gospel

Courtesy of @realcottontale

“I’m from Chicago, the birthplace of gospel” and with those words music producer and composer turned performer, Peter CottonTale, made history at this year’s BMI Stage at Chicago’s Lollapalooza. Now, the iconic and legendary BMI stage at Lollapalooza is known for supporting emerging, up-and-coming as well as established artists. The stage has been home to acts like Neon Trees, Elle King, and even Lady Gaga.

However, this year’s performance with Peter CottonTale was certainly history-making. At the beginning of his set, he acknowledged the fact that like himself, Chicago, was the birthplace of gospel. He added it was funny that Chicago’s most iconic music festival had never had a gospel performance before. To a packed crowd he joked if those in attendance didn’t get a chance to make it to church today well church is coming to you.

He began his set accompanied by a choir with the song, “God is Love,” before performing “Hi-5,” “He is Real,” and “I Want to Thank You.” He rounded out the first part of his set with his collaboration with the mega-church Hillsong for the songs, “As I Am” and “Grateful/Together.”

Not missing the opportunity to collaborate with some of his famous friends and those he admires, Peter CottonTale was then joined on stage by Reese for the guitar and keyboard-driven song “Do Your Thing.” CottonTale followed that performance up with the toe-tapping and uplifting  “When I Get There,” with Jamila. He rounded out this part of the set with Joey performing “Don’t Leave” and then “Give It Up to God.” He also teamed up with Vic Mensa for “No Worries” as well as Tiff Joy for “Feels Like Church.”

Then to the crowd’s delight, the versatile Gammy-winning artist, CottonTale, called on an old friend to come by and help him uplift the crowd during this historic event. CottonTale tapped his decade-long friend and Chicago’s son, Chance the Rapper, to help him deliver powerful renditions of “Pray for Real” and “Forever Always.” Chance the Rapper called out to the crowd numerous times to show his love and support.

At the end of the show, the 15+ performers all headed backstage to commemorate this historic moment. It’s during this time that we caught up with the one the only Chance the Rapper, who expressed what the moment meant to him. “It’s amazing,” Chance acknowledged about the moment. He added, “it’s a blessing [especially on a Sunday], absolutely!”