Imagine the buzz of anticipation turning into bitter disappointment when a major concert gets scrubbed at the last minute—especially in a city as passionate about hip-hop as Chicago. That's the raw drama unfolding around NBA Youngboy's planned show at the United Center, part of his Make America Slime Again Tour, which was abruptly called off in September. But here's where it gets controversial: the cancellation wasn't just about logistical hiccups; it stirred up deep-seated rivalries and questions about forgiveness in the rap world. Stick around, because there's a Chicago legend weighing in on whether talent should triumph over tragedy.
Chicago's fans of the Louisiana rap sensation, NBA Youngboy, were left heartbroken when the star-studded event at the United Center fell through. The show was slated for September 24, but things took a turn when strict security measures kicked in—a clear bag policy designed to keep everyone safe. Yet, these precautions didn't just tighten up the venue; they reportedly led to the full cancellation of the performance. NBA Youngboy's manager, Alex Junnier, didn't mince words on Instagram, blasting the decision with a blunt post: '@unitedcenter b*tched out.' It was a fiery response that captured the frustration of supporters who'd been hyped for the night.
The United Center, however, kept their official statement neutral and brief, without pointing fingers directly: 'Cancellation statement: The United Center has made the decision to cancel the NBA Youngboy show scheduled for Wednesday, September 24 in Chicago. If you purchased through Ticketmaster, refunds will be issued automatically. If you purchased from a third-party reseller, please reach out to your point of purchase. No further comment at this time.' This ambiguity left room for speculation, fueling debates about whether the measures were genuinely about safety or something more personal.
And this is the part most people miss: the reaction from the sister of the late King Von, Kayla B., who found the whole ordeal darkly amusing. She tweeted about it, suggesting that some folks might have wanted the show to proceed just for the irony—or perhaps to rub it in. 'At the end of the day, motherf*ckers wanted that show to go on to be funny,' she wrote, adding a mocking 'Oh, I'm in your city aha. Look now, aha, you can't even do the show.' Her words hint at a larger context that's key to understanding the tension: NBA Youngboy's alleged involvement in the tragic 2020 shooting death of King Von in Atlanta. To break it down simply for newcomers to rap drama, this incident ignited a fierce feud in the drill music scene—a subgenre of hip-hop known for its gritty, street-focused lyrics often drawing from Chicago's South Side roots. NBA Youngboy's friend, Quando Rondo, was there during a confrontation with Von, who ended up fatally shot. This led to retaliatory actions, including connections to the murder of Quando Rondo's cousin, Lul Pab, which has Lil Durk, another drill heavyweight, facing charges in a murder-for-hire case.
But here's where it gets really intriguing—and divisive: Despite all this beef and bad blood, Chicago drill icon G Herbo isn't holding grudges. In a candid interview captured by No Jumper, the rapper expressed a refreshing take, emphasizing unity among Black men over old scores. 'I ain’t no hater... I wanna see him win... King Von is my brother. I don’t care about that type of sh*t… But I’m all for like empowerment when it comes to like black men.' It's a stance that could polarize fans—on one hand, it's about moving past violence for collective uplift; on the other, some might argue it overlooks justice for lost lives. G Herbo's perspective invites us to ponder: Can the rap game rise above its tragedies, or should past wrongs always overshadow future opportunities? This subtle nod to reconciliation versus retribution is sure to spark heated conversations.
Speaking of G Herbo's career momentum, he's gearing up for his latest project, the album titled 'Lil Herb,' dropping on November 7. Fans are already vibing with its lead tracks like 'Reason,' 'Whatever U Want,' and 'Went Legit,' which showcase his evolution from street anthems to more introspective flows. For context, albums like this often reflect artists' journeys, blending personal growth with the raw energy that defines Chicago drill—think of it as a soundtrack to overcoming adversity, much like how pioneers like Chief Keef paved the way for today's stars.
As we wrap this up, let's reflect: Should venues prioritize safety protocols that might cancel events tied to controversies, or risk letting art shine through? Is G Herbo right in rooting for everyone to succeed, even amid rivalries? Do you believe in second chances in the music industry, or should some lines never be crossed? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with forgiving past beef for the greater good, or disagree and think accountability comes first? Your opinions could fuel the next big debate in hip-hop culture!
About The Author
Zachary Horvath serves as one of the Music Freelance News Writers at HotNewHipHop, a role he's held since August 2023. Before diving into the world of music journalism, he freelanced covering local high school sports, including football and varsity basketball for both genders, and even provided remote recaps for Cleveland Cavaliers games. He's leveraged that versatile background to become a go-to expert at HotNewHipHop, tackling everything from trending sports topics to deep dives into hip-hop and pop culture. His pieces have explored intriguing angles like Bronny James's NBA draft prospects, the multifaceted drama of the Drake versus Kendrick Lamar feud, and the fallout from Diddy's legal troubles and lawsuits. Beyond the sensational headlines, Zach has spotlighted lesser-known stories, such as Zaytoven's insights shared in mid-December 2023. While he finds fulfillment in dissecting these high-profile narratives, his true passion lies in recommending music releases that resonate. By sharing his enthusiasm for discoveries and revivals, he hopes to inspire readers to explore new sounds and revisit classics, continually feeding his love for writing in the process.
