Twenty One Pilots, Jon Bellion showstopper show at the United Center
Alternative hip-hop/rock duo Twenty One Pilots have been on the road for their Emotional Roadshow World tour. Stopping in Chicago, Twenty One Pilots put on an unforgettable show from start to finish.
Originating from Columbus, this self-starting band has exploded in popularity because of their originality and thought provoking storytelling. The duo has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Stressed Out (Record of the Year), Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Rock Performance.
Support for the tour has respectfully opening performances from Judah & the Lion and Jon Bellion.
Jon Bellion
Long Island singer and songwriter Jon Bellion supported Twenty One Pilots opening for the duo in the most energetic way. Bellion, no stranger to the limelight, brought his signature vocals mixed with the perfect fusion of upbeat tones and lyrical rap race.
Bellion’s has seen success most notably from his first three free mixtape/albums: Translations Through Speakers, The Separation, and The Definition. He is also known for his work on Eminem’s hit record ‘Monster’, featuring Rihanna. Bellion has been on a steady rise thanks to his creative unique sound, that has molded him into an artist that has many paying attention.
Now supporting his full-length debut album, The Human Condition, Bellion is getting his much needed recognition. His debut album entered the Billboard 200 at the number five spot.
A new kind of artist, Bellion balances the impressive level of smooth pop vocals and the bold hard tune of hip-hop beats and rapping.
Bellion didn’t disappoint fans, while gaining many that night, with his happily energetic set. Performing from The Human Condition, Bellion’s “All Time Low”, was a crowd favorite that could have been played all night.
Hailing from Nashville alternative band Judah & the Lion didn’t have any issue in performing a show stopping performance opening the night. Performing from their Folk Hop N’ Roll album this band will be a treat to see the growth of the promising band.
Twenty One Pilots
Vocalist and keyboardist Tyler Joseph with drummer Josh Dun had the sold out United Center crowd in a complete music-heaven frenzy. They delivered an unforgettable show but more importantly they posed an important question, “Twenty One Pilots has grown so much in the last two years. How big can they really get?” The answer to that may be an easy one. Fans who attended the sold out show at the United Center can testify as Twenty One Pilots legitimized how incredible they are.
The storybook like show used the stadium sized arena as their personal jam session studio. Although the band only consists of two band members, their performance took them to the center stage, smaller stage on the floor level, crane operated platforms, to even for drummer Dun on top of the crowd.
Openers Bellion and Judah & the Lion joined Twenty One Pilots for a full on jam fest. They performed cover songs from “Tubthumping”, “No Diggity”, “Where Is The Love?” and “Jump Around”.
Nearing the end of their Emotional Roadshow World tour, Twenty One Pilots’ growth over the past few years is well-deserved. Blurryface their fourth studio album made a bold statement. This band is one of a kind and it’s not going anything.
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WGCI Big Jam brings Chris Brown, Young Thug, and more
WGCI’s Big Jam returned this year to the United Center featuring performances by some of the biggest names in business. Big Jam was the best place in Chicago to celebrate the end of 2016.
Stellar showings from Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Young Thug and many more made for an unforgettable night.Local Chicago talent represented their city strongly with G-Herbo, Lil Bibby, and Dreezy rocking the Big Jam stage. Opening to a strong early crowd these local favorites represented Chicago well.
G-Herbo | Lil Bibby | Dreezy
Sharing the stage G-Herbo and Lil Bibby joined forces and started off Big Jam strong. The only female artist on the lineup was Chicago’s own Dreezy. Dreezy a force to reckon with held her own and showed the Big Jam crowd why she’s one of the most talked about new artists.
Lil Yatchy | Desiigner
Fan favorite Lil Yatchy played to the crowd performing hits like “Night”, “Minnesota”, and “Broccoli”. One of the most talked about sets came from Desiigner. His outside-the-box performance took him all over the stage. Having the crowd in complete awe, Desiigner put on a show those in attendance won't soon forget.
Trey Songs
Owning every inch of the Big Jam stage, Trey Songz had the crowd in a complete frenzy. Songz, a crowd pleaser, matched his signature vocals with his just as impressive dance moves. The roaring was matched with Songz’ charismatic performance. There was some speculation as to whether or not Songz was going to perform due to an onstage breakdown of stage equipment last week. Songz didn’t disappoint the United Center with his stellar performance.
Chris Brown
Co-heading Big Jam was R&B juggernaut Chris Brown. Brown a true showman used every inch of the platform to dance every single of his signature hits. Brown led the United Center in the ultimate dance party. Without skipping a beat Brown didn’t stop giving one second of a showstopper performance.
