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Summer Smash 2024: 7 Most Memorable Performances Of The Weekend

June 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Summer Smash 2024 was an unforgettable weekend jam-packed with explosive performances and lively crowds. Fans got the opportunity to see some of the biggest acts in hip-hop right now and to be exposed to fresh up-and-coming artists. Needless to say, the festival made for some seriously unforgettable and even historic sets. Check out some of our favorites down below.

Chief Keef

Chief Keef’s set needs little to no explanation. It was the first time he performed in his hometown of Chicago in over a decade, and as a result, there was a great deal of hype leading up to the show. Throughout the entire weekend, it felt as though one couldn’t make it 15 minutes without hearing a Chief Keef song, so the bar was certainly set high. The hitmaker managed to strike a solid balance of fresh material and old hits, keeping attendees of all generations more than entertained. His stage presence and energy were infectious, making it one of the most exciting and memorable sets of the fest. It also featured guest appearances from G Herbo, Chief Keef’s eldest daughter, and more.

Flo Milli

Flo Milli at Summer Smash this weekend pic.twitter.com/m5K5A0fdxr

— FloMilliAccess (@FloMilli_Access) June 17, 2024

It’s no secret that Flo Milli has found a great deal of success with her viral hits over the past couple of years, earning herself a fiercely loyal fanbase. Regardless, her set felt like one of the most intimate of the entire weekend. Early on, the femcee started to mingle with the crowd, taking photos, signing autographs, and more. Her fun and energetic stage presence was also unmatched, and she managed to seamlessly breeze through old and new material without losing any steam. As one of the few female artists on the lineup, she clearly had big shoes to fill. Fortunately, she did so without missing a beat.

Ken Carson

Ken Carson managed to rally a strong crowd at Summer Smash, and he definitely didn’t disappoint. The Atlanta-born artist performed some of his biggest hits, sprinkled in a fair amount of new material, and did so with some serious energy. His memorable stage presence was only compounded by his audience’s dedication, making for a fun and impressive set.

Bktherula

Bktherula’s performance on day one of Summer Smash was nothing short of impressive. Her stage presence was explosive, and within minutes, she had the entire crowd wrapped around her finger. The Atlanta-born artist delivered banger after banger, putting both her rapping and singing skills on full display. Attendees certainly didn’t fail to match her energy, making for one of the most fun sets of the weekend.

Lucki

Lucki took the stage on the final day of Summer Smash 2024, and was quickly greeted by a great deal of hometown love. His command of the crowd was a sight to be seen as he rolled through hit after hit. He opened with a couple of tracks from Flawless Like Me, and the moshing was immediate. As he moved through his discography, neither him or the crowd lost any steam. This made for one of the most lively shows of the weekend.

Cactus Jack

Cactus Jack headlined the first day of Summer Smash 2024 and set the tone for the entire weekend with their electric performance. SoFaygo kicked things off, followed by Sheck Wes, Don Toliver, and finally Travis Scott. Having such an impressive lineup of artists grace the stage back-to-back made for an amped crowd, and each of them surely did their part to keep everyone engaged. Again, they managed to seamlessly weave in both old and new material throughout the set, and fittingly closed the show with a fireworks display.

Playboi Carti

Playboi Carti drew a feral crowd at Summer Smash 2024, and understandably so. The hitmaker’s energy was on ten throughout the entire set, and his audience certainly didn’t disappoint. He premiered unreleased music, brought out the rest of his Opium crew, and more. This was perhaps the most lively performance of the whole festival and was only made more memorable by onstage theatrics, pyrotechnics, and more.

