The anticipation surrounding Chief Keef’s return to the Chicago area is at a fever pitch. Locals and industry insiders are already using phrases like “historic” and “iconic” to describe the rapper’s upcoming performance this weekend at the . The Leaders 1354 retail store in West Loop has even launched a “ ” and staff say they are fielding a flood of Instagram messages about the merch and the show.
When the 28-year-old Englewood native takes the stage Sunday at Bridgeview’s SeatGeek Stadium, it will be his first local show in over 10 years. Expect the moment to feel like the Bulls winning an NBA championship, said Idris Dykes, aka “Peeda Pan,” Chief Keef’s longtime manager. “This is something I can attach to those huge moments in Chicago culture,” he said.
“It’s one of the most exciting times of my life, considering it’s something that we thought for a long time would not be possible.” At just 16, Chief Keef — born Keith Cozart — became the face of drill, a style of hip-hop characterized by violent lyrics. With hits such as “I Don’t Like,” “Love Sosa” and “Faneto,” he achieved superstardom and global recognition for the subgenre.
He also became a fashion icon, and the late Chicago designer . But Keef also gained attention for getting in trouble with the law and clashing with government officials who prevented him from performing in Chicago. A Los Angeles resident since 2014, the rapper has “made amends’’ with Chicago .
