Summer Smash is coined as the premier hip-hop music festival in the Midwest and the team here at PoD couldn’t agree more. Summer Smash returns to Douglass Park this upcoming weekend and we’ve got our eyes on some artists that we know will put on memorable performances. Other than the headliners and big names everyone knows will put on impressive sets, there are some artists we figure you haven’t been put on to yet. Even though fans seem to be excited about the recent lineup change as Lil Uzi Vert has joined Post Malone and Playboi Carti to headline this year’s Summer Smash, SPKRBX and Lyrical Lemonade have booked an insanely diverse lineup that will offer something for any type of hip-hop/r&b fan.
“Founded by a pair of Chicago-based music powerhouses – concert promoter SPKRBX and next-gen media company Lyrical Lemonade – Summer Smash Festival has grown into one of the largest independent music festivals in the country after playing host to 90,000 attendees last summer. With a return to its traditional dates in mid-June, Summer Smash will soon offer fans the festival’s most stacked lineup to date filled to the brim with today’s biggest names in hip-hop.”
Check out our Dope Dozen to find some dope talent to watch before everyone gathers at the Lyrical Lemonade Stage for each day’s headliners.
Dreamer Isioma
Ever since the release of his debut album, ‘Goodnight Dreamer’, Dreamer Isioma has been on an absolute roll as he just announced his supporting role on Chloe Moriondo’s North American tour run this fall; this tour was announced a few days after he headlined the House of Vans for ‘The Goodnight Dreamer Live Show’. The Chicago fans were offered an exquisite evening of jams as both Dreamer, as well as opener NombreKari, put on sets. Dreamer’s music is utterly addictive and we couldn’t recommend him enough, especially if you’re looking for a lighter set relative to some of the other Summer Smash performers. Be prepared to dance.
Check out: “Sunset Drive”, “Time Is Temporary”, and “Cookout”
Roy French
The next two artists I’ll mention are truly engrained in Chicago’s hip-hop scene as both have been contibuting to the music world for several years now. Following the release of his latest full-length effort in ‘Out of This World’ in April, Roy French seems to be arriving at his Summer Smash with tons of momentum and I’m sure that will translate through his performance on Friday. Roy’s creative energy and love for music can be felt throughout his wide discography; his last effort ‘Out of This World’, in particular, was self-recorded and engineered at Thorough Studios, Roy’s recently established studio. There’s no doubt in my mind that both Roy French and Supa Bwe will offer highly energetic sets this weekend.
Check out: “iGoyard”, “Jakobe”, and “Number (N)ine”
Supa Bwe
SUUUUUPAAAAA is back, once again, to put on one of his signature sets. I’ve seen Supa countless times at this point, and every single time I’m just as appreciative of how much energy he throws into his performances. Supa Bwe recently released ‘WIZARD’, a 9-track mixtape that spans across 18 minutes. Look out for performances of some of the hard-hitting tracks on this tape such as “BUGGIN” and “LIKE THAT”. It’s truly not a complete Summer Smash without a Supa Bwe performance.
Check out: “Supa’s Sweater Song”, “Stolen Hearts”, and “LOOK (feat. Qari)”
Wiz Khalifa
Although Wiz is considered by most as an “A-list celebrity”, some of you may choose to miss out on the legend’s set on Friday, and I couldn’t advise against that enough. Wiz recently performed his critically-acclaimed mixtape ‘Kush & OJ’ for the masses at The Smokers’ Club Fest, so look out for Wiz to dig deep into his discography to offer the Summer Smash crowd a taste of his old cuts as well as his new. He’s truly got countless hits and it’ll be an absolute honor to catch his set this weekend.
Check out: “Mezmorized”, “The Race”, and “Real As You Think”
Iayze
Texas-bred artist Iayze (pronounced Jace) was a rapper I wasn’t familiiar with prior to the release of this year’s Summer Smash lineup, but I quickly learned what’s attracting so many fans to Iayze’s hard-hitting sound. The 19-year-old has just started gaining traction through his Chief Keef and FBG Duck-inspired music, and I expect his momentum to continue growing exponentially as his Summer Smash spot will surely turn some heads towards his dope discography. Catch Iayze’s afternoon set for an energetic start to your Saturday at Lenny’s Tent Stage.
Check out: “Cold Sweats!”, “556 (Green Tip)”, and “Roxy”
Fedd the God
Pittsburgh rapper Fedd the God has been making some serious waves the last few years as he’s been coined as “Taylor Gang’s rising star”. Fedd the God has music dating back to before 2018, but his recent releases have been well-received. Fedd has collaborated with Taylor Gang-affiliated producers Sledgren, IDB, and TM88 to create some memorable full-lengths in ‘King James’, ‘Duck Off in Miami’, and ‘All I Know’. Fedd’s discography taps into many differing sounds, so expect to be suprised throughout his set as the vibes will definetly be varying.
Check out: “Dr. Dankenstein”, “Activated”, and “Bobby Boucher”
BabyTron
Detroit rapper BabyTron is an artist that is undeniably entertaining and witty. His meteoric rise to stardom has been co-opted by synth heavy beats with his iconic Michigan style rapping. This is one of his first times performing in Chicago and comes hot on the heels of his newest Cole Bennett directed music video just this last month. Undoubtedly a must see.
Check out: “Jesus Shuttlesworth,” “Half-Blood Prince,” and “Next Level”
Katie Got Bandz
The queen of drill herself. Katie Got Bandz is an artist that is a quintessential player in Chicago hip-hop music. I admire that Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX are putting on for their city by featuring iconic legends such as Katie on the lineup. I highly recommend coming out to her set.
Check out: “In the Field (Kat!e),” “Pop Out,” and “I Need a Hitta”
Homixide Gang
Homixide Gang is an act I just recently discovered after seeing their involvement in Playboi Carti’s Opium label. Characteristic of Opium artist’s their music is littered with F1lthy production and is incredible performance music. Only briefly looking over their live performances on YouTube it is clear they are going to put on a great show. Labelmates Ken Car$on and Destroy Lonely are both performing at Summer Smash this year as well.
Check out: “5unna,” “Holler!,” and “55 Lifestyle”
Autumn!
Lafayette based artist Autumn! Is somebody I’ve been wanting to see live for a while now. Autumn! Is a leader in the pluggnb genre alongside fellow Louisiana artists such as Summrs. Keep in mind Autumn!’s music is very eclectic so in addition to pluggnb there will be plenty of wildly energetic performance tracks.
Check out: “Antagonist!,” “Portrayal!,” and “Nina!”
Lancey Foux
As far as I know, this is Lancey Foux’s first performance in Chicago after largely building his career in the U.K. Lancey is an artist that transcends the traditional bounds of hip-hop music borrowing from so many different inspirations and sounds. I cannot wait to catch this performance and it may be my most anticipated for the weekend.
Check out: “Cooler Than Me,” “DONT TALK,” and “WHAT U WANT” (feat. Skepta)
HateSonny
Chicago-based artist Sonny has been making waves after his viral hit “KILL BILL” hit the scene. Sonny is constantly showing out for Chicago, performing around the city what seems like weekly. Sonny is also scheduled as the first act on Sunday and I cannot think of a better artist to set the pace for the day ahead.
Check out: “KILL BILL,” “THIRTEEN,” and “TWEAK”
Written by Jack Dombro and Frankie Pastorelle
