In one week, NCMF will return to Union Park for its ninth year as one of Chicago’s premiere music festivals. Each and every year they find a way to outdo themselves, and 2018 is no exception. NCMF has always had a great eye for hip-hop talent, and this year they take a look towards the future, booking a number of the hottest up and comers of the new age. Very cutting edge booking here.
During its three-day run, the lineup boasts performances from Chicago’s hottest artist, Juice Wrld, who is currently the music’s new streaming king. Other monsters of the streaming era include Comethazine, Smokepurpp, Lil Xan, Lil Skies, Madeintyo, and Landon Cube. These guys have rabid fanbases, so expect them to deliver high energy sets that will be felt throughout the city.
The Fest also includes an eclectic group of FSD favorites and personal favorites including SaveMoney’s KAMI, Ric Wilson, Mother Nature, Miguel, Jamiroquai, local Monte Booker and the Grammy-nominated Rapsody. So they truly have something for everyone.
Super popping local brands such as Aux Cord DJs and Lyrical Lemonade will also have side stages that will churn out some of the dopest local and national talent. Our homies over at Aux Cord DJs will bring The Cool Kids, Vic Lloyd and Iris Temple to the small stage for unique DJ sets.
All in all, this is set to be arguably the wildest festival of the summer of 2018. Tickets are still available right here, so we highly suggest you grab them now before they’re gone. Again, the fun goes down August 31 – September 2nd at Union Park in Chicago. Don’t snooze.
Today, we’ve put together a list of our favorite 5 artists performing at NCMF that you just can’t miss. Be there or be square, so to speak. Check out the rundown below.
KAMI, Sunday 4:15pm
This week, KAMI has a BIG single coming out. It features Chance and Joey Purp. It’s part of a larger project with producer Smoko Ono, but this record could be the one. The one that pushes KAMI right into the mainstream where he belongs. That said, expect the momentum to carry into next week, where KAMI makes his debut as a solo artist on a festival stage. The hometown hero will have plenty of big surprises. That I can guarantee.
Juice Wrld, Friday 6pm
Arguably the hottest Chicago rapper of the moment is having a HUGE 2018. This streaming king just performed at the VMAs earlier this week, and has racked millions of plays of his debut album. “Lucid Dreams” is one of the top songs on Billboard right now. It appears he cannot be stopped. Don’t miss him on Friday at 6. Expect a large crowd. Arrive early.
Comethazine, Saturday 6:45pm
I think Cometh is dope. Hailing from St. Louis, he has a very unique flow and has dropped a slew of dope records in 2018. He will have a legion of dedicated fans in attendance.
Ric Wilson, Saturday 2:45pm
Ric is one of Chicago’s best performers. And his latest project is one of the best of 2018. Excited to see what he does on the big festival stage. Please believe whatever he has planned, will be incredibly planned, rehearsed and ready to leave a mark with everyone in attendance. He will give it 110%, no doubt.
Smokepurpp, Friday 6:45pm
Alamo’s marquee artist is always ready to turn Chicago up — something he’s done regularly over the past few years. Next Friday he will no doubt set the stage ablaze at Union Park. Don’t miss “Nephew” live.
*The Cool Kids DJ Set, Friday 8:30pm
Yeah the entry of The Cool Kids pushes the list to six. But hey, anything for Chuck and Mikey. These two performed at reunion show at NCMF last summer, and this year they return to DJ. While I’ve never heard Mikey spin, he does have great taste in music. And Chuck has long been one of my favorite disc jockeys, playing a perfect mix of new heat and fire classics.