TobyMac Fights the Elements on Hits Deep Tour 2019

by Annette Holloway

Award-winning music veteran and innovator TobyMac launched the Hits Deep Tour 2019 with 37 stops across the U.S. with Jeremy Camp, Jordan Feliz, Ryan Stevenson, We Are Messengers, and Aaron Cole. Hits Deep Tour was the highest grossing Christian tour of 2018, and with the release of his new album, The Elements, fans are filing in to check out the latest songs live.

At Ted Constan Convocation Center, Christian hip hop artist, Aaron Cole, opened the night in Norfolk, Virginia on February 17th with incredible energy. This “Virginia boy” is the only other artist featured on TobyMac’s new album.

Next, Ryan Stevenson’s music boldly addresses tough times, but always offers hope. While “No Matter What” still sits at the top of Billboard AC, I believe “Eye of the Storm” remains a fan favorite and was sung throughout the arena.

One of the highlights of the night was hearing We Are Messengers’ Darren Mulligan minister to those broken and hurting through his new song “Maybe It’s OK.” With the rise of bullying, suicide and depression, this song started a movement where people can share their struggles or leave a positive message anonymously at MaybeItsOK.com.

The energetic Jordan Feliz kept the crowd moving especially when he took the mic and testified with his new hit song, “Changed.” It had the feel of “Happy” by Pherrell Williams. The video for “Changed” already has nearly four million views on YouTube since it posted August 2018.

With an autobiographical-ish Erwin Brothers movie in the works, Christian music giant, Jeremy Camp, still has time to tour and added his hit songs “Christ In Me” and “Same Power.”

TobyMac’s production is nothing short of stunning and rivals most mainstream concerts. Starting with the new title track’s ominous piano intro, lights go out and the arena becomes a storm of lightning special effects, indoor snow, and more while TobyMac “battles” the proverbial elements that crush family and faith. But this song’s message assures us that victory comes when we turn to the Father for strength.

The concert’s energetic vibe doesn’t stop there. This 7X GRAMMY® winning music veteran sprints across the arena with giant banner in hand during “Til the Day I Die,” gets rowdy with ToddeFunk! during “Eye On It,” and dances in sync with the Diverse City Band to “I Just Need U.”

Involving the audience throughout, TobyMac shares lessons learned and encourages racial harmony while addressing current events. Keeping the younger fans engaged, he lies down on the catwalk several times to take pictures or video during the show, and ends with a massive confetti-filled celebration during “Feel It.”

After nearly 20 songs, the audience goes home with hearts full and spirits strengthened. Hits Deep is the perfect balance between soul-searching and celebration in the most spectacular way.

TobyMac’s Hits Deep Setlist:
The Elements / Lights Shine Bright / Backseat Driver / Everything / Scars / Speak Life / Lose My Soul / Made to Love / Hello Future / Til The Day I Die / Overflow / Me Without You / City on Our Knees / See The Light / Move (Keep Walkin’) / Eye On It / Love Broke Thru / I just need U. / Feel It