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A Guide to Rappers Touring in 2023

In the world of hip-hop , the prevailing theme for the summer of 2023 appears to be "outside," emphasizing the excitement of experiencing live music and concerts.

While Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour  has dominated the summer conversation, hip-hop's heavyweight artists are are connecting with their fans in person. Although these may not be the first tours since the global impact of Covid-19, they could very well be the first opportunity for fans to witness their beloved rappers live since 2019. Rest assured, rap fans are covered with comprehensive coverage of all the exciting hip-hop tours happening this summer and into the fall.

Drake and 21 Savage  have been on their highly anticipated It's All a Blur Tour  all summer, in support of their 2022 album, Her Loss . Earlier this year,  Drake gave fans an intimate show at the Apollo Theater in Harlem , as well as a performance at J. Cole's Dreamville Festival  back in April. However, this tour marks his first co-headlining venture since the 2018 Aubrey & the Three Migos Tour , making it an exciting return to the stage for the acclaimed artist. Drake not only brings his extensive history of hits from his previous albums to the stage, but he's also been teasing his upcoming For All the Dogs album .

Celebrating the 20-year milestone of his iconic album, Get Rich or Die Tryin' , 50 Cent  has embarked on a 64-date tour for fans. Joining him on tour is legendary rhymer  Busta Rhymes and singer Jeremih .

Lil Baby  has also hit the stage for his  It's Only Us Tour , where he's joined by a lineup including GloRilla , Gloss Up ,  Rylo Rodriguez  and Hunxho.

Check out the gallery below for more anticipated hip-hop tours this past summer and for the rest of the year.

See the Guide to Rappers Touring in 2023

More from xxl.

The biggest rap music tours in 2023: Concerts, festivals, dates, tickets, venues

• Updated: May. 13, 2023, 2:46 p.m.
• | Published: May. 13, 2023, 2:45 p.m.

Drake will begin his "It's All a Blur" tour on June 29. Jonathan Short/Invision/AP

• Nicole Iuzzolino | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The biggest rap artists in the industry are coming to an arena near you.

From Drake to Snoop Dogg , fans have many artists to choose from when buying concert tickets. Or, if you are in more of a music festival mood, fans can book a flight to Miami to attend Rolling Loud where Playboi Carti and A$AP Rocky will headline.

Here is a comprehensive list of the biggest rap music concerts and festivals of 2023.

(Note: Vivid Seats is currently offering a promo for first-time users: Get $20 off ticket orders over $200 with code NJ20 at checkout ).

Rico Nasty’s “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour”

Tour runs from April 16 to June 2

Buy tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Vivid Seats

Soulja Boy’s summer tour

Tour runs from May 7 to June 10

Bryson Tiller’s “Back and I’m Better” tour

Tour runs from May 10 to July 21

Pitbull’s tour dates

Tour runs from May 11 to July 21

Jelly Roll’s “Backroad Baptism” tour

Tour runs from May 19 to Oct. 14

Ice Cube’s tour dates

Tour runs from May 19 to Nov. 4

Lil Baby’s “It’s Only Us Tour”

Tour runs from May 19 to Sept. 22

Wiz Khalifa’s tour dates

Tour runs from May 20 to Aug. 27

Logic’s “The College Park Tour”

Tour runs from May 25 to June 30

TLC and Shaggy’s “Hot Summer Nights” tour

Tour runs from June 1 to July 15

Hive Music Festival

Headliners: Kid Cudi and Post Malone

Drake and 21 Savage’s “It’s All a Blur Tour”

Tour runs from June 29 to Oct. 7

LL Cool J’s “THE F.O.R.C.E. Tour”

Tour runs from June 25 to Sept. 3

Snoop Dogg’s “High School Reunion Tour”

Tour runs from July 7 to Aug. 27

NF’s “Hope Tour”

Tour runs from July 12 to Oct. 15

Broccoli City music festival

Tour runs from July 15-16

Headliners: Lil Uzi Vert, Jazmine Sullivan and Brent Faiyaz

Rolling Loud Miami

Headliners: Playboi Carti, Travis Scott and A$AP Rocky

50 Cent’s “The Final Lap Tour”

Tour runs from July 21 to Nov. 12

Chance The Rapper’s “The Acid Rap 10-Year Anniversary Show”

Shows on Aug. 19, Aug. 26 and Sept. 21

Macklemore’s “Ben” tour

Tour runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 18

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas’ “N.Y. State of Mind” tour

Tour runs from Sept. 20 to Oct. 22

Lil Yachty’s “The Field Trip Tour”

Tour runs from Sept. 21 to Nov. 17

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Hottest Hip-Hop Tours of 2023

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop by seeing some masters of the craft and today’s newest hip-hop stars on tour. What began as a small back-to-school party thrown by two teen siblings living in the Bronx, would become the catalyst for the creation of hip-hop music and culture. From early records spun by a young Clive Campbell aka DJ Kool Herc to the award-winning artists of today, this music genre created a space that recognizes and celebrates African-American art, fashion, media and culture overall. Check out the wide range of 2023 hip-hop concerts that have kept the legacy alive.

Hip-Hop Classics

Early hip-hop in the ‘70s was influenced by jazz and R&B artists like Nat King Cole and Nina Simone along with funk and disco stars like James Brown, Chaka Khan and Donna Summer. Early hip-hop figures like Grandmaster Flash and Jazzy Jay inspired a new wave of hip-hop to emerge in the ‘80s. Check out some hip-hop legends that are going on tour in 2023. 

Snoop has been an iconic rapper and songwriter for almost 30 years. When his debut album, Doggystyle , was released in 1993, hits like “Gin and Juice” and “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)” instantly pushed Snoop into the spotlight. Since then, the rapper has recorded 19 studio albums, 25 mixtapes and 175 singles. His newest album, BODR , was released in 2022, which was the same year that Snoop was selected to perform at the Super Bowl along with Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar. Make sure to get your Snoop Dogg tickets and catch his High School Reunion Tour with Wiz Khalifa, Warren G, Too $hort and Berner. With hits like “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Snoop Doggy Dogg’s tour is one that you will not want to miss. 

LL’s music career took off with his breakout single “I Need a Beat” and debut album, Radio , in 1985. His later albums like Bigger and Deffer (1987), Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) and Mr. Smith (1995) gained further success and prestige. His work has earned him multiple nominations and awards, like two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance and three Soul Train Music Awards. More recently, he became the first rapper to receive the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017 and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame for Musical Excellence in 2021. 

After 30 years, LL Cool J is back with a headliner tour to the delight of his fans. He will be teaming up with DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Roots and DJ Z-Trip, along with a slew of special guests like Queen Latifah, Rick Ross and Ice-T on this star-studded tour. In a July Billboard interview, LL commented on the tour’s lineup saying “There’ll be hits, and there’ll be just rhymes and beats happening.” Grab LL Cool J tickets before they’re gone and jam out to hits like “Mama Said Knock You Out,” “Doin’ It” and “Ill Bomb.” 

Catch award-winning rapper 50 Cent on The Final Lap tour, a global expedition to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Get Rich Or Die Tryin.’ The 2003 release kickstarted 50 Cent’s success and was ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the “100 Best Albums of the 2000s.” His tour will feature his best hits like “In Da Club,” “Candy Shop,” and “P.I.M.P.” Joining 50 Cent on tour will be special guests Busta Rhymes (“Break Ya Neck,” “Gimme Some More”) and Jeremih (“Birthday Sex,” “Down on Me”). See one of Billboard ’s best rappers of all time live with 50 Cent tickets .

New Class of Hip-Hop Stars

The hip-hop music of today has evolved from its roots and branched out into genres like freestyle, hip-hop soul, pop rap and snap rap music. From the late ‘90s to the 2000s, the world saw a new wave of artists like Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Eminem and Nicki Minaj. Their contribution to the music scene has helped hip-hop to evolve further into trap music and mumble rap. The following artists are newcomers to the game that are going on to continue the innovation of hip-hop music.  

“Rack City,” “Best Friend” and “Go Loko” are all hits you’ll hear with tickets to the Str8 To The Club Tour. Beginning this fall, YG , Tyga and Saweetie will embark on a joint headliner West Coast tour. Fans got a sample of  the joint album by YG and Tyga with the June release of “Platinum.” The Compton-based rappers paid tribute to their roots with the single, which has been hailed as a “defiant, California-inspired anthem” ( RAP-UP , 2023). The duo has teamed up several times in the past on songs like “West Coast Weekend” and “Run” with 21 Savage and BIA. 

This tour will be Saweetie’s first headliner, giving the “Icy Grl” rapper an opportunity to promote her music. The 2017 single “Icy Grl” brought Saweetie mainstream attention, with critics from publications like XXL and the LA Times praising her freestyle skills. She dropped the EP, Icy , in 2019 with the single, “My Type” becoming a Billboard Mainstream Top 40 hit. Her debut album, Pretty Bitch Music , is coming soon and was preceded by the 2020 singles “Tap In” and “Back to the Streets.” Get your Saweetie tickets now and see this rapper who made the 2021 Forbes ’ 30 Under 30 list.

