Without a doubt, love was 100% in the air during the J.I.D X Smino’s “Luv is 4ever” tour! The excitement, energy, and engagement that increased throughout the night was an experience that I will never forget. Not only did I go to see a performance, I felt a new form of high vibrations and an undeniable love as the night continued.
J.I.D and Smino started their tour in January of 2023, having Chicago be one of the final stops of the U.S tour. With Smino being heavily familiarized with Chicago, this show in particular sold out in a number of weeks, selling out a show of approximately 5,000 people at the Aragon Ballroom. Fans were thrilled to see the collaboration of two stories “The Forever Story” by J.I.D and “Luv 4 Rent” by Smino created a new story that could never be mimicked in the world of Hip-Hop.
J.I.D started the show with his intro to his album “Galaxy,” as stars, mountains, and lightning filled the screens. The crowd instantly grew with excitement and anticipation of greatness to appear as J.I.D made his way to the stage. It seemed like a dream come true to see one of Dreamville’s finest right in front of your very eyes.
His overall performance was 11/10, giving the audience everything they were looking for and even more. This was one of the most emotional moments of the concert because he told the stories that connected to the songs he made, stories that connected with his fans in a multitude of ways. He provided a space to feel as well as be loved, doing a “heart check” throughout the performance. Whenever he threw up a heart, the audience would make a heart with his hands as a symbol of wellness throughout the show.
Out of all the concerts I have attended, J.I.D was one of few artists that played songs that his fans were both expecting and not expecting. His song selection had no skips once so ever. He played many favorites such as “Never,” “Bruddanem,” “Sistanem” “Crack Sandwich,” “Dance Now,” and even ended the show with one of his most successful songs, “Workin’ Out.”
As J.I.D ended his set, the crowd was filled with satisfaction from all sides of the venue. There was so much energy and great vibes even in the intermission phase of the show. However, when the lights went off, and the room went silent, the crowd grew with positive tension as it was time to begin Smino’s set.
Smino smoothly hopped on stage to his famous song “Klink,” and the crowd started to jump together in unison as his lyrics flooded the building. On the screens were different short animations of psychedelic vibes and bits of him cloned doing different dances. It was so great to see him in natural light, giving nothing less than pure pleasure to what he calls “his second home” formally known as Chicago.
Smino’s love and experience for Chicago did not peak within his career. Rather, a lot of his success and expansion was based here. His band in fact are Chicago natives.
Matthew Skillz, one of the coldest musicians in the game, is one of Chicago’s very own. He’s also one of the main musicians of the band “Club Crib” which is also a very talented and diverse band. Personally, I have seen Skillz play at many venues and it is safe to say that his emotional style and mind blowing rhythmic patterns are truly impactful to every stage he touches.
Cameron Lowe is also a Chicago native who is known for his artistic style of musicianship playing keys. I have also seen on more than one occasion and his enthusiasm for musicianship speaks for itself. Smino incorporating love and connections back to this city made this night very intimate and beautiful from start to finish.
Smino’s set was very well received amongst the audience. He also told stories about many things, but it wasn’t as emotionally inclined as J.I.D’s. Instead, he told relatable stories about his experiences among friends and relationships that were humorous yet honest.
His tracklist was also top tier, playing some of the audience’s favorites from many projects. He performed “Curtains,” “Wild Irish Roses,” “Louphoria” “Anita,” “Netflix & Dussé” and “No L’s.” His set also featured a special surprise!
Out of nowhere, toward the end of his set, he brought out one of Chicago’s hometown heroes, Chance the Rapper. He performed his debut single “No Problems” and the crowd became a choir as we all recited the lyrics. This was such an amazing way to wrap up such a beautiful night.