Vic Mensa’s intimate show at The Vic Theater
Vic Mensa has grown not only in age before our eyes but also in character. Mensa fans witnessed his coloring, playful attitude in Kids These Days to his more critical thinking side in There’s Alot Going On. Mensa definitely has a lot going on.
We caught Mensa at The Vic Theater as he makes his move through his There’s A lot going On tour. Mensa will soon join Justin Bieber on a Europe tour. The Southside rapper is rooted in Chicago which made his show a bit more personal.
We caught Mensa’s incredible performance at Lollapalooza were he used riot police guards to help him magnify the messages in "There’s Alot Going On". Mensa brought the same riot police at The Vic to enhance his bold statements. This was clear with his performance of 16 Shots. Dedicated to Laquan McDonald, 16 Shots depicted McDonald’s senseless killing from the hands of the Chicago Police Department. Mensa brought his to life showcasing an otherwise not talked about issue.
Mensa with an arsenal of support of talented rap peers to choose from, Mensa brought out rising star Joey Purp. Purp joined Mensa in their joint record 773. Another Chicago favorite Purp was met with roars of applause.
Mensa brought it back with his record Down On My Luck. Mensa from his successful debut mixtape Innanetape, has not looked back in classic records. On the tail end of the show Mensa performed UMad, his first major collaboration with Kanye West.
Mensa closed off the night with his record There’s Alot Going On his most personal record to date. With his forthcoming full length album his first since signing with Roc Nation were sure to expect the best from Mensa.
Setlist:
- Danger
- Free Love
- New Bae
- Liquor Locker
- Down On My Luck
- Shades of Blue
- 773 (with Joey Purp)
- Holy Holy
- Wolves
- UMad
- There’s A lot Going On
[Review] Mad Decent Block Party returns to Chicago
Diplo’s Mad Decent Block Party returned to Chicago despite negative feedback from previous years. This year hosted in Chicago’s heart of the Museum Campus, Northerly Island, Mad Decent definitely received a much needed facelift. On the shore of Lake Michigan, Diplo headlined the event at the First Merit Bank Pavilion. The beautiful city skyline was a perfect match as the background met the sounds of Mad Decent.
Surprise electric Chicago duo artists Louis The Child joined the lineup, making them the only Chicago based artist to Mad Descent’s stop in Chicago. The duo worked the growing crowd with there headlining caliber set list.
The clear fan favorite was pop mega star Kesha. The fans came in droves to see the new leased on life artist. With support from The Creepies. Kesha didn’t disappoint the crowd with her crowd pleasing performance of TiK Tok, Your Love Is My Drug, and Take It Off. Despite her recent legal issues Kesha’s performance speak for itself. Currently on tour, Kesha hasn’t lost her groove leaving Mad Decent fans with a rock out set.
Rae Sremmurd’s short career is met with discussion of their successful hip-hop longevity. The Mississippi brothers have proven time and again their place in today’s hip-hop discussion with record breaking single from No Flex Zone, No Type, and Come Get Her. Festival fans were treated with a hip-hop thrill ride. The non-stop energy seeped through the crowd as the duo of brothers didn’t stop giving an energy packed performance from start to finish. Definitely one of the biggest take away from Mad Decent is seeing these young hungry hip-hop artists.
Mad Decent creator and one of the biggest faces in electric music, Diplo closed off the night. Diplo a true music jack of all traits kept the Mad Decent crowd going into the night with a mixture of electric, hip-hop, and house classics. Diplo’s long list of hit records were present with performances from Where Are U Now, Revolution, and Take U There. The music master had incredibility balanced all type of electric music from trap, big room house, reggaeton, and moombaton.
Minor setbacks from the volume to time in-between sets didn’t hinder the fact that Mad Decent found it’s footing in Chicago.
A true treat Diplo had in store for Chicago was hiss final five minutes of his set. After thanking Chicago for it’s day one fans he ended his set with Chicago house and juke jams. A true appreciation for Chicago's music scene we’d love to see Mad Decent and Diplo come back bigger then before.
Mad Decent Block Party Chicago 2016 - Photos
[Review] Summer Set 2016 brings unforgettable moments
The annual camping festival Summer Set returned for it’s fifth year to Somerset, Wisconsin. Summer Set was a weekend filled of memorable moments.
