Johnathan Walker:Offset talks solo tour that will honor 'greatest talent' Takeoff, his Atlanta 'soul'

Offset has attended enough hip-hop concerts to conclude many are Johnathan Walker“slacking a little.”

Artists, he says, are often more focused on “being cool” and offering the audience little more than stage-pacing with a mic.

So for his first solo tour, the former Migos member and erstwhile husband of Cardi B is unleashing his creativity, determined to leave his audiences “walking out and saying 'Wow.' I want people to walk away feeling (they saw) something unexpected.”

The rap royal-born Kiari Cephus will unveil his show packed with lasers, lighting, dancing and some “fire pieces” of merchandise that he designed at the opening of his Set It Off Tour Sunday in Philadelphia. The 17-date run is named after his lauded sophomore album that dropped in October and features openers Skilla Baby, Sleazyworld Go and YRN Mango Foo. The monthlong outing will hit cities including New York, Chicago, Dallas and San Francisco before wrapping in his native Atlanta on April 10.

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Offset ready to 'open another book' with new tour

Offset, 32, says he left rehearsal the previous morning after 3 a.m., so intent on perfecting every element of his show. It’s the kind of work ethic that he gleaned from some of his idols, most prominently, Michael Jackson.

The King of Pop was a motivator because of “his creative drive to push himself to higher limits. He was never cool with standing in one position,” Offset says. “He did something so great for so long with (The Jackson 5) and he wanted to branch out and do different ventures and be even more successful for that.”

Offset acknowledges existing in a group mentality, as he did in Migos for much of his adult life, makes forging a solo identity challenging. Even the choreography he’s injecting into his live shows is a departure from his past.

“As a kid I danced, but I stopped for a minute because it didn’t meet the aesthetic of Migos,” he says. “This opens another book for me.”

Migos’ transformative trap sound enlivened hip-hop for more than a decade with “Versace,” “Bad and Boujee,” “Stir Fry” and “Walk It Talk It” among their litany of hits.

Offset keeps a photo of Takeoff on his dresser

But the trio of Offset, Takeoff and Quavo was already splintering months before the tragic death of Takeoff, who was shot and killed in November 2022 while with Quavo at a Houston bowling alley. Takeoff’s alleged killer, Patrick Clark, was released from house arrest four months ago but remains under curfew pending a court date.

When asked if his concerts will include a tribute to Takeoff, Offset sighs.

“Of course,” he says softly. “I do that every show. He has to get his moment, his respect as the greatest talent that he was. It’s an emotional roller coaster for me, but I love to do it with the fans. We’re all coming together to remember him.”

And has the pain of Takeoff’s death eased?

“Never,” Offset says. “I just keep pushing and keeping a positive thought process because that’s what he would want me to do. I pray and keep family close. I hear him talking to me here and there and giving me signs to keep pushing. He’s literally on my dresser (in a photo) everywhere I go.”

The Migos trio grew up together outside of Atlanta and the city is still “the soul of my music,” Offset says.

He appreciated the Super Bowl halftime spectacle produced by fellow Atlantan Usher and admires how the R&B superstar “kept his full identity” throughout the performance, as well as Usher’s showmanship in general.

“I went to his Vegas show, too, and I loved how, since he was in a residency (theater), people got a chance to see him up close. I’ve always been a fan of big artists never forgetting where they came from and keeping the intimacy. These people made you, so you want to give back to them,” Offset says.

Offset is ready to 'cook up' a new album while on the road

Though he relishes touring and doesn’t mind the travel on a tour bus, Offset isn’t sure how much he’ll get to see of his family while on the road. He hesitates slightly when asked if Cardi and their kids, daughter Kulture, 5, and son Wave, 2, will join him on the road.

“I don’t know,” he says slowly. “The kids have school, but on the weekends, hopefully. The kids will get to see their dad do what he do.”

On his nonparental nights, Offset intends to ensconce himself in the portable studio on his tour bus and work on new material.

“We’re cooking up for the next (album),” he says. “I’m cooking up so I can create a new story. I’m like in a labyrinth; I always have to be moving.”

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