Exploring The Internet with BBNO$ in Charlotte

Hatsune Miku cosplays, playful meme-styled safety warnings, and graphics inspired by early Windows computers are all just a sliver of the sights seen at a bbno$ show.

Canadian rapper, singer, and songwriter bbno$ is widely known for his unique online presence, consisting of elaborate cosplays and producing TikTok trending sounds. His songs feature catchy, humorous lyrics and highly danceable beats. With a genre-blending style and playful persona, he has garnered over nine million followers on TikTok. His rise to fame online creates the perfect context for his virtual-themed tour. His live shows feel as though you plucked this internet culture phenomenon off the screen and dropped him on stage, and this sold-out show in Charlotte, NC, was no exception.

The night started with a self-proclaimed “love crusader” and dance-pop artist, Jungle Bobby. Wearing an eccentric layering of organza and holographic pants, Jungle Bobby brought both whimsy and high energy. He often had the crowd repeat the chant “I’m safe at a bbno$ show”, establishing that the mood for the night was to prioritize fun, happiness, and safety.

Then the lights dim and the crowd roars as bbno$ jumps onto the stage and, without missing a beat, he opens the show with “bag TF up” from his latest self-titled album. The spirit of the show was exhilarating. Lasers mixed with fast-paced lyrics, visuals on screen, and bass-heavy beat drops turned this old textile mill venue into an EDM concert. It even featured a live video feed during portions of the show. Bbno$ seamlessly worked in crowd interactions, funny story times, and he even accepted a custom Labubu from a fan in the audience. Even when he performed a slower-paced song like “diamonds are forever” or “meant to be” it was paired along with viral songs like “it boy” which honored his hybrid style. Midway through the show, there was a guided meditation section where calming music played while silly and psychedelic images were on the screen. If anything, a night on the Internet Explorer Tour is one of authenticity and lightheartedness.

From the barricade to the back walls of this 2,000 max capacity venue, fans could be seen dancing and screaming lyrics at the top of their lungs. The general vibe of a bbno$ concert is a place to be yourself, have fun, and dance. If you’re looking to take a peek into modern-day internet culture and let loose for a while, be sure to catch a show in a city near you!