The camping festival brought out the best in some artist as tents filled the woods and camp grounds with festival goers burning through the three-day festival.
A six hours drive from Chicago, Summer Set brought the same electric and playful atmosphere that were accustomed. With many highlights from the summer coming from local Chicago festivals like Mamby on the Beach, the festival provided one of a kind experiences that made the six-hour drive worth it.
Day 1
The first day was stacked full of incredible performances throughout the day. Festival goers were able to check out early performances from the solid melodic sounds of Mielo. That also included the craziest that is the thrill ride of Porn and Chicken.
Flux Pavillion and Steve Aoki both respectfully, performed their best in recent years. Pavillion, usually a bit shy on the mic, was as vocal as the raving Summer Set crowd. Aoki a stable in electronic music, outdid himself in intensified energy packed set.
Notable performances came from Toronto rapper Tory Lanez. Lanez performed majority on his set in the crowd as dozens of fans rushed under him to hold him up. A true spectacle, Lanez gained many fans the first day due to his wild onstage and in the crowd pleasing antics.
The first night was closed off with Chicago’s favorite Chance The Rapper alongside with The Social Experiment. Seeing the top bill for the first night with other Chicago favorites in The Social Experiment was a real treat. They performed from Chance’s 10 Days, Acid Rap, and Coloring Book. The closing night was transformed into a Chicago listening party. Festival goers also heard records from the band's latest soul filled album“Surf”.
Seeing Chicago’s heavyweight perform a number of times didn’t account in his Summer Set performance. It was like seeing him for the first time as the showcased a number of crowd favorites from “Coloring Book”. Records including No Problem, Blessings, and Summer Friends helped Chance and The Social Experiment cement the first day into a night you couldn’t forget.
Raekwon and Ghostface Killah's powerhouse show at The Metro
This past weekend nostalgic fans flawed to Chicago’s Metro to embrace the 90’s feel of Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah and Raekwon.
Although it’s been almost twenty-three years since the release of the Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). This classic piece of hip-hop history was alive and well as two of the ten-man group didn’t disappoint.
The night was filled with classics from the two hip-hop heavyweights as the crowd varied. The throwback filled night also saw a few newcomers take to the stage. Supporting the night had appearances from G-Ball, Iron Rose, Freefam, Torrio Jetsen and Spirit. With DJ Que Eleven opening for Ghostface Killah and Raekwon.
A true jump back into time, in a simpler time in hip-hop, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon showcased some classics. Classics that made you forget the almost pushing fifty artists had no problem bringing the same fierce power that comes from the Staten Island rappers.
In the news most recently for the run-ins with who many described as “the most hated man in America”, Martin Shkreli. The millionaire pharmaceutical executive, who purchased the exclusive never heard before Wu-Tang Clan album for $2 million. Despite all that, it’s great to see Ghostface Killah back on the road making headlines again.
Let’s relive some moments from the Ghostface Killah and Rawkwon show at the Metro below with our photo slideshow.
Ghostface Killah and Rawkwon at The Metro
[Review] Lollapalooza celebrates 25 anniversary in a big way
The Chicago staple of music festival excellence brought forth yet another unforgettable weekend of music and stellar performances. Lollapalooza celebrating it’s 25th anniversary in the biggest way possible. Extending the festival to four days created a marathon of incredible musical moments.
Lollapalooza had many highlights that came from inside and outside the music festival. Chicago transformed from the city with broad shoulders into, during for the four-day festival, music mecca.
The first two days had rain showers that spanned over a few hours. The temporary muggy start didn’t effect the mega celebration of the 25th anniversary. In fact, the only set backs to the festival were the uncontrollable rain and that the festival is already over.
Over the years Lolla grew not only in size but it also grew in multiple genres. It first started as an alternative rock festival in 1991 as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction. Now with over 170 acts and an extended four-day festival, Lollapalooza provided many history making moments.
It was announced by Lollapalooza that next year’s music festival will also be a 4 day festival.
Thursday, July 28 (Day 1)
Lollapalooza fixed up this problem from past years. The clear winner to the first night was hip-hop. Hip-hop actually had a deeper impact throughout the festival but it made a bold statement the first night with performances from Chicago’s own Towkio, G-Eazy, and J. Cole. Danny Brown also gained many fans with his energetic performance. Towkio brought out Chicago’s Joey Purp and Vic Mensa in a complete Chicago music takeover. Towkio from sneaking into Lollapalooza before his musical break to now setting the stage definitely was a crowd pleasure.