Playboi Carti

The Atlanta-born rapper first made his mark on the scene with the debut of his self-titled mixtape in 2017. His single “Magnolia” made the Top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart and became a multi-platinum hit. Carti’s next album, Whole Lotta Red , dropped in 2020 and immediately hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The time between these two albums saw Playboi Carti as a featured artist on a number of songs by industry stars like A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert , A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Tyler the Creator and others.

Playboi Carti founded his record label, Opium, in 2019, and has taken the initiative to promote new talent within the rap and hip-hop scene. These newcomers include Ken Carson, Homixide Gang and Destroy Lonely, who will all be joining Carti on his tour. Enjoy hits like “Wokeuplikethis,” “Sky” and “@ Meh” live on the Antagonist tour when you get your Playboi Carti tickets today.

Victoria Monet

Her compositional work with artists like Lupe Fiasco, Nas and Ariana Grande, as well as solo creative projects, has brought to light Victoria Monet’s success. Her first EP Nightmares & Lullabies: Act 2 was released in 2014 and featured tracks like “90’s Babies” and “See the Light.” As her popularity grew, Monet joined artists like Fifth Harmony on tour and composed additional albums, like Life After Love Pt. 2 (2018) and Jaguar (2020). The release of 2020 singles, “Moment” and “Dive,” earned her recognition as Apple Music’s Up Next artist in February. Watch this rising singer perform live with Victoria Monet tickets .

Join Victoria Monet on The Jaguar Tour following the August release of her debut studio album, Jaguar II . The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter will embark on her first headliner tour in late September. Monet released the lead single “Smoke” in March 2023, receiving praise in a Hypebeast article on her style and ability to “balance between groove, seduction and smoothness.” Fans were thrilled when she followed up with the release of the singles, “On My Mama” and “Party Girls,” a few months later.

Trippie Redd

Born and raised in Ohio, Redd shot to fame with his 2017 debut single “Love Scars” from the album, A Love Letter to You . Since then, songs like “Taking a Walk,” “Topanga” and “Dark Knight Dummo” have all made it onto the Billboard Hot 100. Trippie Redd is an artist who has been commended for his inclusion of heavy metal and rock & roll elements into his music. He has leveled from a Soundcloud rapper to a powerhouse performer with more than 19 million Spotify streams each month. Seven consecutive works made the Top 5 of Billboard ’s 200 Albums chart, with hits like “Miss the Rage,” “Hurts Me” and recently “Took My Breath Away” (ft. Sky Morales) boosting his success. Experience one of hip-hop’s new versatile creators live with Trippie Redd tickets . 

Forever bold and unapologetic with her music, the “Attention” singer is going on a nationwide tour, joined by Doechii and Ice Spice. Doja Cat became a viral internet sensation in 2018 when she released “Mooo!” The cow-print-styled music video that accompanied the single gained millions of views and gave the L.A. rapper a boost when she released her album, Hot Pink (2019). Her next album, Planet Her (2021) was packed with a number of popular hits like “Best Friend,” “Kiss Me More” and “Streets.” The latter single inspired the viral “silhouette” challenge on TikTok, where users mimicked Doja’s appearance in the “Streets” (Silhouette Remix) music video. Enjoy a visually bold concert experience live on The Scarlet Tour , which marks the Grammy-award-winning rapper’s first North American arena venture. 

Lil Tjay’s music is a true form of self-expression and calls back to one of hip-hop’s purposes in creating a space to freely speak on the violence and hardships experienced in life, particularly by Black men. After recovering from a traumatic shooting last June, Lil Tjay is back and setting off on his Beat The Odds tour. The rapper will be promoting his newest album, 222 , while touring North America, New Zealand and Australia. The album highlights his survival and struggles with vulnerability and grief after the shooting. “Project Walls” and “June 22nd” are popular tracks from the album that fans can expect to hear on tour along with hits like “Calling My Phone,” “Run it Up” and “F.N.” Don’t miss out and get your Lil Tjay tickets today.

Latin Stars Bringing a New Sound to Hip-Hop

When hip-hop culture began spreading throughout New York, it naturally influenced the music of neighboring communities, particularly those with Latin and Caribbean roots. This created a path for famous New York rappers like Fat Joe and Angie Martinez, who have Puerto Rican origins. Reggaeton, a music style popularized in Puerto Rico, was influenced by Jamaican music, just like hip-hop. This intersection helped people like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar become acclaimed figures in the global music scene. Check out the following Latin singers and rappers that are bringing a new sound to hip-hop.

Armando Christian Pérez aka Pitbull is an iconic Cuban-American rapper and singer-songwriter whose music career took off in the 2000s. While his debut album, M.I.A.M.I., was released in 2004, it was Pitbull Starring in Rebelution (2009) that made Pérez a breakout artist. The lead singles, “I Know You Want Me(Calle Ocho)” and “Hotel Room Service,” shot to the Top 10 of Billboard ’s Hot 100 and succeeded abroad in several European nations. Pitbull has collaborated with artists like Ying Yang Twins , DJ Khaled, Shakira, Ne-Yo and dozens more. He has won upwards of 48 awards from Billboard and the US and Latin Grammys, in categories like Top Rap Song, Best Urban Performance and Latin Song of the Year. 

Get Pitbull tickets and catch this superstar on The Trilogy Tour alongside global Latin stars Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias. The trio will put on unique sets during each stop, showcasing their versatile styles. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of rap, reggaeton and dance hits like “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” “Bailando” and “Give Me Everything” with tickets to The Trilogy Tour. 

Peso Pluma has become a prominent figure in the “corridos tumbados” movement. The movement revitalized regional Mexican music, fusing it with trap, hip-hop and urbano styles. Tracks like “Ella Naila Sola” and “Luna” made Pluma one of Billboard ’s Latin Artists on the Rise, with three of his singles making it to the Top 10. The Guadalajara-born rapper received nominations for awards like Viral Anthem and Artist to Watch at the 2023 MTV Millennial Awards. He has worked with Latin artists like Becky G and Yng Lvcas, whose single “La Bebé” (Remix), won the pair the Remix of the Year award at the 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano.

Get your Peso Pluma tickets now and see him embark on his first US tour. Beginning in July and through late October, the Mexican singer-songwriter will be making stops in 17 major US cities.

At 16, Jhayco, formerly Jhayco Cortez, began writing songs for artists like Tito El Bambino and Zion & Lennox. His work paid off and Cortez signed with Universal Music Latino in 2017. Jhayco released his debut album, Famouz , in 2019. It featured the single “No Me Conoce,” which shot to the top of Latin music charts and became a multi-certified US hit. Jhayco’s success continued with his sophomore album, Timelezz , which secured the No. 2 spot on Billboard ’s Top Latin Albums chart. His collaboration with Bad Bunny on “Daikiti,” earned both Puerto Rican rappers a Best Urban Song nomination at the 2021 Latin Grammy Awards. Enjoy addictive dance tracks like “Medusa” and “Mami Chula” on the Vida Rockstar tour with Jhayco tickets .

Myke Towers

A Latin artist currently taking over the charts, Towers became No. 1 on Billboard ’s Latin Airplay charts in May. His second album, Easy Money Baby , spawned multi-platinum hits like “La Playa” and “Si Se Da.” Myke Towers is an artist with international rapport in the Latin, afrobeat, reggae and alt-pop music communities. He has teamed up with some of the best in the Latin music industry like Bad Bunny, Piso 21 and Daddy Yankee. The latter collaboration resulted in the “Gasolina” (Safari Riot Remix) which was featured in the movie, Fast X .

Following his fourth album debut, La Vida Es Una , Towers is embarking on The La Vida Es Una tour. Enjoy songs like “Caramelo,” “Bandido” and “LALA” with Myke Towers tickets .

Top Hip-Hop Celebrations in 2023

Can’t decide which of these tours to see live? Catch a music festival celebrating all things hip-hop and the creators that have revolutionized the culture. Check out artists like Mary J. Blige , Nicki Minaj and 21 Savage live. 

Take it back to where it all began 50 years ago in the Bronx with Hip Hop 50 Live tickets. The concert takes place Aug. 11 at Yankee Stadium with a stellar lineup featuring Run DMC, Eve, the Sugar Hill Gang and Ice Cube as well as Lil Kim, A$AP Ferg and Trina. Get Hip Hop 50 Live tickets to be part of an unforgettable celebration of the birth of hip-hop music and culture.

Or head to the West Coast with Lights On Festival tickets . The event will feature Grammy award-winning singer H.E.R. along with Jazmine Sullivan, Don Toliver, Toosii and other R&B and rap stars. The festival kicks off Sept. 16 and 17 at the Shoreline Festival Grounds in Mountain View, Calif.

With ONE Musicfest tickets you can catch Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion and Brent Faiyaz at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. TEMS, Coi Leray, Kodak Black and others will also be performing at the Southeast’s biggest urban music and arts festival.

2023 Hip-Hop Concerts

Browse hundreds of hip-hop tickets available through TicketSmarter and experience a show of a lifetime. If you plan to head out of town, discover all of the exclusive travel deals available through HotelPlanner.

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Most Iconic Hip-Hop Tours Of 2023

Fans saw quite a few impressive hip-hop tours in 2023. Many of them coincided with the biggest releases of the year, some in celebration of major career milestones, and others serving as signifiers of artists' new creative pursuits. As live music continues to pick back up following years of postponements and cancellations related to the pandemic, artists have kicked things into high gear, seemingly making up for the lost time.

