Better known as a member of MONSTA X, I.M is no stranger when it comes to mesmerizing the city of Los Angeles when he’s with his K-pop group. But, the talented lead rapper of MONSTA X has been on a war path to further make a name for himself throughout the release of his latest EP, Off The Beat, and completely succeeded during night 1 of his Los Angeles stay at The Wiltern for his 2024 Off The Beat world tour.
I’ll be quite transparent: I’ve never seen MONSTA X perform live, so catching an I.M show was my first taste of the raw energy from a single member, which has completely set my expectations for the inevitable MONSTA X comeback where I’ll finally catch my favorite K-pop group. Let’s just say I.M strolled onto the stage and claimed The Wiltern for himself. But, that’s getting a little ahead of ourselves.
I arrived at The Wiltern quite early as usual to secure a parking spot and to gauge the atmosphere around the glorious Los Angeles theater and see firsthand the aura that seems to follow fellow MONBEBE. What I felt was amazing is just how into Korean performances the surrounding area seems to celebrate with various photo ops, cup sleeve events, and just general friend-building activities and a chance to engage with other members of the fanbase, creating more long-lasting memories.
After my quick exploration around the city area, I found my spot in line and could feel the excitement coming off fellow concertgoers. An infectious feeling that was created thanks to their love of I.M and the sensational music he releases into the world. During night 1 of I.M’s Off The Beat world tour, I would also experience firsthand what it felt like truly becoming one with a community as I finally received my very first freebies. Not that freebies are necessary. But, whenever I’m at a K-pop show I always seem to get passed over. So to feel the love from fellow MONBEBE set the tone for my exceptional night to come.
6 PM would quickly come and not too long after VIP ticket holders would be ushered into the theater which only continued to build my excitement knowing it was almost show time. Just as quickly we general ticket holders would finally find ourselves quickly walking through security as well, scanning our tickets, and heading into the theater’s performance room.
It didn’t take too long for 8 PM to show itself and I.M’s exceptional “ultimate” backing band would take the stage and begin bringing the roof down in their own way, quickly becoming one of the BEST live bands I have had the pleasure of seeing perform. Seriously, I’m going to need I.M to re-record his entire solo catalogue but with his Off The Beat live band creating a more aggressive fire that could only strengthen his already phenomenal vocal delivery.
The legend himself, I.M would quickly take the stage after a few minutes to a wall of cheers, clapping, and whistling bringing forth the biggest smile as I’m sure he could feel the massive bubble of love the crowd was sending his way. I.M would quickly jump through “Burn,” “More,” and “Nbdy” before getting to my first favorite song of the night which would be “OVERDRIVE.”
I.M’s performance of “OVERDRIVE” with the full-force attack from his live band was absolutely amazing and quickly got the adrenaline going. His dance moves throughout were fluid, his smiles continued to be infectious, and just the overall tone of his live performance was something I had not experienced before.
I guess it’s safe to assume I was not ready at all for just how good I.M is within the live performance space. The production of the 2024 Off The Beat world tour was also visually pleasing as the large video screen doubled as a dynamic viewing screen featuring closeups of I.M as he performed and not just your typical static video drop. His live team did an amazing job putting everything together, creating a larger-than-life playground for I.M to play in.
Throughout the live show, I.M would go through a variety of wardrobe changes as he continued to power through songs like “XO,” “LURE,” and “Blame” to name just a few more of the songs I.M had selected for his world tour as he brought almost his entire solo catalog to life. Quick bursts of energy and dancing throughout The Wiltern would continue as the lights would bounce throughout the theater and I.M’s shadow would playfully dance across the walls.
One thing is for certain, I.M loves his fans as throughout his set he would constantly remind the crowd just how much he loved them as well as asking if the crowd loved him in return which constantly got the crowd fired up and moving around even more. One of my favorite parts of the night was towards the end of the show when I.M would shout, “I fucking love you.”
Of course, however, he’s not against being playful as well as he would toy with the crowd constantly flashing his smile and stating that the audience was “so cute” as they sang along at the top of their lungs. As well as giving the crowd their own unique “waterbomb” performance by throwing the water out of his bottle across the crowd.
Fortunately, however, the only negative I have to say about my entire night 1 of I.M’s 2024 Off The Beat world tour is that it had to come to an end. I wanted the high-energy dance party to continue throughout the night but I.M’s 20-song setlist would go by in a flash and before I knew it we would take the crowd photo as I.M would hold up 2 different flags and burst right into “Happy to Die” and “Dumb.”
After the double encore performance, I.M would promise to return and continue to party for just a little while longer with his backing band before the night would officially come to an end and I would embark on the long drive home through the crowded Los Angeles streets.
I.M’s performance at The Wiltern truly set this K-pop star in his own league as I now more than ever need to experience his high-energy antics alongside other MONSTA X members, hopefully sometime in the not so far future. As far as I.M’s 2024 Off The Beat world tour is concerned, this was probably the best K-pop-related live show I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
Everything from the welcoming aura of fellow MONBEBE, the excitement around The Wiltern, and I.M’s incredible vocal delivery, stage presence, vignettes, and crowd interaction was pure top-notch and truly created a memory I will not so quickly forget.
So, if you get a chance to catch one of I.M’s upcoming Off The Beat world tour performances, do not hesitate to pick up a ticket and bring a friend.
