Over the weekend, Chief Keef made a triumphant return to the Chicagoland area, performing for the first time in over a decade at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash festival. This marked a significant moment for both the rapper and his fans, who had been eagerly awaiting his homecoming performance.

On Sunday night (June 16), Chief Keef, also known as Sosa, closed out the three-day Summer Smash event in Bridgeville, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. This highly anticipated set was Chief Keef’s first performance in his hometown since Lollapalooza in August 2012. The performance faced a brief delay due to a weather advisory, leading to a temporary riot among fans. However, order was soon restored, and the festival continued as planned.

As Chief Keef stepped onto the stage, he was met with an electrifying reception from thousands of concertgoers. “I’m back, muthaf**kas,” he declared, before diving into a setlist that included fan-favorite tracks such as “Don’t Like,” “Love Sosa,” and “Faneto.” Notably, this performance of “Faneto” was his first ever in Chicago, adding a special touch to the night.

The show was not without its dramatic moments. During the set, the man who voices the intro for “Love Sosa” attempted to join Chief Keef on stage, only to be tackled by security. Despite this, the energy remained high, with notable attendees like Lil Yachty and G Herbo spotted enjoying the show. The festival also featured performances from other big names, including Travis Scott, Playboi Carti, Kodak Black, Waka Flocka Flame, Big Sean, and many others.

This performance was especially significant considering Chief Keef’s troubled history with performing in the area. His last attempt to perform near Chicago was in 2015, when a hologram show in Hammond, Indiana, was shut down by police after just one song. For several years, Chief Keef was blacklisted from performing in the city, with former Mayor Rahm Emanuel labeling him an “unacceptable role model.”

Recently, Chief Keef has been making a strong comeback, performing at major events. In March, he took the stage at Rolling Loud California, where he surprised the audience by bringing out Sexyy Red.

Chief Keef’s return to Chicago for the Summer Smash festival was more than just a performance—it was a powerful homecoming and a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the rap scene. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see what he has in store next.