Supporters have gotten the chance to catch beloved legacy acts, artists new to the mainstream embarking on their first-ever large-scale tours, and irrefutably skilled performers honed in more than ever this year, proving that live music is back in a big way. Check out some of the most iconic tours of 2023 below.

Beyonce - The RENAISSANCE Tour

In May, Beyonce embarked on her anxiously awaited RENAISSANCE world tour in Europe, setting off on the North American leg in July. The Texas native went about as big as one could go, enlisting the help of a massive flying "disco horse" as well as other extravagant props, and leaning into the tour's silver theme with her intricate costumes. The hive followed suit , coming through with similarly elaborate looks in line with the essence of the tour. Beyonce's nearly three-hour sets spanned almost the entirety of her discography, packing in plenty of fun crowd-pleasers and unapologetic anthems.

Her 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy also adorably joined her onstage as a dancer throughout the majority of the tour, the cherry on top for dedicated Bey fans. After closing the tour in October, Beyonce immediately got to work on her corresponding concert film and documentary. It arrived in theaters on December 1, expectedly taking over the box office. It saw the largest opening for the first weekend of December in two decades, bringing in $21 million.

Drake & 21 Savage - The It's All A Blur Tour

In July, Drake and 21 Savage kicked off the It's All A Blur tour in support of their 2022 collaborative LP, Her Loss. They have since made their way across North America, performing in over 20 cities. Up until October, 21 Savage was unable to join the Toronto native for the tour's Canadian stops due to immigration issues. He later secured his green card, as revealed in Drake's track "8AM In Charlotte," leading to speculation that he'd appear at the tour's final scheduled dates in Toronto. Fans were left disappointed when night one came and went, with no sign of 21 Savage.

Rumors swirled that 21 Savage wouldn't appear in Toronto at all, but luckily, he was able to perform on night two. Drake has since announced another leg of the tour alongside J. Cole, Big as The What? . while 21 Savage went on to perform across Europe, making the most of his new immigration status. This tour was Drake's first in five years and featured plenty of special guests, giveaways, and more. It also coincided with the rollout of his eagerly-anticipated album For All The Dogs , making for some seriously charged crowds.

The Weeknd - The After Hours Til Dawn Tour

The Weeknd set off on his After Hours Till Dawn tour in the summer of 2022 and has been making his way around the world ever since. After wrapping up his scheduled North American dates, he embarked on the European and Latin American leg of the tour in 2023. Heading into the new year, he'll make stops around Oceania.

The performer has broken various records so far, hitting several memorable milestones throughout his trek across Europe. He broke London Stadium's attendance record, drawing in a staggering 80,000 fans. The tour later secured the title of the highest-grossing tour for a Black artist in European history. So far, fans have seen The Weeknd perform hits from 2020's After Hours , 2022's Dawn FM , and more. Striking visuals, unforgettable costumes, pyrotechnics and more have made the tour one to remember, cementing its place as one of the most memorable of the year.

Travis Scott - The Circus Maximus Tour

Following the release of UTOPIA , Travis Scott performed at the iconic Circus Maximus stadium in Rome. This followed the cancellation of his previously scheduled performance at the Pyramids of Giza. The show was a spectacle and even saw a surprise appearance from Kanye West. Shortly after, he announced his Circus Maximus tour in support of the album.

He kicked off the tour, which will see him stop in over 30 cities around the U.S. and Canada, in October. After taking over the charts with Utopia and with no doubts that the hitmaker would go all out, tickets for the trek went fast . Boasting elaborate stage design, pyrotechnics, and setlists comprised of an abundance of fan favorites, his performances have been a sight to see. After watching supporters clamor to get their hands on tickets, Travis Scott announced additional dates in November that run into next year.

50 Cent - The Final Lap Tour

In May, 50 Cent announced that he'd be taking a major trek across North America and Europe in honor of the 20th anniversary of his 2003 album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ . Marketed as the performer's last all-in tour , as 50 Cent plans to adjust his focus to his other business endeavors, fans knew they were in for something big. Consequently, tickets have been selling like wildfire, with 840K purchased only a week after sales began. The hitmaker's been joined by Busta Rhymes at all stops, and Jeremih for North American dates.

Audiences have been hyped at all of these shows, and understandably so. The 48-year-old has been giving his Final Lap his all , performing his classics and bringing out countless high-profile special guests. So far, fans have been surprised with the likes of Eminem, Nas, Fat Joe , and more. Fif's currently on the international leg of the tour, which will run into 2024.

Doja Cat - The Scarlet Tour

Doja Cat embarked on the Scarlet tour on Halloween this year after unleashing her fourth studio album. Scarlet arrived alongside plenty of eye-catching and spooky visuals, indicating that supporters were in for quite a show when she set off on tour. It's safe to say they haven't been disappointed. The hitmaker has come through with plenty of dancing, fun and intricate costumes, and more.

Her setlists have included plenty of chart-topping Scarlet tracks, along with early hits, and even some covers. While performances from Doja have been exciting enough, she's also been joined by Grammy nominee Ice Spice throughout the tour. The 23-year-old has gotten similarly comfortable in the charts over the past year or so, and has plenty of fun fan-favorite tracks, making for an entertaining show all around .

Ms. Lauryn Hill & Fugees - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour

Back in August, Lauryn Hill announced that she'd be embarking on a tour across the U.S. and Canada in honor of the 25th anniversary of her 1998 LP, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill . Joining the New Jersey native would be none other than her Fugees groupmates Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel. The news followed a mini-reunion that fans saw earlier in the year at the 2023 Roots Picnic. At the time, they were told to "stay tuned," and were not left disappointed.

So far, audiences have seen the hitmaker perform classics from her Grammy-winning debut, as well as fan favorite Fugees hits. After setting off in September, however, Hill unfortunately had to postpone the remainder of the tour. Only a couple of months in, she revealed that she had “been battling serious vocal strain." She's now taking time off to rest her vocal cords but promises that the tour will conclude in 2024.

What was your favorite tour of 2023? Share your thoughts in the comments section and keep an eye on HNHH.

• After Hours Til Dawn Tour
• it's all a blur tour
• Renaissance Tour

Hip-Hop/Rap Concerts 2024-2025

Upcoming hip-hop/rap concerts (8596), trending music events.

Sep 9 · Mon, 9:00 PM

Movistar Arena (formerly Buenos Aires Arena) - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sep 9 · Mon, 8:00 PM

Rogers Arena - Vancouver, BC

Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre (formerly USANA Amp) - West Valley City, UT

Sep 20 · Fri, 10:30 PM

LIV Nightclub Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV

Sep 26 · Thu, 12:00 AM

Club Manufaktur - Schorndorf, Germany

Oct 4 · Fri, 5:00 PM

Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart - Auckland, New Zealand

Sep 27 · Fri, 12:00 PM

Caribbean Gardens - Scoresby, Australia

Sep 13 · Fri, 9:00 PM

Estadio Beisborama - Córdoba, Mexico

Oct 2 · Wed, 8:00 PM

EagleBank Arena - Fairfax, VA

Sep 15 · Sun, 11:30 AM

LIV Beach Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV

History of Hip-Hop Music

Hip-hop is one of the most popular musical genres of the modern era. Although commonly referred to as rap music, hip-hop incorporates more than just rapping, which is just a part of it – hip-hop denotes the whole subculture behind the musical movement.

Bronx, New York City is the birthplace of hip-hop, which was mainly popularized by African Americans, Latino Americans, and Caribbean Americans living in the inter-city in the 1970s.

Hip-hop didn’t become mainstream until 1979. The musical genre started to emerge from underground block parties in ghetto neighborhoods. The first mainstream and commercial style of hip-hop is called old-school hip-hop, which was popular between 1979 to 1983. The second generation of hip-hop was called new school hip-hop, after which the genre entered the Golden age of hip-hop between 1985 to 1995.

The subgenres of hip-hop include drill, trap, alternative hip-hop, gangsta rap, and mumble rap. In 2017, hip-hop surpassed rock to be the most popular genre in the USA.

Biggest Rap Concerts

Looking for some fun rap concerts? You can find them at the Rolling Loud Festival. This 3-day festival is the largest in the world and takes place in multiple cities.

Founded by none other than the great Jay-Z, Made in America is a must-see rap festival that takes place annually in Philadelphia, PA. The shows here have a reputation for featuring rising stars in the genre. 

If you happen to be in Texas or close by, you should definitely check out JMBLYA. This festival takes place in multiple cities in the Lone Star state, including Austin, the Live Music capital of the world. 

What Seats are the Best at a Concert

Rapper concerts tend to be highly exciting and energetic. You’ll be standing and dancing to the rhythmic beats of the music. You also would want to be as close as possible to the stage. However, do not stand too close as the sound quality is not the best at that point. 

How to Buy Cheap Concert Tickets

Are you looking for some high-octane hip-hop concerts? We can help you find tickets at highly affordable prices. We list tickets from various vendors throughout the US. All our ticket sources are verified and authentic, so there’s nothing you should worry about.

You can view all rap concerts coming up on our event calendar. We frequently update our listings with the newest concerts so that you never miss anything. Use our list to find your favorite rappers on tour.

