Chicago has a reputation. Branded “Chiraq”, the city isn’t painted pretty in news reports full of gang violence and fatal shootings. When Common suggested a hip-hop festival in the city’s near west side, no doubt he met more than his share of skeptics.
Yesterday, any doubts as to whether peace and hip-hop could co-exist in Chi City were put to rest. The hugely successful, first ever AAHH! Fest set a precedent for music festivals of its kind to come. Culture wasn’t sacrificed for security. The atmosphere was full of love as thousands poured in from all over the country to witness history. This wasn’t Chiraq. This was Chicago.
Here are the top 7 most unforgettable moments from the 1st annual AAHH! Fest by Common hosted in Union Park.
Best Surprise Guest EVER: Kanye West
Moments before Common’s set, Twitter was abuzz with photos of Kanye arriving into Chicago. But c’mon. Festivals do this all the time; stir up talk of big name surprise guests with the aim of increasing sales. If Kanye was performing, wouldn’t AAHH! Fest have declared it from the rooftops, plastered their site with his name, and printed KANYE in bold letters all over their flyers? Apparently, no. The show promised a “very special” surprise guest – and actually delivered!
“Common told me I only had to sing three songs,” Kanye declared, “but we’re gonna do a few more, if that’s alright.” He took us back to his pre-Yeezus days of College Dropout and party hits for a set that graciously lingered. For his last song, Kanye was joined on stage by fellow artist and festival host Common. The best part? Kanye looked happy, smiling and laughing. He even played the part of Common’s hype man toward the end. I’m always here for a genuine smile from that guy.
Best Comeback: Dave Chappelle Shows Up and Makes with the Funny
“I’m that guy who was almost rich. You may have heard of me. I’m Dave Chappelle.”
Granted, the comedian was probably not on stage for more than 30 minutes the entire show. In fact, I’m pretty sure he hadn’t prepared any material at all for this event. Dave came out and was just himself – hilarious!
Best Crowd Control: De La Soul
De La Soul put everything they had into their set. Reaching all the way back to 1989 with 3 Feet High and Rising, the trio made sure you would never forget who they are after AAHH! Fest.
DJ Pasemaster Mase hopped from behind the booth to hype up the crowd, Posdnuos kicked through the media pit to grab fans from the audience, and Trugoy shut the show down more than once to put media in their place. If our cameras were up that means our hands weren’t and the show wasn’t continuing until everyone’s hands were in the air. Remember them.
Proof that Bigger is Always Better: The Hair
“Where kinky hair goes to un-thought of dimensions. Why’s it so fly? ‘Cause hip-hop kept some drama.” – Rebirth of Slick (Cool like That)
The hair yesterday was big and glorious! Braids, ‘fros, dreads, and free flowing locks.
More style shots from around AAHH! Fest to come here on Chicagoings.com tomorrow morning.
Host with the Most: Common
Common shot onto the stage fueled by the day’s build up. He raced from one side to the next, virtually connecting with the entire crowd. He acted with no pomp, no ceremony. Lyrics were his focus as he turned the track all the way down and slowed his words for the benefit of the unversed.
Watching him, you had the feeling that he was as thrilled to be there as anyone who bought a ticket. “Can’t leave rap alone, the streets need me. Hunger in they eyes is what seem to feed me. Inside, peace mixed with beast seem to breed me. Nobody believe until I believe me.”
“Remember this…this is Chicago.” Joining him, Jay Electronica and Twista dropped bars. Common wanted everyone to recognize the making of history – and this was even still before Kanye hit the stage.
Biggest Threat to Any Studio Singer: Jennifer Hudson
It was the day’s unknown known. We all know JHud has a voice to be reckoned with but did we know the extent of her powerhouse range. I sure didn’t. The girl needs no mic. She needs no backup singer, although she arrived with three talented crooners. She’s a show in herself and is just as comfortable filling the stage and projecting her voice as a seasoned vet. There were no pitch issues. No missed steps. Hudson was, in a word, everything!
Best “Go Home, Roger!” Impression: Lupe Fiasco
If you felt like Lupe Fiasco’s performance was too short, Lupe agrees with you. The lyricist was just getting all the way into his zone it seems before his mic was cut and his set dismantled. Awkward.
Lupe is famous for his far reaching ability to bring the party and the consciousness to hip-hop simultaneously. His show didn’t disappoint in the least, and we were all pretty bummed to see it end before another throwback to 2006’s Food & Liquor.