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Chief Keef’s Explosive Summer Smash Performance Was The Homecoming Fans Were Begging For: Review

June 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Tensions were high on the third day of Summer Smash 2024. Ahead of sets from the likes of Waka Flocka Flame, Ken Carson, and, of course, Chief Keef himself, the festival had to be evacuated due to “high winds.” This left eager attendees concerned, angry, and confused — factors perhaps exacerbated by intense heat, a myriad of whichever substances may have allegedly snuck their way in past lovely venue security staff, and a heavy police presence. The looming threat of the whole fest getting shut down for good only made matters more serious for those who had waited all weekend for Chief Keef’s set. Luckily, the gates reopened after roughly an hour of crowds lingering just outside the festival grounds. As fans rushed to reclaim their spots, assess the now-reconfigured lineup, and get back to the action, a collective sense of relief swept the festival grounds.

In just minutes, performances had resumed. Most seemed to have been re-energized by the impromptu intermission, as well as the much-needed temperature drop caused by a brief downpour. Due to the evacuation, each artist’s set had to be pushed back, meaning there were shorter breaks between them. Now-back-to-back performances left little to no opportunity for a lull in the crowd’s energy. However, as the clock struck 9 p.m., Chief Keef was nowhere in sight. After a few minutes, people became antsy, rubber-necking the stage as mumblings of what was taking so long moved through the sea of people. Unfortunately, this would continue for quite some time. Sosa didn’t make it onto the stage until over half an hour after he was scheduled to begin.

Chief Keef Performs In Chicago For The First Time In Over A Decade

Once he finally did make his entrance, he was welcomed by a greeting best described as thunderous. Fans knew they were witnessing history in the making, and after a day plagued by uncertainty, they were grateful that the most eagerly anticipated moment of the weekend was finally underway. This was the first time the drill pioneer performed in his hometown of Chicago in over a decade. It felt like the peak of the tremendous hometown pride on display all weekend. He opened with the intro from his latest release, Almighty So 2, and the crowd went wild. “I’m back motherf*cker,” he declared, marking the start of something no less than explosive.

Chief Keef rolled right into “Treat Myself,” another fan-favorite from his new album, before diving into some older material. This is when things became truly electric. He moved through cuts like “B*tch Where,” “Kay Kay,” and more in a celebration of the decade-plus-long discography that brought him to the top. He even brought out fellow Chicago MC G Herbo for a performance of “Who Run It,” his eldest daughter, and more.

Sosa Comes Home

Chief Keef Returns To Chicago For Summer Smash 2024: Review — Chief Keef performs during the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash Festival at SeatGeek Stadium on June 16, 2024 in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)

Chief Keef took a momentary pause before crashing into “Faneto,” and for obvious reasons, the crowd lit up. This was the first time ever that Chicago fans saw a live rendition of the hit. It was followed by even more classics before the show ended with a fireworks display. Attendees were amped as ever after songs like “Love Sosa” and “I Don’t Like.” Then, the show was cut off. It seemed as though things ended sooner than anyone involved would have liked. It left no time for other major hits, though this was clearly out of Chief Keef’s control. Unfortunately, it managed to dull the shine of the finale and led to some confusion onstage.

This confusion wasn’t exclusive to the finale either, as it was prevalent at other points in the show. For instance, while the crowd swelled with excitement during the intro to “Love Sosa,” Rara ran out to give fans a live version of his infamous rant. In a bizarre turn of events, he was promptly thrown to the ground by security and escorted off the stage. The worrisome mix-up took away from the powerful moment and left some questioning if it could have been avoided. Overall, the performance left little to be desired. Chief Keef and his crew’s energy was on ten, and his historic return certainly lived up to fans’ high expectations.

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Lil Durk Says The “Number One Goal” Is To Stop Violent Crime In Chicago

June 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Durk wants to put an end to violent crime in his hometown of Chicago and discussed the difficulties in doing so during a recent appearance on The Big Facts Podcast. He explained that it’s about slowing down the violence as much as possible and praised Chance The Rapper for the action he’s taken in helping out the city.

“That’s the number one goal, to stop it,” Durk began. “But, the number one priority for us in the streets and politician-wise, is to stop the violence and slow it down as much as possible. It starts with everybody just coming together. But, like I said, it’s hard because you probably got him other here thinking he that, but his young n****s don’t even respect him. So, even if he be like, ‘Come on. Let’s come together.’ They’d look at him like, ‘Get the f*ck on.’”