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2023 Entertainment Preview: 12 Concert Tours You Can’t Miss This Year

There’s nothing better than a good, old fashioned, live performance. Throughout the years, concerts have served as definitive moments in our lives, as well as the opportunity to bond with friends or loved ones while listening to some of the best artists of the time. In 2023, the top entertainers in hip-hop and R&B will take their talents on tour, so make sure to purchase those tickets early because they more than likely will sell out sooner than later.

Fresh off of the success of her second studio album, SZA will embark on the highly-anticipated SOS Tour in February. The 19-date run will hit cities such as Detroit, Toronto, DC, New York, Atlanta, and several others. That same month, the collection of KEM, Ledisi, and Musiq Soulchild will go on their Soul II Soul Tour until mid-May. For a bit of nostalgia, Janet Jackson and New Edition both start their separate tours, titled Together Again and The Legacy Tour , respectively.

Perhaps the most sought after tour is that of Beyoncé . At press time, no dates have been confirmed, but she announced that she would in fact be going on the road this summer. Audiences across the globe can also look forward to concert runs from The Weeknd, Lizzo , WizKid, and more.

Take a look at our list of concert tours that you shouldn’t miss in 2023.

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20 Rappers to Watch in 2023

Complex compiled a list of 20 rappers we believe you should be paying attention to in 2023—from Lola Brooke and Monaleo to Bandmanrill and Luh Tyler.

Image via Complex Original

Hip-hop was a lot of fun in 2022, and it’s only getting better.

TikTok and Twitch continued to take the rap world by storm, allowing artists to go viral in new and unique ways. Rappers like Lola Brooke, TiaCorine, Cash Cobain, and more were able to create moments off the strength of viral songs, and then have fans carry it the rest of the way. “Don’t Play With It” has become inescapable, “Freaky T” is currently having its moment despite the song dropping in September, and “sexy drill” is taking the New York rap scene by storm, all thanks to their free-spirited energy and trends backing them. This past year also illustrated how rap has no age limit, with artists like 16-year-old Luh Tyler showcasing their skills while still in high school.

If 2022 proved anything, it’s that hip-hop is in a good place, and continues to become more sonically diverse, filled with fresh, new faces. With that in mind, Complex compiled a list of 20 rappers we believe you should be paying attention to in 2023. More recognizable names like Lola Brooke or Monaleo were no-brainers, but there are also several emerging acts like Bandmanrill, Skaiwater, and Eem Triplin, who we believe are due for big years. Any artists we’ve highlighted in our previous Rappers to Watch lists are also ineligible. These are Complex’s picks for the rappers to watch in 2023.

Lola Brooke

For fans of: GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion

Listen to these songs first: “Don’t Play With It,” “Back to Business,” “Here I Come”

Lola Brooke may be petite in stature, but the emerging rapper has a giant voice that’s bound to blow listeners away. The Bed-Stuy native gained attention in 2021 with the gritty and commanding anthem “Don’t Play With It,” featuring fellow BK rapper Billy B. After a slow build on streaming, the record soon gained viral attention on social media platforms like TikTok. Lola Brooke proved her newfound fame wasn’t a fluke, though, delivering “Back to Business” and “Here I Come” in the months following her breakout hit. It’s no debate that women in rap are having a renaissance, but what makes the her a standout among so many is her gruff vocals and intimidating flows over sinister beats. If there is any indicator that Lola Brooke is on the brink of a major moment, it would be her success over the last few months. On December 31, 2022, the rookie got the biggest cosign of her career thus far when Future brought her out as a guest at his sold-out tour stop at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. And on Jan. 9, she inked a deal with Arista Records in collaboration with Team Eighty Productions. Lola Brooke already feels almost too established for this list.  —Jessica McKinney

Bandmanrill

For fans of:  Bizzy Banks, Sha EK, Kay Flock

Listen to these songs first:  “Heartbroken,” “Close Friends,” “I Am Newark”

New York City owns the drill scene right now, but across the river, in Newark, New Jersey, rapper Bandmanrill has been steadily pushing his own version of the subgenre forward. Jersey Club beats are most commonly built for dancing. The production is so fast that it’s extremely challenging to catch the beat to rap over it, yet Bandman has built his career off doing just that. “Yeah, I rap on club but I don’t dance, bitch I tote, I tote,” he spits on “Mr.Dontcuffthat.” Other breakout tracks like “Heartbroken” show his rapping skills, while songs like “I Am Newark” demonstrate a unique fusion between sample drill and Jersey drill. The Jersey drill scene is even more niche than the burgeoning sample drill subgenre, but the 20-year-old rapper is leading the emerging sound with the confidence and authority of a veteran. —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Trippie Redd, Ski Mask the Slump God, Playboi Carti

Listen to these songs first: “DIVE IN!,” “JELEEL JUICE!,” “UNCIVILIZED! (GO!)”

JELEEL!’s stage name alone tells you a lot about him. It’s in all caps because it’s meant to be screamed. The Rhode Island artist is a ball of energy distilled in a hulking human body; his natural enthusiasm is only matched by his ridiculous athletic abilities. And by athletic ability, we mean what we see exhibited by his backflips off stages and into mosh pits during his shows. JELEEL!’s music matches his personality, with songs like “DELIVER!,” which have emphatic lyrics paired with electric music videos that help bring the tracks to life. You don’t need espresso in the morning, just turn on any JELEEL! track and it’ll serve the same purpose, without the caffeine drawbacks. Even if you’re not watching him in 2023, you’ll surely hear him.  —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Don Toliver, Kaash Paige

Listen to these songs first: “Left Right,” “Tweakin Together”

Bktherula is one of the hidden gems on this list. The 20-year-old rapper has gotten some attention over the last two years, but she’s yet to fully blow up. Hailing from Atlanta, she began uploading music to her SoundCloud page at the age of 13. It wasn’t until 2018, though, that her singles “Faygo” and “Left Right” caught on. By 2020, her single “Tweakin’ Together” went viral on TikTok. The track is a hazy record that flexes soft and feminine vocals over scattered production. The song was also featured on her album Love Santana . In addition to a few other successful singles like “Keep da K” and “Vaderz” with Rico Nasty, Bktherula also expanded her reach by earning a placement in the sports video game NBA2K22 . She’s set to perform at Rolling Loud California this March. So, it’s only up from here. —Jessica McKinney

Chris Patrick

For fans of: J. Cole, JID, Smino

Listen to these songs first: “Oakland Interlude,” “Gang Activity,” “On The Radar” Freestyle

Chris Patrick is a rapper to watch in 2023, but he’s been around long before now. The Jersey native has been spinning vivid lyrical tales for over half a decade now, and he’s steadily improved his craft with each passing year. What made last year so exciting for Patrick, though, was the release of his debut album, X-Files, which showcased all the new skills he’s added to his toolkit, from smooth crooning melodies to even more creative bars. The album’s rollout was punctuated by his “ On The Radar” freestyle , where the Jersey rapper spit over Kendrick’s “The Heart Part 5” with a tenacity that could rival Dot himself. Chris Patrick is a certified spitter repping the other side of the Hudson River, and this year, he’s going to show even more people why he’s worth listening to. —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Rico Nasty, Flo Milli, Asian Doll

Listen to these songs first: “Lotto,” “Freaky T”

TiaCorine blew us away with her live performance at Rolling Loud New York in 2021, and we’ve been paying attention ever since. Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, TiaCorine began gaining notoriety in 2020. Songs like the quirky and slow-burning track “Lotto” and the bubbly single “Mine” from her ep 34Corine were early indicators of her talent and charm. In 2021, she continued to build on her style and brand with the release of The Saga of 34Corine , which included the animated Kenny Beats-produced song “Luigi.” What caught the most attention, though, was her 2022 single “Freaky T.” The track, which appears on her project I Can’t Wait, is produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E.; the punchy single finds the rapper weaving in and out of gritty and playful flows. “I get top in the mornin’, so I feel like Baby Keem/Force’s black, step on somethin’, so I dress like Baby D,” she spits. It’s undoubtedly TiaCorine’s liquid gold and a clear sign of why she is the next one to watch.  —Jessica McKinney

Real Boston Richie

For fans of: EST Gee, Lil Durk, Nardo Wick

Listen to these songs first: “Keep Dissing,” “Keep Dissing 2 ft. Lil Durk,” Real Boston Richey ft. Future – Bullseye 2”

Hailing from Tallahassee, Florida, Real Boston Richey has been steadily on his way since he started rapping in 2021. The 25-year-old had his big arrival when he signed to Future’s Freebandz label in 2022, and reportedly inked a $7 million deal with Epic Records at the start of this year. Even though he’s from the South, his music gives off a Detroit vibe with a hint of drill. Richey’s single “Everybody” is currently trending on social media, adding to his quick climb into public awareness. With early co-signs from Lil Durk, Lil Uzi Vert, and more, Richie is being welcomed into the industry with open arms and he’s just getting started. His first project, Public Housing , debuted at number 60 on the Billboard 200, and it’s been up from there. —Drea O.

