A dense fog covered Inglewood, Calif., as fans made their way through a maze of overfilled parking lots and hot dog vendors to the YouTube Theater for the Los Angeles stop of Gunna’s World Wun Tour.
The global trek, which kicked off in Boston last month, stands as the 4x Grammy-nominated rapper’s first major tour since his 2022 release from jail in the landmark RICO case against Young Thug and multiple alleged YSL affiliates. The historic trial also resulted in the steady deterioration of Gunna’s relationship with his closest Atlanta peers, Thugger and Lil Baby, forcing the 32-year-old to prove his own merit.
In August, Gunna reportedly released The Last Wunhis final project under the YSL label, and his third release since the fallout. A 25-track fanfare of Turbo production and features from Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Offsetscore Gunna’s cinematic universe of sexcapades with bad bi**hes, coveted luxury pieces, and quests for self-preservation.
Desmond K Ye Photography
Gunna, born Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, took the album on the road and orchestrated the World Wun Tour to pay homage to the many eras of his career. As he stood before a sold-out crowd in Los Angeles earlier this month (Dec. , the immersive staging directly transported them lto the center of Gunna’s world.
Animated ravens with glowing eyes peered into the venue from glossy, leafless branches on a digital background. A separate image depicted lush, dark greenery with scattered dirt and skulls. Rocks and boulders added to the stage production, anchored by an arch with hieroglyphic text added for extra detail.
The College Park, Ga. native confidently shone under the blue and white stage light to open the show. Wearing an industrial-style grey denim jacket over a metallic top that mirrored chainmail. Gunna’s armour had visibly endured a few battles, with his distressed clothing symbolizing his past, as his attire represented his ability to stay solid and remain intact through it all. He rocked a clean loc retwist with glowing skin and flaunted his athletic physique while performing shirtless, all of which are testaments to Gunna’s dedication to his well-being.
Christopher Polk
“What the f**k is up, Los Angeles!” he bellowed to his audience of day ones.
As the show progressed, the lack of live instruments or modified song arrangements resulted in a monotonous stream of Gunna’s deep cuts and biggest hits, though the sold-out crowd was far from disappointed. Songs from his most recent release, “wgft” and “sakpase,” started the party while catalog staples like “DOLLAZ ON MY HEAD” and “pushin P” reminded listeners of Gunna’s collaborative come-up. Notably and understandably, the performance skipped the featured verses on each track.
For nearly two hours, people danced, sang, rapped, and smiled in awe as panties were occasionally thrown during a sensual section of the show dedicated to the ladies. Surprise pop-ups from fellow rapper Nechie for “i can’t feel my face” and Wiz Khalifa for “5 Star” added to the entertainment, with the Pittsburgh rapper delivering his hit record “See You Again” in a somber moment felt by all.
Christopher Polk
The full show provided space to turn up, moments for manifestation, and honest reflection shared from Gunna on stage to the patrons in the balcony’s last row. He wound down closed with “Made For This Sh*t,” a rallying cry of resilience, authenticity, and determination to maintain his success.
As he stood in the spotlight, Gunna commanded the audience with crisp, live vocals and rapability, with an undeniable charm that established an authentic connection. Throughout the night, he stood in his own power as one of modern Hip-Hop’s solo stars.
Don’t play with his name.