Lil Durk Performs At Lollapalooza In Chicago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 30: Lil Durk performs during Lollapalooza at Grant Park on July 30, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic)

When one of the hosts brought up Chance the Rapper placing an emphasis on increasing funding to the education system, Durk remarked: “All that helps. It doesn’t matter who is saying it or who is doing it, it all helps. So, by him doing that, it helps a portion of it. Now you got to fix this portion, fix that portion of the city. And, they got different people for it.” Check out his full comments on the topic below.

Lil Durk Speaks On Violent Crime In Chicago

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It’s far from the first time Durk has spoken out on violence in the city of Chicago. He previously downplayed Donald Trump’s concerns about gun violence in the city while speaking with Ari Melber for an interview on MSNBC. Be on the lookout for further updates on Lil Durk on HotNewHipHop.

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Joel Q & Brittney Carter Pay Homage To “Nosetalgia” On “Top 5”

May 24, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The general consensus once Drake and Kendrick Lamar began trading bars was that lyricism is alive and well. However, that’s always been the case. Chicago’s own Joel Q has been one of the many proponents keeping lyricism intact and clearly, it’s been working out for him. After releasing a series of projects over the past few years, including Trophy Room II and Love, My N***a 2, he’s kept his foot on the gas with plenty of bangers since the top of 2024.

While Joel Q often focuses on uplifting his community and spreading positivity, the moments where he pulls up to pop his sh*t showcase just how potent his pen is. This week, the rapper teamed up with close collaborator Brittney Carter (who delivered an excellent verse during her On The Radar freestyle last year) for their latest collab, “Top 5.” The two MCs bring the heat as they make a strong case as to why they’re some of the best to step to the mic. Joel Q kicks things off with a fiery verse, filled with clever punchlines like “Catch your girl look at me like Woo, had me feelin’ like I’m Pop Smoke.”

Joel Q & Brittney Carter Make A Strong Case Why They’re “Top 5”

Following a spree of bars, Joel Q hands the mic over to Brittney Carter who delivers a memorable closer. Carter comes through swinging, with bars that are equally inspiring while simultaneously sonning her competitors through a mildly melodic flow. “I think my purpose on these tracks is show you lil’ n***as you can,” she raps with vigor. The two have previously worked together on songs like “Head High” but “Top 5” is truly a testament to the type of talent coming out of Chicago right now.

The music video for the new collaboration also pays homage to Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar’s classic “Nosetalgia.” With a minimalistic black-and-white video, Joel and Brittney Carter step through the streets of Chicago as they deliver their verses. Hopefully, we get more of this from the two coming soon. Joel Q already announced that he has a new project on the way so it seems like this is setting the tone for what he has in store this year.

Quotable Lyrics
All that scammin’, you ain’t bossed up yet
N***as rather look rich than really be in position
That mental need studying
I know that the pictures that I paint make colors
That’ll have my daughter color in the back seat Cullinan

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50 Cent Speaks Out On Chicago Gun Violence: “This Gotta Stop”

May 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

50 Cent spoke out against gun violence in the city of Chicago with a post on Instagram, on Monday, while sharing a report that six people were fatally shot over the weekend. In the caption, he added: “Come on now, this gotta stop, this ain’t gangster, this is just crazy.” ABC7 Chicago reports that the number of deaths has since risen to seven.

“Imagine what 47 billion dollars could do in a place like Chicago instead of sending to Ukraine,” one user wrote in the comments. Another called out 50 directly: “Decades of Hip Hop music glorifying this activity has consequences. You influenced an entire generation to act this way and make it seem ‘cool.’” One fan tried a more productive approach: “Bro it would be Powerful to have you join in on helping us stop this violence in Chicago. I work for the Institute For Nonviolence Chicago as the Austin Outreach Supervisor. We know a lot of these young men will be willing to listen to you.”

