Photos: House of Vans opens Chicago location
Vans, a brand that prides itself in music, and street culture, opened it’s door for it’s House of Vans Chicago.
The opening night featured performances from Future Islands, Digable Planets, and Chicago’s own rising star, Noname.
House of Vans Chicago also showcased photography exhibits from photographers Jonathan Mehring, Ryan Kobane, and Ashley Osborn.
Opening night featured an immerse theme of Vans signature skating and alternative rock photography work from past Vans events. The intimacy between guests was well received from the huge warehouse store turned indoor skating park, store, and music venue.
Chicago’s Noname opened the night with a headlining caliber performance. The perfect setting setter, Noname’s “Telefone” had the House of Vans guests uplifted. The Chicago hip-hop rapper and poet, could have performed the whole night without any objection. Nomane kicking off her Telefone Tour, already sold out every single stop across the U.S.
Alternative hip-hop trio Digable Planets, brought their bold Brooklyn flow to Chicago’s west side. The trip has been around for some time, the trio put no time to waste put on a rhythmic race of funky beats and spell bounding lyrics. True experts Digable Planets, made sure the House Of Vans Chicago got their dose of a old school hip-hop. Preforming classics like “Where I’m From” and “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) House of Vans Chicago were given a throwback of 90’s hip-hop treat.
House of Vans Chicago ended the night with Baltimore band Future Islands. A true showman, front man Samuel T. Herring had the crowd in a frenzy with his intense performance.
Future Islands previewed tracks from their new album “The Far Field”, the heavy spirt or prowling and growling of Herring made Future Islands performance not one to miss.
House of Vans Chicago has stated they will be free and open to the public.
Noname | Digable Planets | Future Island
Photos: Léon makes impressive Chicago debut
Swedish singer Léon made her Chicago debut selling out Lakeview’s Schuba’s Tavern on her 20 city stop tour.
On her first North American Tour, with special guest Jacob Banks, Léon shined in Chicago with a very impressive city debut.
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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[Interview] D.R.A.M. - Reflects on success + Announces new album
Best known for his signature smile and upbeat personality, Shelley Massenburg Smith, known to his fans as D.R.A.M., is a fresh new face in hip-hop. His melodies and playful lyrics are perfectly crafted into a style that makes the Hampton rapper and singer stand out.
D.R.A.M.’s melodies transition into soulful moments that can be seen in his music, interviews, and featured performances. After some time spent listening to D.R.A.M. it’s hard to debate his playful, uplifting personality and it’s effect on his music.
His first studio release D.R.A.M.’s Big Baby D.R.A.M., debuted at number nineteen on the Billboard charts. It’s single “Broccoli” which features Lil Yachty received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Song Performance.
Along with the critical praise for his debut album, much speculation surrounded D.R.A.M. and his first released debut “Cha Cha” which came from his EP #1Epic. Playing defense, D.R.A.M. found his efforts in making his case that Drake’s “Hotline Bling” was a definite imitation.
With all focus on the potential beef, D.R.A.M never really got his fair praise for Big Baby D.R.A.M. In the days of modern hip-hop taking a different turn, it had many guessing D.R.A.M.’s legitimacy in providing continuous hit records.
D.R.A.M., which stands for Does Real Ass Music, has started his career with hit records like “Broccoli”, “Cash Machine”, and “WiFi”. With support from Young Thug, Lil Yachty, and Erykah Badu. D.R.A.M.’s debut album legitimized his status as one of the best new artists.
We spoke to D.R.A.M. about his view on life and music and his personal take on criticism on his work.
RH: You seem to keep business and yourself life well balanced. Keeping level headed, how does your personality affect your music?
It reflects me. The music has a lot to do with me in general I mean I just overall would be the likable good vibe spreading guy than the off putting I’m too cool for you guy. You can be cool without being so anti-everything.
I like the fact that it strikes a good tune in people because that’s what I aim to do. If I feel good about something when I make and put it out in hoping that the people that are listening to it feel the jam good vibe. It’s just me wanting to pass a good vibe and to be a likable person rather than a dick.
In your short career, you’ve exploded with success. Can you think back to one moment that was momentous in the very earlier blessings in your career?
Back in 2014, we had drop #1Epic mixtape we had the “Cha Cha” record attached to it. We literally just put it out there not knowing how it was going to go but we knew it was going to go.
That was our first blessing. My guy Jacob from Pigeon and Planes, he found my shit through somebody randomly reposted on Soundcloud and saw that called me and raved about my shit.
Six days into the project we didn’t know what the fuck was happening. (laughs) I got my lawyer and management and many other things steamed from Pigeons and Planes push. That was my first blessing. Never will forget that. That was the spark.
A spark that grew into D.R.A.M. today? While also sparking with others?
Yeah, even me and Lil Yachty linking up to do the “Broccoli” record was a blessing because it was all out of timing. I saw he was in L.A. and I hit him up, he came through. I was at a point where the up grind was about to start again and we were just preparing for it working on our shit. Getting back on the grid, and then Yachty being where he is with his fan base at that point. It was the perfect combination moment, everything just fit.
We legit thought it was going to be something on Soundcloud and get the internet and Twitter lit. Which then became one of the biggest songs in the country.
D.R.A.M at Freaky Deaky - 2016
With the release of “Big Baby D.R.A.M. “you were able to put out a body of work that silenced those who questioned your legitimacy after speculation from your earlier work. How did it feel putting those talks to rest? What were you able to do more of. What were you able to focus on?
I’ve always been making music like this. From many different angles and different influences but we do know what is the forefront sound what’s going to carry the torch. What’s popular when it comes to D.R.A.M. and that’s trappy go lucky. We never sit in and try to make that moment it just comes about.
