Miguel Joins Wale for Live 'Lotus Flower Bomb' Performance at Blue Note
The surprise collaboration marked the 15th anniversary of the song, which previously topped the R&B charts for five weeks.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
Miguel joined Wale on stage at Blue Note Los Angeles on October 17 to perform their 2011 single "Lotus Flower Bomb." The appearance took place during the first night of Wale's two-night residency at the venue. The setlist featured the collaboration as a surprise moment for the audience.
The performance occurred days after the 15th anniversary of the track's original release on October 11, 2011. Wale was touring in support of his 2025 album, everything is a lot., when Miguel arrived to sing the song live with him. The jazz club setting provided an intimate environment for the artists to recreate the hit.
"Lotus Flower Bomb" served as the lead single from Wale's sophomore album, Ambition. The song paired Wale's rap delivery with Miguel's vocals. It reached No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the No. 1 position on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for five weeks. The recording received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Song in 2013.
The two artists have performed the song together only a few times in the past decade. Previous live appearances included a 2012 segment on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and a 2015 show at the Landmark Music Festival in Washington, D.C. The Blue Note performance added another entry to their limited shared stage history.
The reunion highlighted the enduring popularity of the track among R&B and hip-hop fans. The song remains a staple in the catalogs of both musicians. The live rendition at Blue Note Los Angeles offered a rare opportunity to hear the full collaboration outside of a studio setting.
Wale's engagement at the venue is part of his ongoing promotional activities for his most recent record. The October 17 show was one of two consecutive nights he performed at the club. Miguel's presence added a specific focus on their early 2010s work during the set.
The song continues to chart in retrospective lists of influential R&B and hip-hop collaborations from the 2010s. Its chart performance in 2011 established it as a major commercial success for both artists. The live performance at Blue Note Los Angeles served as a commemorative moment for the 15th anniversary of the release.