50 Cent Performs In Chicago

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: Rapper 50 Cent performs on stage during “The Final Lap” tour at the United Center on September 16, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Natasha Moustache/Getty Images)

Lil Durk previously addressed the concerns about gun violence in his hometown during an interview on MSNBC in November. After former President Donald Trump commented on the situation during a speech, Durk argued that there’s “violence everywhere” and people single out Chicago to fit a narrative. “I really don’t pay it no mind, ’cause there’s violence everywhere,” Durk stated at the time. “Every city had their moment with the [murder] rates. If you look up right now who got the [highest murder rate] right now, I betcha it ain’t Chicago. That’s why I really don’t comment on it, because every city will have its day [with the murder rates].”

50 Cent Speaks On Gun Violence

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Check out 50’s post about gun violence in Chicago above. Be on the lookout for further updates on 50 Cent on HotNewHipHop.

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Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat “Chicago” Official Photos Revealed

May 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Get ready for the Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat in the iconic “Chicago” colorway, perfect for football players looking to make a statement on the field. Featuring the classic red, white, and black color scheme, these cleats pay homage to the original Air Jordan 1 silhouette. The Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat offers the same upper as the popular Air Jordan 1 Mid, ensuring both style and performance for athletes. With its red leather overlays, white leather base, and black accents, the “Chicago” colorway exudes timeless style and versatility. Football players can channel the spirit of Michael Jordan’s legendary career with every step on the field.

As football season approaches, anticipation is building among athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike for the release of the Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat in the “Chicago” colorway. Whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Bulls or simply appreciate the iconic design of the Air Jordan 1, these cleats are sure to elevate your game. The Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat combines heritage-inspired style with modern performance features, making it a standout choice for football players of all levels. With its bold colorway and durable construction, these cleats are designed to withstand the rigors of the game while making a bold fashion statement on the field.

“Chicago” Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat

Image via Nike

The cleats feature thick studs, found in white, for maximum traction on the field. Next, the sneakers also feature a white leather base on the uppers, with Chicago red leather overlays. Also, a black Nike Swoosh is on the side, matching the black laces and sock liner. Finally, a white Jumpman is on the tongues.

More Photos

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Air Jordan 1 Mid TD Cleat “Chicago” will be released on May 18th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $150 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Image via Nike

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Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat “Chicago” Coming Soon: Official Photos

May 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat is set to make waves with its upcoming “Chicago” colorway, bringing the iconic red, white, and black color scheme to the football field. These cleats feature the same upper design as the Air Jordan 1 Low, known for its classic silhouette and timeless style. With its low-cut profile, the Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat offers a blend of agility and support, allowing football players to move freely on the field. The “Chicago” colorway pays homage to the original Air Jordan 1 design, which debuted in 1985 and quickly became a cultural icon.

These cleats are not only functional but also make a bold statement on the football field, showcasing the legacy of the Air Jordan brand. Designed for optimal performance, the Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat features thick cleats on the sole to provide traction and stability during quick cuts and accelerations. The durable construction ensures long-lasting wear, making these cleats a reliable choice for football players of all levels. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, the cleat offers the perfect combination of style and functionality for the gridiron.

“Chicago” Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat

Image via Nike

More Photos

Kicks on Fire reports that the Air Jordan 1 Low TD Cleat “Chicago” will be released on May 18th. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $140 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Image via Nike

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Drake & 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks” Cited In Chicago’s Lawsuit Against Glock

April 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The city of Chicago referenced both Drake and Lil Zay Osama in its 41-page complaint against gun manufacturer Glock. The lawsuit accuses the company of violating the Illinois Firearms Industry Responsibility Act by allowing their firearms to be altered into illegal machine guns. The law, which passed last year, allows gun manufacturers to be held accountable for public harm caused by action or inaction from their unsafe and unlawful sales and marketing practices.

The city mentions a cultural embedding of such firearms by referencing Drake and 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks.” In the song, 21 raps: “This Glock .45 came with a switch / If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick / Put your hands in the air, it’s a stick-up.”