Youg Thug
Young Thug ended the night with some of his crowd favorites. Young Thug’s performance was unfortunately cut short due to his allotted set time. The strict set time definitely created some confusion with the Big Jam crowd. Without proper good byes and final songs, the transitions were a bit off. Regardless of the time mix up, the sold out United Center crowd didn’t let the biggest house in Chicago slow down. WGCI DJ’s kept the crowd in a roar with classic Chicago juke jams. The atmosphere from the sold out crowd seemed homely. The dance friendly crowd made WGCI’s Big Jam the biggest house party in Chicago. There wasn’t a better way to close off 2016 then seeing some of the best in hip-hop and R&B.
Goodbye Tomorrow releases new song "Every Day"
Just got my ears on this joint from Goodbye Tomorrow. This one is called "Every Day". I genuinely messed with this joint off the first listen, so it's only right I share it with y'all.
According to RollingStone.com and Spin Magazine “Goodbye Tomorrow” is known for their “enigmatic” and mysterious identity, but is also described as the “new sound that will shape tomorrow”. A group comprised of a rappers and producers, “Every Day” confirms their signature, consistent track record of releasing great music, with a dope, inviting hook, that allows you to create your own meaning of the single.
“Every Day” talks about the opportunity of a new beginning, the hustle and the struggle. Lead vocalist Preme ties in the hook to relate to the identity of anyone working toward their dreams and getting another chance “Every Day.” More than a motivation song, the lyrics speak about rebirth, the truth, and living your own destiny. The production carries the hook’s tempo, making the vocals sound like an added instrument into the melody.
If you mess with that, make sure you support @goodbyetomorrow on social media and make sure you check for them on their website to stay in tune with their movement.
Common Releases His 11th Studio Album, "Black America Again"
Multiple Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning Chicago rapper, actor, social activist, and philanthropist Common releases his 11th studio album, BLACK AMERICA AGAIN, on ARTium/Def Jam Recordings.
Coinciding with the new album release, VEVO has premiered a powerful long-form video for the project, produced by Ava DuVernayand directed by Bradford Young, acclaimed director and cinematographer respectively of the award-winning film Selma. Watch it HERE.
In turn, Common’s anthem “Letter To The Free” featuring Bilal (another track on BLACK AMERICA AGAIN), serves as the end-title track of DuVernay’s powerful new documentary ‘13th.’ Centered on race in the United States criminal justice system, ‘13th’ is named for the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which theoretically outlawed slavery. DuVernay makes the point that slavery, in spite of the Constitutional amendment, is being perpetuated through mass incarceration. “Letter To The Free” has already been nominated for a 2016 Critics' Choice Documentary Award for Best Song in a Documentary.
Themes of race and justice run deep throughout BLACK AMERICA AGAIN and its title track single. "I wrote this song in March,” Common said of “Black America Again” recently, “and unfortunately it was as relevant then as it is now. As it could have been in the 1960s or 1800s or any era that we have existed in this country. ‘Black America Again’ is centered in the injustices that black people have experienced and endured since we arrived on the shores of America. ‘Black America Again’ is a call to action. It is a song about black love, black strength, black justice, black resistance, black resilience, black empowerment, and black people.”
“Black America Again”’s socially conscious message resonates with scorching yet uplifting power, akin to Common’s groundbreaking 2014 single from the Selma movie soundtrack, “Glory” (with John Legend) for which they received Oscar, Grammy®, Golden Globe, and numerous other awards.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bURKiygUPow
Vic Mensa debuts “16 Shots” video, Chicago police shut up video screening
Vic Mensa released his highly anticipated video for his single “16 Shots”. The record is off of his latest EP "There’s A lot Going On”.
Exclusively on Tidal, you can view the video below. It has become the unofficial anthem to the Laquan McDonald shooting. The shooting occurred when then Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke shot and killing McDonald. Shooting him 16 times.
Mensa was set to premiere his music video with those who joined him and the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CPAC) last night in Chicago. The protest and march was set to end with an exclusive viewing of the music video. Speaking with officials, CPD officers didn’t allow the LCD truck to pull up next to the demonstrators not allowing for the viewing. Another time and location was set for Mensa to screen the video with fans but that too also was prevented by the CPD.
“16 Shots” is bold telling of a single incident that the world is too familiar with. The gritty truth is captured by Mensa. Using the actually recording of the shooting (not the death) creates and highlights the shocking truth that many aren’t aware of. The beautifully crafted story amplifies its message against the police and it’s political repression.
Check out our photos of Mensa at last night’s march and protest for “Justice for Laquan! CPAC Now!”
Watch here!