For fans of: Ice Spice, A Boogie with da Hoodie, Cash Cobain

Listen to these songs first: “Jholiday,” “STFU Summer,” “Don’t Wait”

Chow Lee raps for the proud treeshes statewide. The New York rapper has steadily been rising the ranks of the sample drill scene over the past few years, but his 2022 mixtape 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy with Cash Cobain was the project that truly began to set him apart. What makes Chow so fun to listen to is how shameless he is with his bars. “I like to get lite, she like bachata/She eat my dick up like empanada/I like henny but she like the zaza/But that’s on my baby I like what she like like,” he raps on “Hornitos,” which also uses a hilarious sample flip of Prince Royce’s “Corazón Sin Cara.” Chow Lee has countless playful bars like that, and his quick, high-pitched rap cadence really makes the lustful bars flutter. As sexy drill continues to gain popularity this year, Chow will be at the center of the sound he helped pioneer.  —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Flo Milli, Rico Nasty, Lakeyah

Listen to these songs first: “Suck It Up,” “Beating Down Yo Block,” “We Not Humping”

Houston’s own Monaleo first garnered attention with her budding single “Beating Down Yo Block” in 2021 and kept momentum with releases like “Suck It Up” and “We Not Humping.” The 21-year-old’s emphatic wordplay, likable personality, and even more attractive sound quickly turns new listeners into supportive admirers. Lyricism runs deep in her family, with her younger brother also putting work as an MC under the moniker Yung Rampage. Monaleo told Hypebeast that she can see herself “going back and forth between R&B and hip-hop” in the future—a sound she shows us hints of on her melodic single “Miss U Already” and effortless flowing “Faneto Freestyle.” It’s only up from here for Monaleo. —Drea O.

Destroy Lonely

For fans of: Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert

Listen to these songs first: “No Stylist,” “Bane,” “JETLGGD”

Playboi Carti’s Opium label came up big when he signed Ken Carson. Now, he’s also got Destroy Lonely, a rapper who’s also got what it takes to level up the imprint. In mid-2022, Destroy Lonely emerged from the camp with No Stylist , a pulsing collage of intergalactic sounds, quirky flows and tongue-in-cheek humor that presents the type of distinct persona (and sonic palette) a marketing team can’t generate. As the son of former Disturbing Tha Peace rapper I-20, rap is in Lonely’s blood. His buzz began to materialize with the release of “Bane,” a 2019 effort that laces a video game soundtrack with jittery flows and playful vocal intonations. The track racked up tens of millions of streams across multiple platforms, and by the end of 2021, he’d signed with Carti’s label. With his stream count, all-around talent and proximity to a rabid fan base, this year should be his best yet. — Peter A. Berry

Cash Cobain

For fans of: B-Lovee, Shawny Binladen, Chow Lee

Listen to these songs first: “Just Blick It,” “Slizzy Like,” “Jenni”

Cash Cobain is the godfather of sample drill thanks to his elite producing skills; the 23-year-old made the beat for B-Lovee’s “My Everything,” Shawny Binladen’s “Yellow Tears,” and more, but has now found success behind the mic too. NYC streets are already familiar with Cobain’s production tagline “And this beat from Cash, not from YouTube,” but now—thanks to his seductive flows and creative punchlines—people know him for his bars as well. He and frequent trackmate Chow Lee have been pushing NY drill forward with their latest addition to the subgenre, “sexy drill.” While still producing almost all the tracks on his and Chow Lee’s 2022 collab album 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy, Cobain proved that he’s as nice in the booth as he is outside of it. Standout tracks like “Slizzy Like,” “Just Blick It,” and “Cash Cobella Chow Cobizzy,” showcase how Cobain can confidently hang with his other drill contemporaries on the mic as well. —Jordan Rose

Eem Triplin

For fans of: Shordie Shordie, $not

Listen to these songs first: “Awkward Freestyle,” “Just Friends,” “If You Go”

Eem Triplin got on as a producer ($not’s “Revenge,” Token’s “Pink”), but for the last year, songs he’s released as a solo artist have gotten him a lot of attention, cementing him as a rapper in his own right. He’s always rapped, and over the last year, his muted ruminations on romance have helped make him a blossoming star. Just take a look at “Awkward Freestyle.” Released in spring 2022, the track, which samples Tyler, The Creator’s “Awkward,” has accumulated tens of millions of streams across various platforms, while relatable songs like “Just Friends” have also done numbers. Bangers like “Walked In” only helped his cause. All of this led to him landing a spot on Lucki’s U.S. tour and trendy lists like this one. The hype has yet to dissipate, and with a new project in the works, it feels a lot more likely that it will only continue to grow. — Peter A. Berry

For fans of: Babytron, Larry June, Sleepy Hallow

Listen to these songs first: “Back Flippin,” “Law & Order pt. 2,” “Jayda Wayda”

Luh Tyler is only 16 years old, and he just might be having the most fun in rap right now. The Florida rapper is the embodiment of low-budget, low-stakes vibes, with some songs that sound like they could have been made in between high school class periods, yet still have an air of cool that only a free-spirited kid with few responsibilities could pull off. Songs like “Back Flippin” are a perfect reflection of that, with witty one-liners and super simple visuals to match. It’s Luh Tyler’s innate self-assurance that makes him interesting as well. Think Agent Cody Banks meets The Fresh Prince, but if Will was from Tallahassee. Florida rap has a clear influence on Tyler’s sound, but he also taps into playful samples, like borrowing from the Law & Order theme song for “Law & Order pt. 2.” Luh Tyler’s teenage swag radiates through his music, and it will carry him through a successful 2023. —Jordan Rose

For fans of: Young Thug, Lil Durk

Listen to these songs first:  “Do It Again,” “Big Drippa”

Philly rap is getting an extra look lately, and it’s not only because of big artists like Lil Uzi Vert . 2Rare is the latest native garnering buzz for his hometown with his fun and energetic flows over danceable beats. The rapper broke through in 2019 with his single “Big Bag,” which ultimately helped land him a joint venture deal with 10K Projects, Internet Money Records, and Homemade Projects. The following year, he gained even more success after dropping “Big Drippa,” a slow-burning and smooth record that finds him sliding over a tropical beat, courtesy of 77beats and Evince Beats. In 2022, 2Rare dropped “Q-Pid” featuring Lil Durk and “Do It Again” with NLE Choppa. He also got a major co-sign from Drake, who gave the rapper a cameo in the music video for “Sticky.”  —Jessica McKinney

For fans of: SSGKobe, Shiloh Dynasty, SoFaygo

Listen to these songs first: “Miles,” “Eyes”

With gently lithe vocals and a surreal blend of hyperpop sounds, Skaiwater’s music is as ethereal as his name suggests. The UK artist has been making waves since he began dropping projects on SoundCloud about five years ago. He reached a new level in 2022, though, with the release of “Miles,” a dreamy single with soul-baring confessions and pleading lyrics that sound sincere without being cheesy. The track’s since accumulated over 30 million Spotify streams while getting a Lil Uzi Vert-assisted Jersey Club remix. Tracks like “Eyes” have also done numbers. Signed to Cinematic Music Group, Skai is coming off opening for Lil Nas X’s Long Live Montero Tour this past fall, and that co-sign feels like a proverbial harbinger of things to come. With versatile soundscapes that are perfect for the club or a rave, it’s not all that hard to see Skai sliding into more playlists this year. — Peter A. Berry

For fans of: XXXTentacion, Blxst, Pi’erre Bourne

Listen to these songs first: “Threefaced,” “i know you hate me”

midwxst is only 19 years old, but he’s already been on our radar for quite some time. We first took notice of the Carmel, Indiana native in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, he self-released his debut project, Secrets . The project included the standout tracks “Threefaced” and “Decay,” which showcased his knack for creating songs that blend melodic trap with hyper-pop. Since then, midwxst has remained consistent, dropping a list of projects and singles that continue to establish his unique and polished sound. There are a handful of tracks that encapsulate midwxst as an artist, including 2022’s “i know you hate me,” which is an emotionally-rich and melodious track that is anchored in electric guitar strings. midwxst may still be waiting on his global or viral hit, but the moment feels like it is soon approaching.  —Jessica McKinney

Homixide Gang

For fans of: Playboi Carti

Listen to these songs first: “55 Lifestyle,” “5unna,” “SSN”

If you loved Whole Lotta Red , you would probably like Homixide Gang, a crew Playboi Carti signed to his Opium label a couple of years ago. Comprised of Homixide Beno! and Homixide Meechie, Homixide Gang pairs spastic delivery with glitchy beats that could soundtrack old Super Nintendo games. The Atlanta duo serves up apocalyptic thrills in much the same vein as their label boss. Tracks like “5unna” and “55 Lifestyle” have gotten the most attention, but their buzz isn’t confined to one or two songs. To date, they’ve dropped two original projects, Snotty World and Homixide Lifestyl e. Each album has gotten a little more attention than the last, and with Snotty Hill on the way, the gang is in a perfect spot to further establish themselves as one of rap’s best new duos. As part of an Opium crew that includes Ken Carson and Destroy Lonely amongst others, their ability to stand out is a testament to their talent. — Peter A. Berry

For fans of: Gucci Mane and Young Thug

Listen to these songs first: “OK Cool,” “Percocet Pain” ft. Babyface Ray, “Chokehold,” “Rendezvous”

