Digital Creator David Dobrik brought his signature high-energy entertainment to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile over the weekend, transforming the city’s flagship IT’SUGAR store into a pulsating nightclub for what may have been Lollapalooza’s most talked-about afterparty.
Lollapalooza
Takis Turns Up the Heat with Exclusive Lollapalooza Pre-Party
Over 300 music lovers and flavor fanatics scored the ultimate appetizer before yesterday’s Lollapalooza festival, as the Takis Intense Nacho Tour converted Lake Michigan into a nautical nacho wonderland.
BTSβs J-Hope Lights Up Brooklyn With βHOPE ON THE STAGEβ & Surprise With New Song βMona Lisaβ
βThis year is going to be a very important year for me. I am working on a variety of projects that Iβm very excited to share,β j-hope announced on Weverse.Β With these words, j-hope of 21st century K-pop supergroup, BTS, hinted at his first solo world tour, βHOPE ON THE STAGE.βΒ The first stop on the North American leg of the tour kicked off at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on March 13th, 2025, with a second show on the 14th due to popular demand.
Now this is not the first time that j-hope has held down a stage on his own. He delivered a groundbreaking performance as a solo artist in 2022 headlining the main stage at Chicagoβs Lollapalooza. However, it has been 12 years since j-hope debuted with BTS and itβs clear that βHOPE ON THE STAGEβ aims to capture, not only j-hopeβs talent and expertise as BTSβs main dancer, but his journey as a performer.Β Β It is evident that j-hope had a creative vision for this tour. With colorful backgrounds that exude hope, to a live band that rocks out, and to an elevated stage that allows dancers to take front and center, clearly j-hope planned every stage to reflect his personal essence and touch. Nevertheless, ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE’ is not merely about j-hope, but what he hopes for all of us. The show seeks to embody hope as well as dreams and wishes taking shape on a stage. The show is broken into five sections: βAmbition,β βDream,β βExpectation,β βFantasy,β and βWishβ.
As a member of BTS, it would be fitting that j-hope would kick off the North American leg of his tour in Brooklyn, or at least New York City. It is the city that has given BTS so many first and set them apart for most K-pop acts. It is the city that saw BTS become the first Korean act to headline a stadium concert at Citi Field in New York with βLOVE YOURSELFβ world tour in 2018. New York was also the city that saw BTS address the UN general assembly as well as welcomed BTS onto iconic shows like Good Morning America, the Today Show and Saturday Night Live. New York was the city that even lit up its Empire State building in the iconic BTS purple.
With all that history, j-hope took to the Barclays stage. After a short video intro, the stage was bathed in red as j-hope emerged to perform his song, βWhat if…,β which was off his first solo album Jack In The Box . The whole set of songs, dubbed ‘Ambition,’ features tracks from his first solo album, Jack In The Box, which was released in 2022. This set of songs was grouped together to highlight j-hopeβs passion to discover his unique identity by breaking boundaries and striving for growth as a solo artist. Clad in all red, j-hope rocked a leather jacket with a fluffy trim, a simple T-shirt with a belt, jean pants along with gloves and shades. Greeting his fans, j-hope stood upon a layer of boxes covered in fabric with a simple mic stand. For his next song, as the live band rocked on, the fabric was pulled back, and the boxes disappeared into the floor only to reappear as an elevated stage, which showed a spotlight on j-hope before flames erupted out of the floor and he delivered heart wrenching vocals for βPandoraβs Box.β For his title song, βArson,β which saw those in attendance sing- along to the bad ass lyrics, j-hope rocked the crowd. Before taking a break to speak with the fans, j-hope preformed βStop,β which saw him move around the edge of the stage to connect with fans. Then he took time to connect with ARMY. Hearing their cheers, he egged them on to cheer even more and then he acknowledged the crazy moment. He said, βI love this,β before calling out all the floors to hear them each cheer. #Adorable. Then he teased the audience with asking do you want to see βMore?β As he jumped right into the song, βMore.β As checkers covered the back of the stage, j-hope performed on an elevated box with his dancers marching around him as their boxes became elevated as well. The moment was truly transcendent.
Another video gave j-hope a chance to catch his breath and to change his outfit before he was back out on stage for his hit song, βOn the Street.β Even though he was minus J. Cole j-hope rocked this set, which was dedicated to the concept of βdreams.β This set of songs also focused on his special album, HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1. It highlighted the theme of street dance, his musical roots and desire to send out the message of continuing to move forward together with his fans. J-hope returned to the stage with shimmering lights and the stage moving up and down to reveal him walking on an elevated virtual sidewalk with the Brooklyn Bridge projected behind him. He dawned a bucket hat with a Louis Vuitton oversize striped shirt with baggy jeans. He broke into his trademark street dance moves as the crowd shouted j-hope before this song signature whistle kicked in. The whole song seemed like a love letter to New York the city that gave BTS so much and was the birthplace for a lot of first for BTS. The 3-D effect was certainly amazing. After the song things got downright funky as dancers joined j-hope as purple filled the arena on stage for an all-out dance jam or dance battle with j-hope even cheering on the dancers. It was clearly a fun and funky time. For the next song, j-hope busted out a suitcase which turned out to be a boombox, which had a secret inside. As the audience delighted in the reveal, j-hope danced alongside a fellow dancer while performing his song, βlock / unlock.β The duo danced with a giant boombox projected behind them asΒ j-hope delivered stellar live vocals without missing a beat or step. Next j-hope moved over to the corner of the stage, where there was a mic stand to perform his next song, βi don’t know.β As he performed, a female dancer, joined him on stage as beams of blue lasers, set the mood and tone for the stage. Then the two danced in unison as well showing off their fun funky moves. In between songs, j-hope asked, βare you ready for this?β Then he jumped right into his song, βi wonder…β The stage moved around effortlessly to morph into a series of steps whichΒ j-hope took a seat on to have an intimate moment with those in attendance as dancers moved around him. The arena was filled with purple and gold. The vibe of the song slowed everything down as if to βsay hello old friend.β Β When it seemed like the song was over, j-hope stopped to get the crowd to sing along with him. The arena sang the lyrics, βThis love, right now, (It’s) all we got, all we need, weβre happy right now, (So) why don’t we ride this feelin’? Just dance right now, (But) don’t you stop lookin’ forward? Just enjoy it, this love, (We) can keep forever fallin.β After finishing the song together, it was clear everyone was touched. The moment was truly one shared with all who were there. J- Hope followed it up by telling everyone that he had worked really hard on the song before going into the military and that he βwas so happy that he got to perform this song liveβ for us guys. Keeping the energy going, he broke into his hit song, βJust Dance.β He kicked off the performance saying, βyou know what I mean βJust Danceββ and just like that the arena was flooded with purple and blue lasers, and the stage began to elevate itself magically into these beautiful elevated purple boxes. During the performance, he busted out his signature dance break for the song before being joined on stage by his fellow dancers. Towards the end of the song, the crowd screamed his name, which clearly got him hyped.Β A cool 3-D tracing effect captured him on the big screen, giving the performance a transcendent feel before confetti and fireworks filled the arena.
