If there were any lingering doubts about Gunna’s standing in the hip-hop hierarchy following a tumultuous period of legal battles, he silenced them emphatically in his recent appearance at The Anthem. Bringing his Wun of Dem Nights Tour to a sold-out show in Washington, DC, the Atlanta rapper delivered a performance that felt less like a standard tour stop and more like a statement of vindication.
From the moment the curtain rose on Nov. 20, the production set a distinct tone. Departing from the fiery pyrotechnics typical of modern trap shows, Gunna’s stage was a constructed wasteland of jagged boulders and snowy peaks. Bathed in deep indigo lighting and dusted with artificial snow falling from the rafters, the venue was transformed into a cold, isolated world—a perfect visual metaphor for his recent introspective albums, a Gift & a Curse and One of Wun.
But while the stage was cold, the performance was anything but. Gunna was sizzling by the time he performed “HIM ALL ALONG,” which was recited word-for-word by the 6,000 fans in attendance.
Watch the official music video for “Him All Along” by Gunna on YouTube:
Musically, Gunna distinguished himself from many of his peers by largely eschewing heavy backing tracks. His vocals were crisp, melodic, and front-and-center, proving that his signature flow is a technical skill, not a studio trick. He navigated the setlist with precision, balancing the defiant vulnerability of tracks like “bread & butter” and “turned your back” with the high-octane energy of his “Drip Season” hits.
The evening’s energy reached a fever pitch during “fukumean.” The bass rattled the floorboards of the Wharf venue, turning the crowd into a singular, pulsating wave of motion. Yet, even in these chaotic moments, Gunna maintained a surprising intimacy, frequently stepping down to the lower stage tiers to bridge the gap between the superstar and the city.
“DC, y’all always show up for me,” he noted, acknowledging the loyalty of a fanbase that stuck by him when the industry narrative turned sour.
By the time he closed the set, the verdict was clear. Gunna didn’t need a parade of guest stars or gimmicks to hold the room. He stood on that icy stage alone, proving that he is, indeed, one of one.
Here are some photos of Gunna performing live at The Anthem on Nov. 20, 2025. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Tonya Caver.