As charismatic as he is dexterous, CEO Trayle rode his shapeshifting flows and knack for dynamic songwriting to new heights in 2022, and we predict the same in 2023. Although he began releasing projects in 2014, his first breakthrough didn’t truly begin until he released “Ok Cool” in 2020. The track saw Trayle oscillate between pettiness and genuine heartbreak for the type of jagged love song that could only come from a skillful pen. Once Gunna hopped on the remix, the track got the attention it deserved, and for Trayle, it’s generally been up ever since. Between 2021 and 2022, he fortified his buzz with projects like Stay Dangerous , Happy Halloween C4 , Vier, and HH5 ; each effort fueled conversation about the artist, who clearly had a whole lot to say and a stylish way of saying it. — Peter A. Berry

$hyfromdatre

Listen to these songs first: “Go Bestfriend,” “6000 Degrees”

$hyfromdatre is one of the more up-and-coming rappers on this list, but she’s still made a huge splash over the last few years. The rapper is an emerging star out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She began rapping when she was just a teenager, but broke through in 2019 with her hit single “Go Bestfriend” that flexed her menacing and rapid flows. In 2020, the rapper hit fans with another hit, “1730 G” The same year, the music video for “Go Bestfriend,” which depicts the star’s feisty personality, hit more than 10 million views. $hyfromdatre is one of the women in rap bringing that gritty and authoritative sound to the forefront. —Jessica McKinney

For fans of: Nicki Minaj, Latto, Bia

Listen to these songs first: “Break,” “Don’t Play With It,” “Big Brooklyn”

It’s an exciting time for women in New York rap right now and Jahdira Atkins, professionally known as Billy B, is one of the rising leaders of the pack. The Brooklyn native has been putting in work since 2015 on the East Coast and recently made national waves when she and Lola Brooke released their smash viral single “Don’t Play With It.” Billy told BET that the music video embodied the city’s current vibe saying, “I think that’s why it picked up the way it did because you could feel the energy through the visuals.” Billy has a likeability and charm that radiates through her raps and she exhibits the stimulating new energy New York hip-hop is showcasing right now. In her single “Big Brooklyn” Billy raps about people sleeping on her, saying “she wasn’t tripping though,” and she shouldn’t be, with an EP dropping in Spring 2023 with Gotham Music Group, we’re at full attention, and patiently waiting for more. —Drea O.

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11 Rappers Set to Make it Big in 2023

The rap world is ever-changing, and 2022 showed us where we might be heading next. The year was full of solid releases from budding stars who set the stage for a lower-key sensibility within hip-hop. It was a year where fans turned away from the larger-than-life superstars towards more down-to-earth figures in the scene. The rise of homegrown acts like Babytron and newcomers Ice Spice proved that hip-hop’s new landscape is abundant. In today’s rap world, there’s something for everyone. 

After Kei Henderson — who managed 21 Savage until late 2019 — took a hiatus from hip-hop,  Ben Reilly , an ATL transplant by way of Brooklyn, was the rapper to bring her back. In 2021, his first solo project, Freelance , caught her ear. Last year, a cut from it, “Maytag (Tax-Free),” caught everyone else’s with an artful TikTok featuring Reilly delivering a sharp a capella portion of “Maytag” took off on the app. Today, the clip has over six million views, and the full song has over 30 million plays on Spotify. He tells Rolling Stone he considers 2022 his first year as a professional musician.

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His visuals are crisp and compelling; his songs and projects are conceptual. For example, Freelance was inspired by Reilly’s time in pandemic isolation spotting red cardinals on every run. “And every time I seen them, I would feel at peace,” Reilly told Complex . “As I looked more into it, I learned the longest that a cardinal has ever lived in captivity was 13 years. But in freedom, it was 28 years. I challenged myself to make 13 songs within the 28-minute mark, and that’s what I did.” — M.C

Lola Brooke

Sabrina Carpenter, Myke Towers, Cash Cobain, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week

Veeze never had time for trends, cash cobain strikes while his sound is red hot on ‘play cash cobain’, real boston richey.

After officially starting his rap career in 2021, Tallahassee’s own Real Boston Richey released his first full-length project, Public Housing , which debuted at 60 on the Billboard 200 and number nine on the Billboard Independent Albums Chart. On tracks like “I Want You” and “No Static,” Richey shows off his gift for finding the most impressive pockets to place his flows. 

As an MC, Richey’s effortless knack for melody and his peculiar rap cadence, similar to Michigan rappers’ but true to his Florida roots, cemented him a spot on our list. He explains that his patent flow comes from “God really,” said Richey. “My flow is like how I actually talk, my regular swag. I just speed it up to catch the beat.” Still, his stories of triumph from poverty on tracks like “Getting Better” could find Richey at the forefront of rap.“Public housing is where I went through the most problems,” says Richey. “Where I made the most money and learned how to rap. It’s where I learned how to be a man and get through certain situations.” 

“It’s about not letting what I’ve been through be a hurdle,” he explains. “I’m putting the things that hurt me the worst to the side. Nothing stopped me.” After releasing Public Housing 2 at the top of this year, it is safe to say there are no signs of Richey slowing down. Last year was like a blur,” he says. “I accomplished so much in a year, and it was really a learning experience. I learned that music controls everything. The biggest thing as an artist, even bigger than doing shows, is staying at the studio more than you do anything.” — D.G

Detroit has been spearheading the rap game for the past couple of years. Among some of the new wave leaders, like Peezy, Icewear Veezo, and Babyface Ray, is Veeze. Those tapped into the Detroit rap scene are probably familiar with Veeze’s clever wordplay and potential in his future rap career. He’s already made cameos in a ton of Lil Baby and Babyface Ray videos sporting a fitted cap. He even made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with the Lil Baby and 42 Dugg-assisted single “U-Digg,” which reached No 52. 

Veeze’s 2020 “Law and Order” caught viral attention thanks partly to producer Smerf Beats’ sample of the popular crime procedural’s theme song. All the while, the track showcased Veeze’s smooth, slurred flow full of metaphors. His appearance on Babyface Ray’s “Gallery Dept” and several appearances on Lil Yatchy’s Michigan Boy Boat prove that Veeze is a capable wordsmith. With more music and time, he will only become sharper. His 2022 release “Close Friends” offered quotable lines filled with humor like, “I be ballin’ more than I be rappin’, I’m an athlete/Diamonds on me movin’, look like Usher when he roller skate.” 

Veeze’s slow build is poised to pay off soon enough, and he knows it. “I basically did an internship to become a Superstar in 2022,” he says. “I got a chance to see how much more work I have to put in, but I had a lot of fun. I charted for the first time. I went overseas for the first time––I had moments I’ll never forget.”   — D. G

Last summer, TiaCorine experienced her first show as a headliner and got to do so with a home-state advantage in NC. She told AltPress that her 6-year-old daughter is her biggest fan. “She knows all the words,” she said tearily. “She says, ‘You just got this.’ The fans chant my name. They were like, ‘Tia, Tia,’ and I come offstage, she just starts crying. I ask her what’s wrong, and she’s like, ‘I’m so proud of you, Mommy. You did so good. You’re so amazing.’ And that was just… whew.”

“2022 was definitely a surprise,” Tia tells Rolling Stone . “I had a lot of confidence in my new album, but the success of ‘Freaky T’ has become life-changing. In 2023, I’m looking forward to releasing more music and doing my first international tour.” On her docket for the year are remixes to “FreakyT” (we hope Duke Deuce’s is first), moving up the fliers for some music festivals, and a few surprises. — M.C

Before the evolution of “drill” music, there was “trap” music. Without the efforts of Atlanta rap pioneers like T.I., Young Jeezy, and Gucci Mane, drill music simply couldn’t exist. The Chief Keef “drill” movement couldn’t emerge from Chicago and create a cultural phenomenon, birthing a subgenre that artists all over the globe would go on to partake in. In a full circle moment, Atlanta’s Baby Drill directly represents what can happen when the two worlds collide. His innate trap sound spills out thanks to his Georgia roots, not to mention his impressive new take on ad-libs, his signature one being the swift yell of “Baby Drill,” almost crammed in the middle of his bars, but it works. While plenty of artists from Atlanta make drill music with trap influences, Baby Drill’s persistent and aggressive bars over trap-like beats sit him at the forefront of his city’s immense rap scene. With notable co-signs from Drake, 21 Savage, and Young Nudy, Baby Drill has pushed his way out of local recognition. 

Stove God Cooks

“ Stove God Cooks is that storyteller, that punchline king, that cocaine rap,” Westside Gunn told Rolling Stone last year while extolling the components of Griselda’s greatness. Almost everyone in the Buffalo-based crew released projects last year except Cooks, who instead made his presence felt with six show-stopping appearances on Westside Gunn’s 10, and on “Blow For Blow” from Rome Streetz’ Kiss The Ring , where he displayed his combination of vivid storytelling and wit with lines like, “Had the bread stuffed in a box, flame so hot, I dropped the pot / I caught it and the cookie still was good, I’m Magic Johnson.” 

The Syracuse native can stand bar for bar with anyone, but his mic presence radiates a charisma and a knack for melody that sets him apart from the gritty street rappers casual fans may lump him with. He emerged as Aaron Cooks in the mid-2010s, when he signed to Busta Rhymes’ Conglomerate and was managed by Lord Jamar. Cooks didn’t release a project but showed his skills on numerous freestyles that displayed the remnants of the rapper he’d come to be. His bars on DJ Vlad, Sway In The Morning stirred intrigue for what he had in store — but his moment didn’t come on Conglomerate. 

