Rich Brian In Toronto

Rich Brian In Toronto

Looking back, 2016 stands out as a peak year for pop culture and music. It’s hard to believe that a decade has passed since then. That year introduced us to iconic shows like Stranger Things and Game of Thrones, the Pokémon Go craze in our neighborhoods, and viral trends such as the Mannequin Challenge and Damn Daniel that flooded our social media feeds. Fashion in 2016 was defined by Yeezys, Supreme, and ripped denim. The music scene featured notable albums like Views by Drake, ANTI by Rihanna, The Life of Pablo by Kanye West, and Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper.

Amid all that hype, one unexpected anthem emerged: Dat $tick, the breakout debut song of Indonesian rapper Rich Brian, formerly known as Rich Chigga. The viral moment quickly became something more. Building on that momentum, he emerged as a trailblazer whose impact opened doors for Asian artists in the Western hip-hop scene, bypassing the industry’s traditional paths. After 2019, he stepped back from the spotlight but released singles and EPs here and there. After six years, he returned with his third album, released in August 2025.

Brian Imanuel, better known as Rich Brian, brought his album-titled tour, Where Is My Head?, to Toronto’s HISTORY on February 22, 2026. This marked his first performance in the city since the Sailor Tour in 2019 and the 88rising collective group tour in 2018. Fans arrived eager to witness Brian’s artistic transformation and to partake in a memorable night.

As the show began, Brian commanded the crowd from the side stage, as everyone roared with excitement. Emerging from the darkness, he performed Senja, setting the mood for the evening. He then transitioned into “Who That Be,” a follow-up track released shortly after his initial surge of popularity, much to the delight of longtime fans. The setlist included mellow tracks that highlighted his vulnerable side, reflecting on a recent “situationship” that he had.

Continuing with songs from his latest album, he briefly showcased his bass guitar skills before paying homage to the SoundCloud rap era that helped shape his early rise. The familiar melody of GOSPEL filled the venue as he performed his verse from this collaboration with the late XXXTentacion and Keith Ape. For a special moment, he invited a friend to join him on keyboard for a Tiny Desk-style set to perform Little Ray of Light and Drive Safe. An obvious missed opportunity was the chance to bring out Charlotte Day Wilson, another collaborator who’s a hometown artist, to perform Is It? live.

The latter part of his set featured fan favorites like Serpents!, edamame, and Midsummer Madness. Ensuring that fans were sent off with great vibes.

 

All in all, it was an amazing performance that felt as if he had never taken a hiatus. The nostalgic aspect of the show unlocked core memories from 2016, making us reflect on how quickly time flies, and left many wondering whether 2026 will become the next era we look back on the same way.
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