Another Chicago artist made headlines closing off the Perry’s stage this time from the electronic music duo Flosstradamus. They didn’t disappoint bringing their signature non-stop thrill ride of electric beats. They also brought out surprise guest Chance The Rapper, Michelle Williams, and Dwyane Wade.
From “Wet Dreamz” to “Work Out”, J. Cole stole the show with non-stop performance of hit after hit. With no back track, fans matched Cole jumping and rapping along with the Dreamville rapper. It’s important to note that Cole was the only rapper to close off the Samsung stage throughout the weekend. The others were Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and LCD Soundsystem. The biggest stage at Lollapalooza was the perfect fit for J. Cole’s unforgettable set.
Five reasons why we're hyped for Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza, Chicago's biggest music festival, is just around the corner! Celebrating it's 25th anniversary there are dozens of reasons why to be hyped this years Lolla.
Lolla first announced an additional day to the usual three festival day festival making it four days of unforgettable unstop action. That additional day adds a rooster of incredible acts that will take from Chicago July 28 – 30.
Below is a list of just five reason why Lolla is controlling our life’s with anticipation.
Crowd favorites
Lollapalooza brings out the best artist to Chicago. Many artists return from last year’s music festival because of their continuing growth in popularity from last year. Returning artist like G-Eazy and Halsey are the faces of a young generation of music lovers.
Performers like J Cole and Red Hot Chili Peppers are highly anticipated because of deep fan base.
Chicago’s own heavyweights
Last year’s Lollapalooza was solid with a mixture of pop, rock, and electric music. Something that was lacking a bit was the hip-hop and rap performers. Chicago’s own homegrown talent Saba, Towkio, Joey Purp, and Vic Mensa has us covered this year.
Chicago is making a statement with both Joey Purp and Vic Mensa closing off a night at Lollapalooza, respectfully.
Mensa’s history with Lollapalooza is almost story book like. From Mensa's well documented near death experience with sneaking into the festival before his career took off to now closing one of the main stages on Saturday, July 30. Mensa will take the lead in bringing the young Chicago talent to the Lolla stages.
25th anniversary
It’s been twenty-five years since Jane Addiction singer Perry Farrell created Lollapalooza. Lollapalooza was created as a farewell tour for the band. Now Lollapalooza has expanded to international countries like Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany.
Making Lollapalooza an official Chicago music festival in 2005. The festival was hitting the road before then. It first started off as a two-day music festival only bringing in 70 acts. The festival has since exploded cementing it’s place as one of the best music festivals in the country.
Lollapalooza is going big this year making it a can’t miss attraction for years to come.
Extra day, Extra fun
When Lolla makeed Chicago it’s official home in 2005 was a two-day festival. Now eleven years later, Lollapalooza will be doubling up for the first time extending the usual three-day festival into four days.
Starting a day before the usual festivities begin the artists that have been announced are stacked! Artist that have us looking forward to Thursday, July 28 include: Kehlani, Towkio, Melanie Martinez, G-Eazy, The 1975, Lana Del Rey, and J. Cole.
Lollapalooza week is music paradise
Lollapalooza brings thousands of people to Chicago drawing them in with jam packed shows. This year if you didn’t buy a Lollapalooza pass you can still get into the action with non-affiliated shows. These show are taking advantage of Lollapalooza week. Check back to Ruby Hornet for our top after parties at attend during Lollapalooza week.
The biggest draws are after parties for Lolla artists but heavy hitters like Drake and Future will be in Chicago Lollapalooza week.
Interview: Chuckie on electric dance music
Known to millions of fans as the master of Dirty Dutch, DJ and producer Clyde Narain, better known as Chuckie, has been the face of the electronic music subgenre.
One of the earliest and most notable producers in electronic music, Chuckie has laid out groundwork for many artists like Fedde le Grand, Afrojack and Hardwell.
