The AAHH Fest! was exactly what it was marketed to be; a breath of fresh air for Chicago. Common Ground Foundation and Donda’s House, foundations of Common and Kanye West, put together an inaugural festival coined as “Hip Hop Church.” The purpose of this event was to showcase positivity in the Go, but also to raise money for their foundations, as well as Arts Education in Chicago Publics Schools and Year Round Jobs Initiative.
The festival showcased a host of heavy hitters! Twista, Lil Herb, Jay Electronica, DJ Vince Adams, DJ TimBuck 2, De La Soul, MC Lyte (with special guest Lil Mama) and a few more home grown crowd pleasers.
Did I mention it was hosted by hilariously funny Dave Chappelle?
He kept the crowd entertained between set changes. Even though this was considered a hip hop event, Jennifer Hudson still came through and annihilated the stage in her hometown. She kept saying “it feels so good to be home!”
J Hud belted out hits like “Spotlight,” “Walk it Out,” “Where You At,” and a few other gems before making way for Lupe Fiasco to take the stage.
And take the stage he did. Another Chicago Native, Lupe Fiasco bum-rushed the stage with so much energy and vigor, the crowd couldn’t help but join his frenzy. He immediately took the show into a new height.
In true Chi-town fashion, the conscious rapper informed one lady in the crowd she’d better bounce to his next song…especially because it was 6 guys behind her ready to take her spot if she didn’t. Following his “Kanye moment” was a rendition of “Go Go Gadget Flow” that had the audience jumping off their feet. He continued with hit after hit until the producers literally cut his microphone off. The crowd made no haste in expressing their disdain.
The headliner and visionary behind the AAHH Fest!, Common then blessed the stage with some oldie but goodies, as well as a freestyle not made for BET’s Cypher. He also brought out Twista to perform one of Chicago’s classics, “Po Pimp.”
However, nothing could prepare the crowd for the “special guest.” Everyone had a idea of who they wanted it to be, but wasn’t sure if it was possible. But everything is possible if you believe in YEEZUS. Common’s DJ started playing “Jesus Walks” and Yeezy ran out belting the lyrics. The crowd literally lost it’s mind!
Song after song, Yeezy obliterated the stage. “Don’t Like” and “N*ggas in Paris” were definitely the crowd favorites. Once his set was over, Common came on stage to thank everyone for coming and attempted to close the show. The crowd wasn’t ready for the finale and screamed for an encore. Once again, belief in Yeezus produced results. The two Chicago legends immediately began performing “Get Em High.”
For those of you that are detail oriented, yes, Yeezy and J Hud were rocking the same red flannel. I’m guessing J Hud didn’t get the memo it was freezing in the Chi yesterday. Although it was dope, her outfit wasn’t made for the hawk. It happens, girl!
Kontrol Magazine would like to thank Donda’s House and The Common Ground Foundation for the invite to an amazing showcase of talent and city camaraderie. We look forward to many years of the AAHH Fest!