Eventually, Cooks rebranded as StoveGod Cooks and met Roc Marciano, who produced Reasonable Drought, an underrated 2020 album where Cooks delivered an intriguing ode to the trap. Cooks’ compelling lyricism shone on tracks like “Rose Royce Break Lights,” “John $tarks,” and “Cocaine Cologne,” where he attacks Roc’s loops with an unmistakably east coast mesh of ferocity and slickness. 

“Stovey’s Home! This year, I’m stepping into my destiny with a new album,” he tells Rolling Stone . “I’m putting the stove on my back and carrying it out of the underground to the highest heights the universe sees fit for me.” — A. G

Cash Cobain 

Cash Cobain is renowned as the Sample God for his ability to take any loop, throw quaking drums under it, and turn it into a banger. He’s produced for the likes of Lil Yachty, B-Lovee, Shawny Bin-Laden, Chow Lee , Central Cee and numerous other rappers — and he also has his own solo career. 

He released Sliick Cobain in 2020, and in 2021, he dropped Nirvana and 719 Deluxe. Last year, his work on 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy with his creative comrade Chow Lee showed him exploring New Jersey Club and helping drill pivot in a new direction. “J Holiday” showcases Cash and Chow crooning to their next one-nighter over sparse drums and a catchy J Holiday sample. “Jenni” has a similar approach, with both songs paired in a video where the two are downing Henny and enjoying the company of a cadre of women. 

The right sample can trigger a nostalgia that cures all generational fractures; a song like B-Lovee’s Mary J. Blige-sampling “My Everything,” which Cobain produced, bonds the 40-year-old Mary stan with the 19-year-old drill junkie. What Cash does with his samples doesn’t just highlight the musicality of drill, but its cultural value — which means a lot in a time when so many forces in New York vie to stifle it.  With an album that he tells us is coming soon, Cobain says, “2022 was an amazing year. I feel like I set the tone and changed the sound waves with the sampling and even the Jersey Club the way I did—it was different from others, I made a new sauce. Going into 2023, I got a lot of different sounds and things in the tuck for y’all.” — A. G

Signed to 4th & B’way/Def Jam Recordings, Kidd Kenn is gearing up for a big year with a slew of enticing opportunities under wraps. “I feel like 2022 was amazing,” he tells Rolling Stone. “From sync in games like Need for Speed and NBA 2K to the visuals, to the features with Delli Boe, Erica [Banks], and Baby Tate , to me putting in the work and showing why I’m not going anywhere! I’m looking forward to more features and collabs, working with more brands, playing more festivals, and really showing my fans and the world a new side of me and breaking through in every way I can.” — M.C

Chow Lee 

Chow Lee is at the forefront of an exciting fusion of hip-hop and dance music permeating the rap world (read: Lil Uzi Vert’s “Wanna Rock”). He’s a purveyor of so-called “sexy drill,” a sound that achieved new fame last year through Chow’s collaborations with Cash Cobain on their album 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy . In 2021 he dropped five projects which displayed the first glimpses of what his sound would come to be known as. Listening back to songs like “RN,’ where Chow rhymes, “I eat her pussy like it’s ziti,” it’s little wonder where the coinage comes from. He rhymes with a cool that one could expect from someone with such a erotic catalog, offsetting his often charged up production with slinky melodies rife with raunchy lyrics. 

Chow Lee is already a Tri-state area cult hero, tearing down venues with turnt-up performances that take cues from their raucous videos. But with the public’s newfound zeal for the frenetic, triplet kick-tinged soundscapes that Chow helped popularize, he may be primed to have the whole country doing the Blick dance. 

“2022 was amazing. We dropped 2 Slizzy 2 Sexy, and It went crazy. I did my first Rolling Loud with my brothers Cash Cobain and Lonny Love, plus many other shows, and I gained a bunch of new fans,” he tells Rolling Stone . “In 2023, I’m looking forward to dropping a new project and collaborating with more artists.” — A. G

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Drake knows. The rap icon DMed Trayle after his 2021 Rolling Loud Miami set (his first ever onstage performance), giving him kudos on his music. Drake also offered to do a song with Trayle “anytime he needs him,” but to Trayle’s credit, he hasn’t needed any co-signs — though the stars are still intrigued with what he’s been putting together. Later in 2021, Gunna jumped on a remix of “OK Cool,” and Thug actually offered to sign him to YSL, but Trayle passed, ultimately signing to 10K projects in May of this year. 

He was a busy man in 2022, releasing four EPs, all displaying a mastery of his sound. Trayle draws listeners in with chilling lyrics not concerned with over-the-top threats but by expressing the dread of being consumed by an environment where trust and love are hard to come by. That dynamic is most at play on “Alter Ego,” a creative concept track from HH3, where he goes back and forth with his evil twin and tries to figure out which one represents his truth. He started 2023 with “Alter Ego 2,” rhyming, ‘I can give a fuck who don’t like who long as my son richer.” He’ll have no worries in that department at the pace he’s going. “My 2022 was insightful. In 2023 I’m looking forward to a bigger platform,” he tells Rolling Stone .  — A. G

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Top 10 Highest Grossing R&B Tours of the Year

Here is a recap of Billboard Boxscore's top 10 R&B tours of 2023, featuring SZA, New Edition and more.

By Eric Frankenberg

Eric Frankenberg

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Last week, Billboard revealed its year-end Boxscore charts , ranking the top tours, venues and promoters of 2023. That coverage included analysis of the new wave of genre diverse artists crashing stadium stages and in turn, our charts. This week, we are breaking down the year’s biggest tours, genre by genre . Here, we continue with R&B.

R&B has some humongous contemporary stars – Beyoncé , Bruno Mars , Usher and more – but in the last decade, it’s been too reliant on those stars to keep it afloat. The graph below shows how the genre has experienced severe spikes and drops, often victim to the scheduling whims of a small group of headliners.

In 2016, when Beyoncé mounted The Formation World Tour, R&B spiked from 3.5% of the overall top 100 gross, to 8%. But in 2019, after Bruno Mars wrapped his globe-conquering 24K Magic Tour, its share plummeted from 11.5% to 2.7%.

In 2023, R&B is hitting from all sides. The established superstars named above – Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Usher – were all active, joining forces with next-gen headliners such as SZA and The Weeknd . More than that, Lionel Richie , New Edition and others are harnessing their legacies to build the next phase of their touring careers. All of that builds to the genre’s biggest share of the top 100 tours, dating back more than a decade.

That mix of classic artists and ascendant stars bodes well for the genre, even when its biggest icons are off cycle.

Keep reading to check out the top 10 highest grossing tours by R&B artists, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. All reported shows worldwide between Nov. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023, are eligible. Here, we define R&B acts as artists who have recently featured on Billboard ’s Top R&B Albums or Hot R&B Songs charts.

Lionel Richie

$33.8M / 264K tickets / 23 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 78

With support from Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie mounted a sold-out U.S. arena tour in August and September. Highlights include the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif.; the Chase Center in San Francisco; Madison Square Garden in New York; and the TD Garden in Boston.

Chris Brown

$34.4M / 377K tickets / 27 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 76

After landing on the genre ranking last year as part of a co-headline tour with Lil Baby, Brown went out on his own for a tour through Europe in February and March. The trip included six shows at the O2 Arena in London, accounting for more than $10M of the tour’s overall haul.

New Edition

$36.4M / 299K tickets / 31 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 69

Another repeat from last year, New Edition sold almost 300,000 tickets in March and April, promoted by G-Squared Events and Black Promoters Collective. Major markets such as Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C., were some of the highlights where the group sold more than 12,000 tickets and grossed more than $1.5M.

$40.1M / 169K tickets / 34 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 62

Usher is No. 7 courtesy of 34 shows at Las Vegas’ Dolby Live. Spread between three extended runs, My Way the Las Vegas Residency is keeping the R&B superstar busy as he prepares for his halftime performance at Super Bowl LVIIII.

Janet Jackson

$50.9M / 481K tickets / 37 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 43

Jackson’s Together Again Tour kicked off in Hollywood, Fla., before zig-zagging across the U.S. to its final destination at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Averaging almost 13,000 tickets, it marked her best ticket sales since the Rhythm Nation World Tour in 1990.

$57M / 420K tickets / 32 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 38

SZA launched the SOS Tour with a North American leg in the spring, followed by a European leg in the summer, before returning for a victory lap in the U.S. and Canada in the fall. In all, extending beyond the 2023 Boxscore tracking period, SZA grossed $95.5 million and sold 674K tickets in 2023.

$58.7M / 609K tickets / 49 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 36

Lizzo weaved through North America, Europe and Australia this year, adding to the $27.7 million gross from 2022. That means The Special Tour grossed $86.3 million and sold 853,000 tickets between its Sept. 23, 2022, opening in Sunrise, Fla., and its final bow in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 28, 2023.

$65.4M / 338K tickets / 29 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 32

Like Usher, Mars sold many tickets at the Dolby Live in Vegas. But more than that, he went to Bahrain, South Korea, the Philippines and Chile for one-offs that made him one of the top-grossing touring acts of the year, despite not going on a proper tour.