Drake & 21 Savage Perform At Morehouse College

ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 19: 21 Savage and Drake Onstage During Wicked (Spelhouse Homecoming Concert) Featuring 21 Savage at Forbes Arena at Morehouse College on October 19, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“While Chicago has long struggled with an epidemic of gun violence, it is unquestionable that the ease of modification of Glocks and the resulting prevalence of Modified Glocks have made the situation worse,” the city said in its lawsuit. It also argues: “Glock also knows it could fix the problem, but has chosen not to, putting profits over public safety and violating the law.” The filing also claims that Chicago police recovered over 1,100 modified Glocks between 2021 and 2023. Chicago Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood said, according to the Washington Post: “We have been a punching bag nationally on violence. It’s important that people understand that we’re dealing with mass shootings at a level not seen anywhere else in the country.”

Drake & 21 Savage Reference Glocks On “Jimmy Cooks”

Revisit Drake and 21 Savage’s “Jimmy Cooks” collaboration above. Be on the lookout for further updates on the city of Chicago’s lawsuit against Glock on HotNewHipHop.

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Lil Durk Announces “Smurkchella” Concert To Stop Chicago Violence

April 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Durk is tired of the violence. The rapper has been one of the loudest when it comes to speaking out against the murder rate in Chicago, and now he’s taking steps to combat it. He took to his Instagram on April 10 to announce plans for a musical event he dubbed “Smurkchella.” The concept behind the event is to promote peace and positivity within the Windy City. Dirk also plans to use the proceeds from the event to give back to those in need.

The event may still be in its early stages, but Lil Durk is serious about bringing it to fruition. “I’ma do a Smurkchella next year at the bears stadium in Chicago,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s gone be a stop the violence event and we gone split half the money with different non profits from big to small. I need help I need every artist who locked in with me to help save these kids.” The rapper went on to clarify that he’ll be partnering with his own charity, the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, to ensure that everything is legitimate. “@neighborhoodheroesfoundation will help put it together,” he asserted. “Let’s go this my way of giving back without saying it to look cool.”

Lil Durk Will Organize The Event Through His Foundation

There’s no word yet on which artists will perform at “Smurkchella.” Lil Durk is currently seeking out rappers to come and perform, as evidenced by his official statement. The rapper has has never put together a concert, but he has organized several events with his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. In 2022, the foundation helped supply Chicago inmates and correctional facility workers with 29,000 of hand sanitizer to combat the COVID-19 crisis.

This is not the first time Durk has put his money where his mouth is. The “All My Life” rapper recently teamed with Amazon Music to launch the Durk Banks Endowment Fund. It was started to aid participants in the Durk-affiliated Chicago charities, Neighborhood Heroes HBCU College & Career Readiness Cohort Program, as they seek out higher education. Two participants were selected out of 20, and given $50K scholarships to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C. All things considered, Durk seems like the right man to get “Smurkchella” off the ground.

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WEMADE Honoree Brunch Celebrates Women’s Achievements

April 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Swank PR and Westside Cultural Alliance recently hosted the 2nd Annual WEMADE Honoree Brunch at The Garfield Park Conservatory, concluding Women’s History Month with a celebration of female excellence. Themed “EVOLVE,” the event spotlighted women who have excelled in their fields while embracing personal growth.

With over 100 guests in attendance, the serene ambiance of blooming flowers and pastel colors set the stage for the occasion. Special performances by Nina Taylor and China Shadae added to the festivities.

Honoring women from various industries, including Essence Magazine, Amazon, and SocialWorks, WEMADE recognized achievements in entrepreneurship and career longevity. Monica Brown of “The Camp” and Bridgette Flaggs of Soule’ Chicago received the “MADE Maven” Award for their contributions.

Live performances, sponsored products from black-owned brands like EVN Skincare and Pear Nova, and drinks from TOST Beverage added to the event’s vibrancy. The WEMADE Honoree Brunch not only celebrated women’s accomplishments but also highlighted the importance of supporting female empowerment and representation across diverse industries.