Everything else is just all we’ve been doing if you listen to “#1Epic” in it’s entirely, “Live at the Milk Jam Room”, and “Big Baby D.R.A.M” in it’s entirely it’s continuing that source. I got to a point where I’m comfortable with the scale of my music. I wanted to make sure that these people knew that I’m for real. That’s why the three most popular songs are right there in the middle.
If you all you want to fuck with is that happy go lucky sound of D.R.A.M., I’d got to accept that because you still come out to see me. I put that project out there for the people that I already knew what I was about but I also did it for me.
After releasing “Big Baby D.R.A.M.”, what’s going on in your way of thinking? What’s the feeling of putting away all the naysayers of D.R.A.M.? After making such a bold entrance into the hip-hop world.
There’s not any pressure. I’ll tell you this right now. We're almost halfway done with the next album. This is (D.R.A.M.) not a flop, you feel me. So when we put out the project (Big Baby D.R.A.M.) I feel really good about it as a whole but it’s not even half my journey. Like the great Gucci Mane once said, “This isn’t even half my journey.”
I feel relieved now that the first album is out of the way. There’s so much crazy shit going on and I’m quite the opinionated person but what I want to do is keep that shit out of it.
I’m never going to try to push my rhetoric down your throat. In the mindset of all this I’m like “Hey let’s go through all of this.” let’s put on 4 minutes of blessing right quick because, at the end of it, it might speak out ideas that needed that good energy to spark it.
D.R.A.M will be in Chicago on Fri. Jan 27 at The Metro.
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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.
Drake's Summer Sixteen tour with Future closes out final night in Chicago
Drake returns to Chicago’s United Center for his Summer Sixteen tour. Co-headlining the tour with Future in collaboration for their mixtape What a Time to Be Alive, United Center hosted one of the best shows of the year.
Drake’s Views broke records this past summer and is still riding high leading into Chicago. Reports surfaced on Drake’s health issues postponing future tour dates. With no signs of health issue Drake took over the stage with his unstoppable performance.
Roaring crowds were met with Drake’s professionally crafted showstopper legendary performance. The show itself was a complete spectacle. A crane operated platform gave Drake the intimate level reaching back and around sports arena. Although a sold out crowd Drake’s high caliber set made the show feel personal.
Future had the crowd in a frenzy with hits from his fourth studio album Evol. Hendrix performance was filled with a lot of energy and hit after hit. Halfway through his set he brought out dancers that turned the United Center upside down. Future dominated the stage teaming up with Drake making a show of hip-hop heavyweights sharing the stage.
Early support from the night saw Canadian rappers Roy Woods and Dvsn. This was the third time Drake and Future’s Summer Sixteen tour returned to Chicago this year only. Here’s hoping for more come 2017.
Let’s relive so of the best moments of Drake + Future’s Summer Sixteen Chicago stop.
Set list
- "Summer Sixteen"
- "Still Here"
- "Started from the Bottom"
- "9"
- "Feel No Ways"
- "Headlines"
- "Trophies"
- "HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)"
- "0 to 100 / The Catch Up" / "6 God" / "Worst Behavior" / "No Lie" / "Versace" / "Over" / "I'm on One" / "Up All Night" / "Miss Me"
- "With You"
- "Child’s Play"
- "Faithful"
- "Hotline Bling"
- "Hold On, We're Going Home"
- "The Motto"
- "Right Hand"
- "For Free"
- "My Way"
- "Grammys" (with Future)
- "Big Rings" (with Future)
- "Jumpman" (with Future)
- "Work" / "Too Good" (verses)
- "Controlla"
- "One Dance"
- "Back to Back"
- "Pop Style"
- "Hype"
- "Know Yourself"
- "Energy"
- "Legend"
Vic Mensa performs private show for Summer of Collaboration
Summer of Collaboration presented by AT&T partnered with Vic Mensa for a private show at Chicago's AT&T Michigan Ave store with street photographer Vivian Maier’s.
Maier was street photography’s best kept secret. Maier worked as a nanny in the Chicago suburb North Shore in the late 1990’s. That's where while working she took what would become some of the best street photography.
Maier’s work almost never saw the light of day if it wasn’t for Chicago artist John Maloof. Maloof purchased Maier’s extensive work at an auction. He found an extensive amount of film, negatives, and prints of hundred rolls of film, home movies, and audio tape interviews that all belonged to Maier.
Maloof hosted a presentation going over Maier’s mysterious life and talking about her work and the impact surrounding it. Described as a Mary Poppin’s type, this introverted photographer opened her subjects up in the most beautiful way.
Chicago rapper Vic Mensa when up on stage admired Maloof’s courage and passion for being bold and fearless. Mensa was set to perform only three songs but added an additional for go measure. He performed: 16 Shots, Shades of Blue, There’s Alot Going On, and U Mad.
We recently caught Vic Mensa at The Vic Theater while on his "There’s Alot Going On" Tour. While at the Summer of Collaboration event we witnessed a side of Mensa that most music fans don’t. Pegged as a south side rapper and Kanye West pupil, Mensa is keeping busy with work outside the studio.
Vic Mensa has been politically active when it’s come to personal issues. Vic Mensa participated in the Laquan McDonald demonstrations. He also volunteered at Flint, Michigan during their water crisis. Vic urges young voters to register to vote by offering his latest EP “There’s ALot Going On” for free when they registered to vote.
Vic Mensa made sure his personal efforts were made clear as the Roc Nation rapper treated fans to a stadium caliber performance. With so few attending the private event, from seeing the incredible photographs from Maloof and seeing one of best in the city with Vic Mensa, the Summer of Collaboration was one of the purest ways to end the summer off right.
View our photo gallery of Vic Mensa’s Summer of Collaboration event below!
[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
