Since the album A$AP Rocky «Don't Be Dumb» became, it seemed, another urban legend of rap, Chicago was part of its creation. I remember him performing songs from it at the 2021 Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash festival. You might even remember him closing the 2025 Lollapalooza with his famous helicopter abseiling. At the concert celebrating the beginning of A$AP Rocky's "Don't Be Dumb" world tour, At Chicago's United Center (May 27), all the love for him came full circle as he delivered a stunning show (seven years in the making) just for the fans.
A matching black-and-white police helicopter hovered next to the Bulls and Blackhawks championship banners. Fans couldn't help but be mesmerized, wondering if A$AP Rocky was planning to jump out of a helicopter again like last year. It turned out he wanted to surprise the fans and make a dramatic entrance from the top rows to "Grim Freestyle." It was the first of many moments throughout the evening when Rocky wanted to make sure everyone in the crowd could see him and feel his presence up close, no matter where they were. After wowing us with explosive renditions of "Trunks" and "Highjack," he arrived center stage in the same helicopter.
A$AP Rocky launches the Don't Be Dumb Tour
A few songs after Rocky descended from the helicopter and began performing on this makeshift structure, he scolded his camera crew for technical problems backstage. He complained about not being able to hear anything in his headphones and about the poorly positioned lighting fixtures, which were creating silhouettes.
«"First of all, to my team: get your act together," he said. "I can't hear anything in my headphones, and I don't want to keep interrupting the show, so let's just get this thing straightened out, because these people paid good money to see my black dude tonight.".
He added: "We're not stopping. I don't care if I don't hear anything. We're not stopping anything, screw it. No excuses, I've been waiting all day to meet you bastards.".
Then, A$AP Rocky and his dancers, decked out in menacing riot gear, kicked things off on an industrial, rebellious-military runway, creating the atmosphere of a rave at the end of the world. As a helicopter spotlighted the resulting mosh pit, which was broadcast on the stage's large screens, he charmingly said, "Get this kid out of the mosh pit, he's only 6 years old. I love kids.".
A$AP Rocky launches the Don't Be Dumb Tour
Later in the show, Rocky called for a moment of silence in memory of the late, great ASAP Yams. Unfortunately, the rude attendees couldn't contain their anger. Instead of paying their respects, they continued shouting requests for songs. This ruined an otherwise energetic performance of "Yamborgini High" by the few remaining members of A$AP Mob.
Beyond the album tracks, Fashion Killa's highlights were the B-sides, soundtrack compositions, and nostalgic hits from 2012-2017. I was pleasantly surprised by a rare performance of "R. Cali," a little-known track from the Grand Theft Auto V soundtrack. Other musical surprises included the unreleased "Middle Fingers" and a monumental collaboration with former Chicago protégé Famous Dex. Sadly, he wasn't present for what would have been a historic event for Chicago.
The final hour of the show was dedicated to hits from his landmark mixtape. Live, Love, A$AP and debut album Long Love A$AP, who captured the hearts of people like me. His live performance of "Peso" took me back to my college days at Jackson State University, when the video for the song was frequently shown on MTVU. His rendition of "Purple Swag" created a relaxing, intellectual, yet intoxicating atmosphere with flashing purple lights.
Rocky finally hit his stride, performing his Brent Faiyaz hit single "Stay Here 4 Life" on a long, narrow platform surrounded by dancers. Looking like a crown prince on his own platform, he completed a full circle, enthusiastically waving to every person in the crowd at every stop. He seemed to soak up all the love and revel in the triumphant evening. And just when fans thought he was done, he closed the show with "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2.".
A$AP Rocky Tour «Don't Be Dumb» — a well-deserved, triumphant farewell concert, dedicated not only to one of his best albums, but also to his vast and unique catalog, which has earned him the love of millions of fans worldwide (despite Drake's opinion). Despite the technical difficulties, the Chicago concert was an exceptional start to what looks like a monumental tour of the year.
More information on VIBE.com
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