By: iLLANOiZE Team Credits: @carolinezeeman  Fans pose in line during the 2023 Summer Smash Festival. Credits: @pleckham-15 Lyrical Lemonade, the Chicago-based multimedia company, long cemented its reputation as a true powerhouse, captivating audiences with its innovative approach. Spearheaded by founder Cole Bennett's groundbreaking visuals and dynamic collaborations with artists and brands, Lyrical Lemonade has become a force to be reckoned with over time. They joined forces with the independent production company SPKRBX in 2018 to curate an extraordinary extravaganza in the heart of the Midwest. Summer Smash was born, and the rest was history. Every year, the anticipation builds higher, giving music lovers the understanding that you must be in attendance to get this full-on experience for the summer.  Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett and CEO of SPKRBX Berto Solorio credits: @rachelpurry_2 This June, Lyrical Lemonade marked a significant milestone with the fifth annual Summer Smash Festival, further solidifying its position as the world's largest independent hip-hop music festival. Fans were in for an absolute treat as the festival found a new home at the magnificent SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, surpassing all expectations. This change not only provided more space to accommodate a diverse range of amenities but also enhanced the inclusive atmosphere of the general and VIP area, which featured themed arcades and even a massage station. With over 100,000 attendees flocking to the festival from across the world, the decision to relocate proved to be a resounding success.
Festival-goers eagerly arrived early, ready to enjoy themselves for the weekend. This year, the festival unveiled exciting upgrades, including a carnival right within the festival grounds. From a Ferris wheel to thrilling games with prizes, attendees were thoroughly entertained all throughout the stadium. Moreover, a nice selection of food awaited the people, from the iconic Harold's Chicken to Bun B's signature "Trill Burgers." Despite the festival's remarkable growth, it remained true to its tradition of featuring three stages. Navigating the sprawling festival grounds tested attendees' endurance as they journeyed between these stages. The distance, particularly towards the Culture Kings Stadium, required determination to conquer stairs and navigate through crowds. However, the exceptional performances by the talented artists who graced these stages made every step worthwhile, electrifying the audience and leaving them in a state of euphoria.
The first day of the festival arrived with scorching heat, setting the ambiance for what you expect from summertime festivals. Chicago's own Valee, NLE Choppa, Sexyy Red, Freddie Gibbs, Vince Staples, and Glorilla kicked off thrilling experiences for the attendees. The special guests of the evening were the surprise of Lil Yachty and $uicideboy$, who got fans going with a thrilling performance. Yachty subbed in for Ice Spice, who wasn't able to attend the festival due to unforeseen circumstances. The night reached its climax with the first headliner, Kid Cudi, who treated fans to a blend of unreleased music and cult classics, leaving the audience vibing out with his performance.  Kid Cudi headling the first night of 2023 Summer Smash. credits: @groovnuke
As day two unfolded, the scorching heat persisted, but festival-goers who had attended the previous day were well-conditioned for the weather ahead. The vibrant atmosphere was further amplified as more fans joined the event. A stellar lineup of artists, including G Herbo, C Dot Honcho, Cordae, Luh Tyler, Tee Grizzley, Famous Dex, Gloss Up, and many more, took the stage, igniting the crowd with electrifying performances.
The second night witnessed a special guest appearance by Lil Uzi Vert, whose high-energy set is always a must-see at the Summer Smash festival. The crowd enthusiastically rocked out to his hit single 'Just Wanna Rock', creating an unforgettable experience. Future took the fans all the way up with his headlining set. The consecutive appearances of Uzi and Future kept the adrenaline pumping, setting the stage for an unforgettable day three. Future's song selection, from 'Move that Dope' to 'Bugatti' and 'Thought it Was a Drought', served as a powerful reminder of his immense musical prowess. On the final day, fans were determined to make the most of the remaining moments of the festival. The afternoon started with a wind delay, promptly communicated to festival-goers through the Summer Smash app. Following the delay, Chicago artist Ausar made an impressive Summer Smash debut, kick-starting the afternoon with his 'Don't Date Rappers' rollout on Lyrical's Main Stage.  Ausar's Summer Smash Debut on day three. credits: @groovnuke
Babytron, Lil Skies, Rico Nasty, Central Cee, Lil B, BKTHERULA, and Trippie Redd all contributed to the mounting anticipation as the crowd eagerly awaited the special guest and final headliner. Before Trippie Redd's set, rain began pouring down, prompting fans to seek shelter and stay dry. Some got soaked, but nothing could dampen their spirits as they were determined to make the weekend truly unforgettable. As the rain momentarily paused, it resumed just in time for Trippie Redd's performance, creating a magical moment. With his single 'BANG!' from his debut album Life's a Trip, rain fell down as he sang along with the lyrics "let it rain" alongside the fans.
Lil Durk, the final special guest, showcased his talent on the stage, accompanied by a 7220 home prop in the background. Fans packed the stadium at the Culture Kings Stage, turning up to his performance of numerous hit songs accumulated over the years. Every time Durk appears at Summer Smash, he is met with overwhelming love in his hometown, and he consistently contributes to an incredible show.
Serving as the grand finale, Playboi Carti unleashed his limitless energy, captivating the thousands in attendance. With smash hits like 'RIP Fredo' and 'Stop Breathing', Carti showcased his prowess and left the audience on fire for the closing of the evening. It seems that Carti is always in his element at Summer Smash, ready to deliver a performance of a lifetime. The fifth annual Summer Smash Festival was an extraordinary event that pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. Lyrical Lemonade once again proved why it is a powerhouse for multimedia and entertainment. The festival's relocation to SeatGeek Stadium, combined with the enthusiastic support of over 100,000 attendees, solidified its position as a remarkable and unparalleled experience. One of the most respectable aspects of Summer Smash's growth is how it has become a platform for artists to evolve. Artist who frequent the fest, such as Lil Skies, Lil Uzi Vert, Yung Bans, Ski Mask the Slump God, and others consistently provide unforgettable performances for the fans who grew up alongside them. Additionally, every year, new artists have the opportunity to gain unique fans by making their Summer Smash debuts. With five festivals under their belt, Lyrical Lemonade has the power to continue to shape the future of more Summer Smash growth.
With the rise of several talented women in hip-hop, it wouldn't be surprising to see them headlining in the coming years, driving further expansion. The ball is fully in their court. SeatGeek Stadium fulfilled the hosting of an amazing three-day festival curated by independent minds. Hats off to Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX for continuously championing the culture right here in Chicago.
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