$192.5M / 1.9M tickets / 35 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 8

After topping the R&B/Hip-Hop list in 2022, The Weeknd is 2023’s R&B runner-up. He took the After Hours Til Dawn Tour to Europe and Mexico, building upon last year’s schedule in the U.S. and Canada. He broke the $10 million barrier in several cities, including Amsterdam, Milan and Paris.

$570.5M / 2.7M tickets / 55 shows

All-Genre Top 100 Rank: No. 1

It should come as no surprise that Beyoncé is the top-grossing R&B artist of the year, considering she leads the all-genre Top Tours chart. Including one date in October that falls outside the 2023 tracking period, the Renaissance World Tour earned $579.8 million and sold 2.8 million tickets. And though the tour is over, the story continues, as Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé just opened atop the U.S. box office with more than $21 million.

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Arcade Fire

They say perfection doesn't exist, well that's wrong when it comes to Arcade Fire. The show was perfect, almost surreal- definitely the concert of the year by far. The set list on the Wednesday show was as of it was made for me, playing songs I never thought I would hear live, it was an emotional experience. The lighting, costumes, music transitions, props was amazing, and the boxing type ring stage was incredibly clever, allowing them to be closer to the fans and yet providing a different show on every side. Words can't explain what I felt during and after the concert, it was playful, clever, emotional, energetic- Such an amazing band, I'm so glad I found them- I don't know how I was alive before finding them. They have such an incredible stage presence, I really truly recommend seeing them if you have the chance- they unite all ages and create magic and unity.

Jon Hopkins

Hands down the best live concert I've been to in a long time. The newest album is a dream to hear live and this was made even better by the Audio-Visual effects, which were amazing! The venue is a really great space with a stunning sound system and tech. at hand - but really the credit goes to a fantastic artist who performed amazingly. Most of the setlist was from his newest release, but his editing and remix of these tracks and sneak peeks of some newer tracks made it even better!

Tyler, The Creator

I have been a fan of Tyler for a long time, as well as the whole group of OFWGKTA, and seeing him live was something I had on my bucket list. I went in with high expectations for his show, already knowing of how much energy and enthusiasm he puts into his live performances. What I got at The Forum went above and beyond anything I could have hoped for. The crowd was amazing, knowing every song and shouting and yelling along with unrivaled amounts of energy. Tyler was just as, or even more, energetic and knew how to work the crowd perfectly by interaction, be it between moments talking about random things or talking about his music and singing. I was blown away by the fact that at least twice he called to stop the song just to start it again because he loved how into it the crowd was and wanted to see it again. Of course we, the crowd, loved it and drained our lungs out with every lyric. I've seen the Arctic Monkeys, Sleigh Bells, Banks, Pendulum, Wolf Alice and others and can honestly say Tyler was the best overall. Everyone exited the venue with shirts soaked in sweat and with cracking voices, with grins on their face from having experienced something they'd never forget. If you like Tyler, or by extension OFWGKTA, you have to see him live if you get the opportunity, you can never anticipate how godly his live performances will be. I will definitely be waiting for his next visit to see him again.

Ethereal, hopeful, humble, powerful... just absolute ART. The show was focused on everyone, a celebration of culture, love, identities, and struggle. I love that she made it more about the group on stage as a whole than just her- Tons of stage presence nonetheless. Beautiful band, beautiful backup singers. The lighting was amazing and the stage was so well done and simple. Solange holds her own and I cannot wait to see her when she comes back. You can tell she was feeling it when she got down on the left side of the stage and started singing to us, beautiful moment that reminds me why I love going to live shows/concerts. Flying Lotus was an absolute trip as well. I wish she would've brought Kelela out on this date... Scales is such a beautiful song and I'd of loved to see it live with them two.

Courtney Barnett

A mind-blowing live personality, a revelation! A huge spontaneous crush! Power, cheekiness, everything that can reinstate one in the love for women and music. A never again to be missed!

Absolutely incredible!! Khalid was only my second concert ever and it has inspired me to see as many as I can. It felt like every song was played at 250% and it sounded incredible. The band was phenomenal and I could really feel the music. The crowd was happy and everyone was having a good time. I'd see him again if I could.

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Lil durk has just 5 concerts left in 2023. here’s how to see him this year.

In 2022, Lil Durk had to tack on additional dates to his ultra-popular “7220 Tour.”

Now, a year and a life-threatening injury later, the Chicago-based drill rapper will finally wrap up his lengthy “7220 Deluxe Tour” with five huge arena concerts from Feb. 4 through March 25.

First, the man who brought the world “Laugh Now, Cry Later” with Drake will touch down in Honolulu for a show at The Warehouse .

From there, he’ll stop in at Albany’s MVP Arena on Feb. 10, Philadelphia’s Liacouras Center on Feb. 24 and Providence’s Amica Mutual Pavilion on March 3.

Lil Durk will close his run of gigs at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on March 25.

Best of all, he’ll be bringing along special guests like G Herbo, Toure and DD Osama on select dates

How much does it cost to see Lil Durk live?

Well, at the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on tickets was $53 before fees on Vivid Seats.

All prices are subject to fluctuation.

Lil Durk 2023 tour schedule

A complete calendar including all of Lil Durk’s tour dates, venues, special guests and the cheapest tickets available can be found below.

(Note: The New York Post confirmed all above prices at the publication time. All prices are subject to fluctuation and include additional fees at checkout .)

Vivid Seats is a verified secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. 

They offer a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and your tickets will be delivered prior to the event.

Lil Durk new music

Lil Durk is nothing if not prolific.

In 2022 alone, he released the 23-track “Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros 2” as well as the single “1ro” featuring Anuel AA, “My Friends” with Ty Dolla $ign, “Q-Pid” alongside 2Rare, “F–k My Cousin Pt. II” with Lil Zay and provided a guest verse on Cardi B and Ye’s “Hot S-t.”

Don’t forget his “7220” album either which was also released in 2022.

The record, named after his grandmother’s Chicago address as well as a book his mother LaShawnda Woodard wrote , landed at the top of the Billboard 200 after its March 11 release date.

Critics received it warmly as well; Rolling Stone said “(7220) offers a mellow read on drill.”

Lil Durk injury

On July 31, Lil Durk announced that his head had been struck by an explosive pyrotechnic the day before while performing at Chicago’s Lollapalooza Music Festival.

As a result, he suffered injuries to his face and right eye.

Soon after, he postponed his late summer and fall tour dates until early 2023.

Rappers on tour in 2023

Thankfully, not all rappers have as few shows on their tour calendars as Lil Durk does this year,

Here are just five of our favorite hip-hop icons that might just be coming to a city near you in the next few months.

•  Lil Wayne

•  A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

•  Future

•  Legendz of the Streetz with Rick Ross, T.I., Gucci Mane and more

Want to see what else is out there? If that’s the case, we recommend checking out our list of the 52 biggest concert tours in 2023 here .

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Rapper Sexyy Red won't throw out first pitch at Sunday's Milwaukee Brewers game after all

Editor's note: Sexyy Red's Sept. 8 first pitch at the Brewers game and Sept. 9 Fiserv Forum show mentioned in this story have since been canceled.

After rising hip-hop star Sexyy Red's Milwaukee concert was canceled, so was her ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Brewers game.

On Wednesday, the baseball club announced on social media that Red would be throwing out a first pitch on Sunday, Sept. 8. The Journal Sentinel reached out to the Brewers to find out if that was still the case following the cancellation of Red's Fiserv Forum show scheduled for Monday.

On Friday, the Brewers confirmed that Red's first pitch had been canceled, too.

The day Red had been lined up throw out that pitch, the Brewers will be taking on the Colorado Rockies at 1:10 p.m. at American Family Field. That's also the date of the Jackson Chourio Bobblehead giveaway for the first 30,000 ticketed fans who enter the gates, according to the Brewers' website .

On Sept. 9, Red was scheduled to bring her "Sexyy Red 4 President Tour" to the home of the Bucks with special guests Kodak Black, Hunxho, Loe Shimmy and BlakeIANA! That show was canceled "due to unforeseen circumstances," according to the event page on the arena's website .

"If you purchased your ticket from the Fiserv Forum box office or online via Ticketmaster, refunds will be automatically processed and returned within 30 days," the website said.

Who is Sexyy Red?

In 2023, Drake, Nicki Minaj and SZA all shined a light on Red, from track collaborations to touring gigs, according to a previous Journal Sentinel report . That helped propel the St. Louis native to be one of the year's biggest hip-hop breakouts.

Red's hits include career-launching "Pound Town" and TikTok sensation "SkeeYee."

After being one of five opening acts for Moneybagg Yo at Fiserv Forum in August 2023, Red — born Janae Nierah Wherry — headlined The Rave in November. In Piet Levy's review of the show , he described Red as raw, defiant, quirky, confident, authentic and relatable.

It was also during that show that Red gave Certified Trapper — the king of Milwaukee's  surging lowend sound — and Chicken P — arguably the rapper in town whose hugely popular YouTube videos helped bolster one of the  scrappiest and energizing hip-hop scenes in the country  — her stage for a bit, which Levy called "an admirable and surprising gesture."

When I holla 𝙎𝙠𝙚𝙚-𝙮𝙚𝙚 that mean pull up pic.twitter.com/oR2JFMYNyN — Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) September 4, 2024

Piet Levy and Chris Foran of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Sexyy Red no longer throwing out first pitch at Sunday's Brewers game

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