March 18, 2024

On the Radar: Chance the Rapper’s Special Event, Remembering Joe Jackson, The Breaks Lineup + More

Stay updated with the hottest music news with Chicago Music’s On the Radar. Check out this week’s edition featuring Chance the Rapper, Noname and more!

Chance the Rapper announces concert to celebrate the Special Olympics

Chance the Rapper is always doing something big and now he’s got another stellar event for us. Last week, the rapper announced a one-day concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics. Chance will headline the show, put on by his newly launched Social Function Productions, on July 21 at the Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island.

But Chano won’t be alone. Joining him for the concert is Usher, Francis and the Lights, Smokey Robinson, O.A.R., Jason Mraz, and Daya. There will also be appearances from other unannounced special guests. For more information and to get your tickets, check out Chance’s website.

Wu-Tang Clan, Yasiin Bey, Vic Mensa, and more to play The Breaks Vol II Festival in Chicago

Image result for the breaks festival vol II

And you thought you were done buying festival tickets. After making its debut last year, The Breaks returns to Chicago with a stacked line up. Their second outing will include Wu-Tang Clan, Vic Mensa, Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Talib Kweli, and Twista to name a few. More acts are slated to be announced at a later date.

The Breaks Producer Chris Triebes says, “Last year’s lineup was met with such enthusiasm, that we saw no option but to do it again, and go bigger. We plan to take it up a notch or five from last year’s first volume, and couldn’t be more excited about the array of talent we have assembled.”

It all goes down September 8 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL. Tickets are on sale now. Make sure you get yours here.

Joe Jackson, father of Michael Jackson, dies at 89

Joe Jackson, patriarch of the Jackson family and the man who helped make Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 superstars, died Wednesday, June 27. He was 89 years old. Last week, it was revealed that Jackson had been battling terminal cancer in a Los Angeles hospital.

Jackson was a steel mill worker in Gary, Indiana before creating The Jackson 5. Once they signed a deal with Motown, the band became international superstars and Joe stayed on as their manager. In 1975, they signed a new deal with CBS Records and changed their name to The Jacksons. Eventually, Michael broke out on his own and kicked off his own successful career with Off the Wall.

Over the years, many of Jackson’s kids, including Michael, accused him of physical and emotional abuse. Michael was especially vocal and revealed during a 1993 interview with Oprah that Joe beat him and called him ugly. In a 2013 interview with Piers Morgan, Joe expressed no regrets to his abuse saying “I’m glad I was tough,” he told Morgan, “because look what I came out with.”

Joe Jackson is survived by his wife Katherine, sons Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy; and daughters Rebbie, LaToya, and Janet.

Upcoming Shows

Rich Homie Quan brings his Rich As In Spirit tour to Reggie’s on July 3. Grab tickets here.

Janelle Monae hits up the Chicago Theatre on her Dirty Computer Tour Thursday, July 5. You don’t want to miss this, so make sure to get tickets here.

Catch Sheck Wes + Valee on their Mosh Tour July 6 at the House Of Blues. Get tickets here.

Expect an epic show from Radiohead when they play the United Center on July 7. Make sure you have tickets.

Chicago Artist Spotlight: Noname

Local rapper Noname has been on the rise ever since she launched her career in 2013. Guest appearances on songs by Joseph Chilliams and Saba got everyone talking. Her 2016 debut, Telefone, earned praise from both fans and critics alike. Now, she’s back with her next project, Room 25. She revealed the news on Twitter:

I haven’t put out music out in 2 years. Not sure if people will listen but I’m excited as fuck to drop this album #Room25

— Noname (@noname) June 24, 2018

There’s no word on when the new album will be released, but we’re excited to hear what she has in store. Make sure to follow Noname on Facebook and Twitter for future album updates. Until then check out her Tiny Desk NPR show from last year above. Noname is currently on tour; check out those dates here. She’ll also be at this year’s Pitchfork Festival in Union Park July 20- 22. Get tickets here.