Premo Rice recently brought undeniable energy to his hometown venue, closing out The Sucka Free Tour with a vibrant performance at the historic Howard Theatre. Chris Castillo was there to photograph the show!
ChatGPT produced this article to accompany original photographs by Chris Castillo.
From the moment Premo Rice stepped on stage on July 27, the packed crowd — mostly local DMV fans — was on their feet and ready for what turned out to be an unforgettable night.
Opening with fan favorites from his recent release, Premo Rice flexed his unique blend of funk, soul, and hip‑hop. His verses rolled smoothly over bass-heavy production, launching into tracks like “Silk Shit” and “Church Is On The Move,” which resonated deeply with the audience who sang along from the first bar.
Watch the official music video for “Silk Shit” by Premo Rice on YouTube:
What made the show stand out wasn’t just the music — it was his stage presence. He took moments between songs to engage with the crowd, trading heartfelt shout‑outs to P‑G County and weaving stories of creating songs within his Maryland roots. The intimate layout of the Howard Theatre (with just over 1,200 seats) allowed for close interaction, turning the performance into more than just a show, but a shared experience.
The lighting and sound design elevated the experience. When the stage pulsed with mellow funk grooves, colored spotlights added a warm glow; during up-tempo anthems, the house lights lowered, amplifying the energy. Premo Rice’s live band — tight rhythm section, keys, and occasional horn touches — gave a fuller, richer version of the studio recordings that kept fans hooked.
He closed out the night with a powerful encore: “Money Dance” paired with “Right Wriss Pt. 2,” sending the crowd into ecstatic applause. Many left buzzing — not just from the songs, but from the community vibe and pride that Premo Rice instilled in his homecoming set.
Visit Live Forever Records online for more Premo Rice!
Here are some photos of Premo Rice performing live at the Howard Theatre on July 27, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Chris Castillo.
