Renowned rapper Chief Keef is set to make a grand return to his hometown, Chicago, after a decade-long absence.
The rapper has been booked to perform at the Summer Smash Festival in June, marking his first performance in the city in over ten years.
Keef is one of the headliners of this year’s Lyrical Lemonade festival, sharing the stage with other big names in the industry such as Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and his Cactus Jack labelmates Sheck Wes and Don Toliver.
Berto Solorio, co-founder of the festival, expressed his excitement about Keef’s return and predicted it would be a historic moment in Chicago’s music history.
The festival’s lineup also includes performances by Big Sean, Kodak Black, Denzel Curry, Lil Yachty, JID, Mick Jenkins, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Waka Flocka Flame.
Keef’s relationship with Chicago authorities has been strained since the beginning of his career. He was labeled an “unacceptable role model” by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, leading to a ban on his performances in the city.
Despite these challenges, Keef has continued to make his mark in the music industry. He has recently collaborated with rising rap artist Sexyy Red.
The two worked together on a remix of “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad)”, which was released in December 2023 as part of the deluxe edition of Sexyy’s album, Hood Hottest Princes.
Keef also recently released a new project titled Dirty Nachos, a full-length collaboration with heavyweight hitmaker Mike WiLL Made-It. This new release, along with his upcoming performance, signals a strong comeback for the rapper, much to the excitement of his fans.