In Chuckie’s long career he’s worked with a who’s who list of notable EDM artists as well as many other genre musicians. Chuckie first began his career before the high rise in popularity in EDM. As the popularity of electronic music skyrocketed, Chuckie's fame stayed the same because he was already an icon. Like the cultural movement behind Dirty Dutch, his work combines all the different elements in EDM. Chuckie is a jack of all trades; his Dirty Dutch themed music festival, record label, and continuing collaborations cement Chuckie’s future legacy.
We catch up with the Dirty Dutch legend after his set at the fifth annual Spring Awakening Music Festival.
I noticed that before your set you were waiting patiently on the side of the stage. How do you prepare yourself in that time?
When I DJ I just don’t go on stage and play 12 of my songs in an hour set. I like to play all kinds of songs to get the crowd going. To me it’s important to see the DJ that played before me to make sure I don’t play the same thing. I like seeing the crowd and how they respond to the music.
Since EDM's main stream growth have you ever needed to take a step back?
It’s hard because of traveling. At all times you try to balance. There’s not really a point where I haven’t said I need to slow it down because I’ve really tried to balance it out as much as I could.
Of course sometimes I really want to go home but it’s hard because of the traveling. You don’t sit in the studio anymore.
You were one of the first international DJ’s and have been traveling around the world for quite some time. When, if ever, have you had to put the brakes?
I started going international in 2008, so I would say in 2011 is when it hit me the hardest. I was like fuck, time is flying by with all the traveling and touring. Eventually I was good, next I decided to move to Aruba but at the end of my day I think I’ve found my balance.
Even now finding the right balance with a diet. When you’re on tour man all the party and drinking can’t be healthy. You don’t pay attention to your health. Right now I’ve seen a lot of guys fall into accidents. Especially in the past three years. A lot of guys from the scene I wouldn’t like to mention any names but a lot people already know. Which is crazy. That’s not going to control my life.
You’ve welcomed other types of music and combined them into your Dirty Dutch style. DJ’s are now considered as “sellouts” for branching off from their traditional sound. What’s your take on switching it up with different styles of music?
My whole idea behind that was yeah, house music is just house music, but I wanted to add some fun elements to balance it all out. I just wanted to have fun with it.
When you’re trying to find your sound or style you’re always going to get criticized for it. Even when I started adding elements to my music I was criticized.
It’s not encouraging. I see it in the hard style scene for example. In Harlem the hard style scene, they have hard core fans. They don’t want anything to change. Matter of a fact all the songs had the same break and same timing. Everything is the same. All the structures are the same. How boring is that?
I don’t know. Music is music, sometimes you might want to add some elements to a song. My way of thinking it is if you’re not going to do it I’m going to do. I’m going to make an electric track with a 128 BPM with hard style. With me personally I don’t care. I’m on a mission. If you’re on a mission and you know exactly what your doing don’t even mind the criticism.
You’ve accomplished so much in your career. What’s next?
I’m going to continue to do more and more in music. Whatever I feel like now. I don’t even feel like dropping EDM tracks. I don’t want to say it’s boring or anything it’s just the same old things. If you want to have a top charting track you have to have something that sounds like what’s popular now.
It’s also important to have fun with it because to me at this point it’s starting to get more of a joke. It’s not even about the music anymore. Now a days you have to pop champagne, you got to give away t-shirts, you got to have a hype man, you got to throw out cakes. To me, I’m taking things way more back to basics but that works for me.
Chuckie, after our interview at Spring Awakening Music Festival.
You’re involved with your music, label, and production. Why is this important to you when, at this point in your career, you can just release music, sit back and collect checks?
I’m kind of a purist. This is where I draw the line. We did all the mosh pits, sit downs, and all the gimmicks. So then what’s next? Are you going to bring a clown up on stage? I’m just on of those guys that wants to take it back to the basics. So less CO2, less streamers, and special effects I just want people to appreciated the music because if we don’t do it were slowly killing the scene.
These kids go out to raves and get bored 30 seconds into the drop and are already asking, “Okay what’s next?”. For example, if you release a song today next week people are going to ask when you’re going to release a new song. It’s going into that culture. I don’t want that I want to take it to basics.
Especially in Djing, at a festival we have a line of guys performing doing gimmicks and then the next guy coming up is playing house music but doesn’t use the special effects. At the end of the day that guy is going to sound boring. It’s crazy right now. There’s too much stuff going on right now.