March 28, 2024

On the Radar: Chance the Rapper earns Humanitarian award, Kurt Cobain exhibit, Cherise + More

BET honors Chance the Rapper with humanitarian award

The BET Awards took place last Sunday (Jun. 25) and while there were a lot of can’t miss moments only one stands out for Chicago. Our own Chance the Rapper not only took home an award for Best New Artist, he also took home the Humanitarian Award. In a pre-recorded message, former first lady Michelle Obama surprised Chance by calling him “an outstanding role model.”

As always, when Chance stepped up to the mic, he remained humble and pointed out how he felt it was “a little early” to receive such an honor at such a young age. He used his time to point out a number of issues currently plaguing society. He wanted to see change for those jailed for selling marijuana, asked CPS to not take a problematic loan from Chase Bank, and ended on making a plea to become a better father, cousin, and man.  “My God is putting the pressure on me so I can become who I’m supposed to be,” he added. “I’m a good man and I’m going to become a better man.”

Check out his acceptance speech above. Keep making Chicago proud, Chance!

Kurt Cobain tour exhibit featuring paintings and memorabilia is in the works

The new Rolling Stones exhibit at Navy Fair is a big hit right now and it seems a similar event may be in store for Kurt Cobain. Before this happens, two of his previously unseen paintings will be on display at the Seattle Art Fair this August. Represented by United Talent Agency, who also represents his estate, the paintings will make their debut at the CenturyLink Field Event Center on August 3-4. Both of the paintings have remained in storage since Cobain’s death, but one was appropriated for the Nirvana complication Incesticide.

According to Joshua Roth, director for United Talent Agency Fine Arts, the eventual goal is to set up a touring exhibition. He says they want to create an event that will tell “the story of who Kurt was through artworks, personal artifacts and memorabilia, sort of like what the Rolling Stones did in London. There are dozens: several paintings, many drawings, many sculptures.”

Right now the touring exhibition plans are still in the early stages, but seeing how Cobain remains a popular figure in music and pop culture, it shouldn’t need that much convincing to get this set up. Let’s just hope the tour includes a Chicago stop.

Afghan Whigs guitarist Dave Rosser dies at 50

Another talented musician has left us. Dave Rosser, the guitarist for Afghan Whigs, died June 27 after a battle with inoperable colon cancer. He was 50. The band posted the following statement on Facebook:

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our friend, brother and inspiration. Dave Rosser passed away peacefully last evening surrounded by love. Thank you to all who kept him in their hearts. He is forever in ours.”

Rosser joined the band when they reformed in 2014 for Do to the Beast, their first album in 16 years. He also worked with frontman Greg Dulli on his side projects The Gutter Twins and the Twilight Singers. Last October, the band revealed Rosser’s battle with colon cancer and stage two all-star concerts to help pay for his medical bills.

This past May, he spoke with Guitar World about his illness, which prevented him from joining Afghan Wings on tour in support of In Spades.

“I just finished the first six months of chemo and am taking a break,” Rosser said. “I’m feeling pretty good and my spirits are good. I record a lot at the house and have been making a lot of music with friends. I’m staying busy and have purpose. I’ll try to get out and meet the band on a few stops in Europe where they’ll be for a few days.”

Our thoughts go out to Rosser’s family during this difficult time.

Upcoming Shows

You don’t want to miss Gorillaz when they kick off their Humanz North American tour in Chicago at Huntington Bank Pavilion in Northerly Island on July 8. Make sure you grab tickets.

Summer Jam returns some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Catch Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Yo Gotti, and Jeremih to name a few, at the United Center on July 8. Tickets are still on sale.

Catch Slightly Stoopid along with Iration, J Boog, and the Movement on July 9 at the Huntington Bank Pavilion. You can still find tickets here.

Classic rock band Boston hits up Chicago with special guest Joan Jett and the Blackhearts on July 7 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. Find tickets here.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: Cherise

Cherise
Cherise shares new single “Ride for Ya”

Chicago’s own Cherise has been playing shows around the city performing covers of Drake, Rihanna, and Journey, but she’s continually making a name for herself. Last week, she dropped her latest single, “Ride for Ya.” The song takes the Minnie Riperton classic “Lovin’ You” and remixes parts of it with Cherise’s soaring and powerful vocals. It’s a playful mix of old school and new school that’s charming and beautiful.

Check out Cherise’s new single here. Make sure to check out her other songs while you’re there. You can also follow her on Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.