The Chicago summer spirit has began! Lollapalooza is not only set to happen, but the line-up arrived just hours ago. While we love celebrating all music, we’re very pleased to see more attention being given to hip-hop acts. The previous line up had only one Hip-Hop headliner, Childish Gambino. This year, half of the headliners are from the culture!

Tyler, The Creator, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, DaBaby, and, if you count him, Post Malone make up 5/8 headliners, a hip-hop domination. Trippie Redd, BROCKHAMPTON, Playboi Carti, Jack Harlow, $uicideboy$ Chicago’s own Polo G, and YSL Leader, Young Thug himself all take up spots on the next highest billing.

Arguably more exciting, rappers that would normally be at the bottom of the list have gained prominence. The best example of this being Freddie Gibbs, who has dominated the last few years of Hip-Hop without dispute. The previous concert summer, he had medium billing at Pitchfork, but now he’s big ticket. Gibbs is far from the only rapper that shed cult status to make it here, though. In addition, after releasing the refreshing Tyron in February, fans are particularly excited to see British MC, Slowthai, listed.

Other exciting highlights include EARTHGANG (rumored to release a new album shortly before), rising star Flo Milli, talented up and comer Kenny Mason, and the Chicago legend, Mick Jenkins.

While Lolla certainly has space for all genres, this line up is a major move for the culture. The high billings call for some great stage production that will hopefully elevate these stars even further.

See you there!

Written by Jason Heilbronner