Music News Round Up • Bump J Released From Prison, The Cool Kids Perform on Windy City Live & More
The sun's beginning to peak out in Chicago at long last and the news, as is the case, continues to roll. In this week's Music News Round Up: a Chicago rap legend is released from prison, Chance The Rapper announces a birthday party for charity, The Cool Kids perform live on TV and Do Division Fest kicks off the summer schedule by announcing their performers for this year. All that and more below!
Bump J Released From Prison After Seven Years
In a saga that has stretched far too long, Chicago rapper Bump J was released from federal prison on Wednesday after serving 10 years behind bars for his role in a 2007 bank robbery in Oak Park. His release comes after whispers over the last couple of years had been pointing to an imminent release.
Before being arrested Bump J was considered one of the most prolific artists in the midwest and seemed a sure thing to follow Kanye West's recent rise to fame. In a heartbreaking story, all that was put on hold for just under a decade after the robbery.
There is still no clear announcement regarding Bump's future in music now that he is a free man, but I'm certain we'll be hearing plenty as soon as he gets settled.
Chance The Rapper Announce 'Chance The Birthday' Event
Chance The Rapper's 23rd year was certainly one to remember. From selling out his own festival at White Sox field to winning three Grammys as and independent artist to becoming one of the most recognizable artists of his generation, the young man made efficient use of the past year. He announced a celebration to usher in the next one, as announced by his manager Pat Corcoran on Twitter.
Sunday April 17 at Studio Paris is the where and when for the event which bills "special guests" and was described by Corcoran as "better than any festival". Fans have reason to believe him too. Magnificent Coloring Day on the south side brought out artists like Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Skrillex and many more and just last week Chance joined Ja Rule on the Studio Paris stage to perform "No Problems". Indeed Chance is no short supply of well-known friends and colleagues and will similarly channel the fun back to a cause as all proceeds will go towards his community action program, Social Works. Tickets & more info available here.
The Cool Kids Perform on Windy City Live
Longtime Chicago duo The Cool Kids have been enjoying a warm reception in their second act of sorts since reuniting for their upcoming album, Special Edition Grand Master Deluxeand continued a spirited media run this week with a performance on Windy City Live.
Performing their song "TV Dinner" the pair continue to prove that together they are stronger than they are apart and we couldn't be more excited to see the guys back together again, as it seems the rest of the city can concur with.
Do Division Fest Performers Announced
It's beginning to warm up at long last in the city and with that is the impending craze of neverending festivals that characterize summertime in Chicago. Right on time, Do Division Fest announced its lineup of performers for this year's edition which is largely on the tame side, but offers a familiar face in Closed Sessions' signee WebsterX and Lucky Boys Confusion who are surprising to see pop up on a 2017 lineup. Check it all out below and stay tuned for plenty more.
East / Damen Stage: Programmed by Empty Bottle Presents
The Ponys
ADULT.
Black Marble
Boss Hog
She-Devils
WebsterX
West / Leavitt Stage: Programmed by Subterranean
Shannon & The Clams
Lucky Boys Confusion
Boogarins
Wildhoney
RLYR
Christopher Paul Stelling
