The new Re:SET concert series finally hit our lovely city of Chicago this past weekend, with the multi-talented, fly AF Steve Lacy headlining the first night.
While Lacy put on a performance to put on full display why he’s reached this level of fame so far (and how his success goes far beyond a “viral sensation” label some mistakenly assign to him), I’d have to say that James Blake and his set was worthy of a headlining slot of his own. My favorite moment, and I’d argue the same would be for a lot of other people in attendance, was when he performed his contribution to the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, “Hummingbird” right when it felt like the sun was at its most potent point.
Toro y Moi is one groovy dood and the park was dancing and vibing throughout his set. It was hot. Really hot. But that heat couldn’t stop anyone that wanted to dance to enjoy songs like his hit Outer Space tracks “Ordinary Pleasure” and “Freelance.” As he’s proved time and time again, Toro y Moi is always a good time.
Steve Lacy was brilliant. His set-list has expanded and demonstrates just how much dopeness he’s created from his time with The Internet to his breakthrough 2022 album, Gemini Rights. One of the low-key best parts of his appearance had to be the stage design, with rectangular, reflective panels that hid any distractions from the sides or background of the stage, while also complementing the light arrangements for his performance.
I’d heard plenty of his stage banter after the TikTokers complained of how “rude” Lacy had become, but I didn’t see anything wrong with it. He was spicy sometimes, with mentions of eating p*$$y and the submersible that’s been all over the news lately (topics were unrelated to each other), but it was nothing that you should clutch your pearls about. He’s a grown-ass man making grown-ass jokes. Off-kilter sure, but inappropriate? Depends on the audience, I suppose, but overall nah. It’s no different than the stuff I’ve heard before. I laughed and plenty more around me did too… Though I must admit I laughed a little harder when I was able to spot the people that mostly came to see “Bad Habit” cringe during these bits.
Beyond that, it was amazing to see Steve Lacy be a star. He’s made it, baby, and he deserves it.
Photo Credit: Oscar Oliva Jr / Pursuit Of Dopeness
