This previous weekend, Chicago vibrated with the beats of Hip-Hop legends as Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer season Smash took heart stage at SeatGeek Stadium. From June 14th to sixteenth, the Windy Metropolis grew to become the middle of the music world, internet hosting a three-day pageant that showcased a few of hip-hop’s most iconic names, together with Chief Keef, Playboi Carti and Cactus Jack, in addition to promising newcomers.
Hosted by artistic powerhouse Lyrical Lemonade in collaboration with manufacturing firm SPKRBX, this yr’s pageant featured big-name and acquainted headliners. Performers included Cactus Jack—a collective comprising Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, Sofaygo and DJ Chase B, named after Scott’s document label. Additionally gracing the stage over the weekend included Playboi Carti and Chief Keef. The latter of the 2, Keef, is Chicago’s iconic drill pioneer returning to his hometown stage after a 12-year absence. Different performers all through the weekend included Huge Sean, Flo Milli, Waka Flocka Flame, Mick Jenkins, Lil Yachty, and extra.
Friday night time’s power was unbelievable, with EBONY getting an opportunity to talk with Flo Milli after her efficiency. The “By no means Lose Me” singer was stuffed with high-energy and good vibes after her set. We requested her what sort of recommendation she would give to EBONY readers who’re impressed by her journey. “Keep true to your self, no matter you are feeling captivated with, persist with that and no matter you wish to do, it is your determination,” Flo Milli stated. “Keep on with what you wish to do since you solely reside as soon as. Keep targeted and do not hand over in your goals. Maintain a great circle of individuals round you. Take note of how your physique feels!”
Later all through the night time, festival-goers made their solution to the principle stage to witness Travis Scott carry out alongside his Cactus Jack crew who was headlining the night time. “I am nothing with out Sheck Wes… Don Toliver… Sofaygo,” Scott stated on stage through the set. “I’m nothing with out Chase B. “With out them, there isn’t any me. With out y’all followers, there isn’t any me. I like y’all so motherf***ing a lot. We have been occupied with doing a JACKBOYS 2,” he teased. Travis Scott’s high-energy set on Friday night time set the tone for the weekend, leaving followers wanting extra and excited for day two of the pageant.
Moreover, Saturday’s performances had been significantly noteworthy, that includes Kodak Black’s daring stage presence, Bia’s unapologetic supply, and Ski Masks the Hunch God’s crowd-igniting efficiency. And naturally, Playboi Carti delivered a memorable efficiency to shut the night time. As well as, Carti even introduced out some members of his Opium crew, which included Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely. What shocked followers much more was that he debuted two unreleased tracks throughout this set. Followers had been thrilled, to say the least.
EBONY had an opportunity to talk to Bia on Saturday after her efficiency. Bia has been making headlines not too long ago concerning her beef with Cardi B, and the diss monitor “SUE MEEE?” which accuses Cardi of dishonest on Offset. Nevertheless, whereas maintaining the interview questions obscure, EBONY requested how she’s been coping with the criticism and what message she would give to haters. “F**ok that b**ch,” she replied. “I don’t actually dwell on my haters trigger I really feel like I’m a optimistic particular person. I’m actually actually so optimistic, I’m having such a good time with my life so I actually attempt to not let outer interferences mess up my temper. Trigger I’m so grateful to be right here … I don’t let that stuff hassle my frequency.” Bia gave the impression to be in excessive spirits after her set.
Final however not least, Sunday was a memorable day and marked the tip of the three-day pageant. Regardless of encountering a couple of challenges earlier within the day, akin to a climate alert for prime winds and a quick evacuation because of rain, the present resumed as soon as situations improved. Furthermore, followers had been over the moon to witness Chief Keef’s return to Chicago. Keef, a hometown hero and South Facet legend, was slated to take the stage and shut the pageant after a decade-long hiatus from performing in his native metropolis. His closing efficiency on Sunday night time was an enormous second for followers who’ve been ready for his comeback. Joined by fellow Chicago native G Herbo, Chief Keef delivered an unforgettable set, performing classics like “Faneto,” “Love Sosa,” and “Do not Like.” The set was nostalgic and served as the proper return for Chief Keef. He additionally introduced out his daughter on stage, which was a heartfelt second, too.
Forward of Chief Keef’s efficiency, EBONY had the chance to talk with Atlanta’s Waka Flocka – who took the stage simply hours earlier than Keef. Through the interview, Waka Flocka mentioned what he’s been as much as currently outdoors of music. “I’ve been elevating my thoughts,” he stated confidently. “Studying books. Elevating the thoughts is the way you develop.” He carried out a few of his most well-known songs together with “No Palms,” “Arduous In Da Paint,” “Spherical of Applause” and “O Let’s Do It.” He additionally revealed to EBONY that his newer music has been extra versatile than simply hip-hop and he’s not “boxing [himself] in” to any particular style proper now.
Past the headliners, Summer season Smash showcased a various lineup of rising and established artists all through the weekend. Each artist that graced the stage introduced their very own distinctive model to the occasion. EBONY spoke with rising rapper Anycia about her efficiency after she bought off stage and the power she felt from the group. “It was a vibe, it was actually actually intimate,” she stated of her efficiency. The “Again Outdoors,” raptress was excited to attach along with her followers, and expressed that she has extra to come back this yr. “I’m an open e-book proper now and having fun with my area. I been working my a** off. I’ve extra reveals, extra music to drop, and quite a lot of issues I’m wanting ahead to this summer time.”
At its coronary heart, Summer season Smash was a celebration of neighborhood and tradition, paying homage to Chicago’s wealthy musical heritage whereas embracing the style’s evolving panorama. The pageant not solely offered a platform for artists to showcase their skills but additionally fostered a way of unity and pleasure amongst attendees, a lot of whom hailed from Chicago and past.
As Chief Keef closed out the pageant with a heartfelt efficiency, it marked not solely the tip of a spectacular weekend but additionally a reaffirmation of Hip-Hop’s impression. Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer season Smash 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone occasion within the Hip-Hop calendar.
Till subsequent yr, Chicago’s Summer season Smash leaves a memorable mark on town and the hearts of all who had been lucky sufficient to be a part of this unforgettable expertise.
