Anthony Q Undoubtedly Shines At Stars & Strains Concert

By: Brink Young

November 11th, 2024

Anthony Q on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Anthony Q Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

I was a special guest at an event called "Stars & Strains: The Finale." Saturday November 2nd at Timeless Event Center in Memphis, TN. The quarterly concert series features independent hip hop & r&b acts from the mid south area. This edition proved to be far more superior than previous efforts as event goers received a larger venue upgrade than previous S&S shows & featured a larger caliber artist in viral soul singer Anthony Q.

As soon as I arrived, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable night. Security was on point, actively watching the parking lot—a welcome assurance that they had everything under control. Once inside, I received warm hospitality and was even taken backstage where the vibe was relaxed, with food and drinks set up for special guests and performers.

The night kicked off with a bang as artists Dirty Sprite and New Wave June took the stage as openers, setting an exciting tone. Soon after, Trippy Tribbitt came out with a commanding presence. Even with a slight technical hiccup, his charisma, along with a quick assist from Eazie, brought the crowd back on track. Once Trippy performed his popular single “No Munch” (Jump, Jump, Slide, Slide) The party had officially started. Tripp closed his performance with a new unreleased track called “Shut Up” featuring Big Hunna. The audience ate this one up. I am looking forward to Trippy Tribbitt’s 2025. He has unreleased music that could surpass previous releases.

R&B Singer J Hicks joined Trippy Tribbitt on-stage for an impromptu performance of an unreleased collaboration between the two. Hicks really stirred up the crowd with their catchy call-and-response anthem, “A, E I, Oh Let’s Go, I Love You.” The crowd was fully locked in, and the energy was high.

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Dirty Sprite & New Wave June Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

Trippy Tribbitt on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Trippy Tribbitt Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

For a change of pace, comedian Jeremy Roach took the stage, facing down hecklers with admirable poise, though there was a tense moment when things almost got heated. But Trippy Tribbitt, who doubled as host, lightened the mood with his natural comedic flair, keeping things lively and smooth.

The talented Syng Saikou brought a soulful vibe, taking us down memory lane with an acoustic rendition of SWV’s classic “Weak.” This was a crowd favorite, especially for the ladies who sang along. She moved seamlessly into her own original songs and invited a few fellow artists onstage to join her, creating a beautiful shared moment.

What felt like a brief intermission, we were greeted by H Dot (formerly known as Mac E) new song “Memphis Slide”. The audience response was positive to what appeared to be a country music dance song infused with Memphis flavor.

Phokused took the energy up a notch with his ode to hating designer shoes. His performance was unique, complete with a Batman-masked mascot who turned out to be Cino. He captivated the crowd with his anthem, "I’m Not in the Mood Today," setting a new standard for the night's performances.

Glockianna, another highlight of the night, broke tradition by performing her whole set off the stage, getting intimate with the audience. She wasn’t just performing; she was connecting, bringing an intense energy that left me concerned she’d absorbed all the energy from the crowd and the rest of the event would be snoozed at by the crowd. Before Glockii concluded, Trippy Tribbitt rushed to the stage and convinced her to join him in performing their 2023 collab “Stompin”. Though winded from her high energy performance, Glockianna obliged and they preceded to tear the house down.

Suave on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Suave Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

Then came Suave, who won the crowd over with his versatility—guitar playing, whistling, and singing, all while embodying Memphis pride. His energy shifted the crowd from a lively hum to quiet focus, an impressive feat for any performer. He performed segments of Project Pat’s notorious “Gorilla Pimp”, Al Green’s “Love & Happiness”

& many more crowd friendly classics. This was the first performance of the night where SEVERAL ladies campaigned in front of the stage. That says alot about Suave’s performance.

Big Hunna came in with a “Tear the Club Up” vibe that had the crowd in a frenzy. One fan even held a chair over their head! Hunna’s introduction of Lisa Lucky maintained the night’s high-energy flow, and she kept the crowd moving with her catchy anthem, “I Just Got a Check.”

Lil Tino was another standout—an all-around entertainer with presence, polish, and a full package of memorable songs, including a performance with “Ratchet Ass Bitch” that had the audience up and dancing. There were several ladies in front of the stage ‘bussin it open’ during Tino’s performance.

Big Hunna on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

Lil Tino on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Big Hunna Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Lil Tino Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

For the finale, Trippy Tribbitt brought out Anthony Q. The audience quickly gathered in front of the stage. While on stage, Trippy Tribbitt expressed his gratitude to the crowd and Anthony Q. They proceeded to perform “Sometimes,” igniting a frenzy.

Anthony Q introduced his R&B Soul Group “ASAP” comprised of Anthony Q himself, Soulful Skonnie and Prestige. Each of them had memorable sets, with Prestige serenading the crowd with Tyrese’s “Signs of Love Making,” and his song “Milkshake” had the audience grooving. The “VIP” song, in particular gave an easy-listening vibe.

Anthony Q delivered a powerful set, closing his solo performance with fire. “Lick Back” was definitely a fan favorite, and could be considered country meets soul music. Everyone knew “Fake Shit” word for word, and his latest single “Disloyal” is nearing the magnitude of “Fake Shit”. Anthony Q has a deep connection with the crowd. He’s really intimate with his fans, and resonates with many blue collar human beings all across the United States. His message is simple, be there for me like I’m there for you. Anthony is very candid in his catalog about life experiences, pitfalls, backstabbings, & heartbreak.

H Dot unofficially wrapped up the show with a fresh take on country rap, or “Countrap,” with his song “Ghetto,” & an impromptu performance of “Memphis Slide” leaving a lasting impression. As the show ended, I couldn’t help but feel that Anthony Q's appearance at “Stars & Strains: The Finale” had indeed raised the bar for live performances in Memphis. This concert series doesn’t wreak of mediocrity, repetition, and desn’t wreak of mediocrity, repetition, and didn’t get stale like many Showcases I attended over the years.

Soulful Skonie on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

H Dot (formerly known as Mac E) on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Soulful Skonie Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

H Dot (formerly known as Mac E) Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Anthony Q Performing at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)

In summary, "Stars & Strains" was an unforgettable night full of unforgettable moments, with each artist bringing their own flavor to the stage. For anyone who missed it, this concert marked a grand finale for 2024 that will be remembered by Memphis hip-hop and R&B fans for a long time.

-Brink Young

Anthony Q, Shanequa Foster, & Trippy Tribbitt on stage at Stars & Strains Concert

MEMPHIS,TN - NOVEMBER 2nd, 2024

Anthony Q, Shanequa Foster, & Trippy Tribbitt at Stars & Strains Concert Series at Timeless Event Center In Memphis, TN (Photo by Brink Young/BrinkTV Show)