. “I spent a lot of time and money on these,” she told the crowd, “So, you better pay attention!”

Kpopmap

Despite the 26-song set with multiple outfit changes, BIBI showed no signs of being tired and engaged her fans in an exclusive meet and greet after the show. Fans were able to take photos with BIBI and express their thanks for performing.

After Boston, BIBI continued her first world tour “EVE” with stops in New York City, Atlanta, Austin, Irving, Texas, Los Angeles, Oakland and Seattle.

Kpopmap received a complimentary photo and review pass for this show. It did not influence its coverage.