After just dance, j-hope took a quick break from the stage as a video played before returning for his third set of songs dedicated to the theme of βExpectation.β These set of songs represented his anticipation and excitement for the future as they kicked off with him singing his brand-new single with Miguel, βSweet Dreams.βΒ As Miguelβs vocals filled the arena, j-hope emerged from the blue smoke surrounded by elevated boxes that created a set of stairs. He donned a gray hoodie with a simple gray sleeveless shirt underneath and with sparkly gray pants and chains around his neck. Keeping it casual, j-hope perform the song sitting down on the elevated stairs before being joined with his dancers. Β After the heartfelt moment, j-hope turned it up as he got right into the big surprise of the night. He performed his new unrelease song, βMona Lisa.β The love song, clearly expanded his musical spectrum as itΒ seamlessly blended a groovy rhythm with a funky chord progression, creating an irresistibly refreshing sound in this hip-hop/R&B track. The track exudes a smooth, laid-back charm as it pays tribute to celebrating oneβs unique beauty and one-of-a-kind charm, just like Leonardo da Vinci captured βMona Lisaβ and her inner essence in oil. One of the cool parts of the performance was when the camera found a few audience members and turned them into real life oil paintings instantaneously.
UPDATE: The new track βMONA LISAβ was released on March 21, 2025. The track seamlessly fuses both hip-hop and R&B elements. It also hooks listeners in with a catchy, but danceable groove and easy-listening melodies, which create a sound that feels timeless as well as fresh. Β The song explores an infatuation towards a person whose beauty is one of a kind. To hear it for yourself check out the music video below:
After a sip of water and giving Miguel a shout out, he took time to chat with the crowd.Β With a giggle, he shared how special it was to perform Mona Lisa in front of them. He explained it was him expressing his love for the fans. He even said, βyou are my masterpiece,β pointing at the audience. He joked with them since youβve heard my new song letβs take it back as he jumped right into βHANGSANGβ (Base Line) from his first solo mixtape βHope World.β Kicking off the performance, he jumped off stage and went straight into the crowd to mix with fans. For those lucky enough to be in the front row, it was truly a memorable moment. Then things got airborne. J- hope sang elevated high on a box to perform his next two songs, which were all about soaring high. He first preformed βAirplaneβ off of βHope World.β For diehard Hobi fans the stage was so memorable, invoking feelings of nostalgia right down to the sunrise behind him straight out of the music video. The moment was special as his fans sang along with him as if they were one unified voice, sending positivity out into the world. Changing things up, j-hope got funky with BTSβs hit song, Airplane pt.2β from BTSβ Third Studio Album LOVE YOURSELF θ½ βTearβ. The crowd truly erupted with joy when he broke into the iconic dance moves for this song, as if to say, βdonβt worry, babe I got you,β with a Hobi smile.
After a quick sip of water, he shouted out ARMY and BTS before diving into BTSβs history making song, βMIC DROPβ from their fifth EP LOVE YOURSELF ζΏ βHer.β The whole arena was shooketh when j-hope busted into his iconic, legendary dance moves at the top of the song. ARMY couldnβt help but do their part by contributing with the fan chant. As flames filled the stage and the fan chant was in full effect, j-hope dropped the Iconic bars. The moment was truly one to be reckoned with. It was like ARMY showed up for their sunbeam and he delivered. Then things when nuclear when the first beats of BTSβs βSilver Spoonβ off their fourth EP βThe Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2,β filled the arena. It was a true gift to ARMY as BTS rarely performs that song stateside. Still bustβn those moves, j-hope made the moment his own with his dancers and a full drop split that wouldβve even made James Brown proud. Next, things got colorful as TVs with color bar test patterns filled the stageβs large screens, for BTSβs βDis-Easeβ from BTSβ Special Album βBE.β Standing on stage, suddenly j-hope was elevated standing on an enlarged TV. It was truly a cool effect. At the end of this song, he had a cute moment where he taught the audience some Korean. Even joking now, you speak Korean. Then he jumped right into the joyful canβt listen to without smiling solo song, βOutro: Egoβ off BTSβs fourth studio album βMAP OF THE SOUL : 7.βΒ The stage was totally joyful seeing floating fish with confetti projected behind him on the big screen. It completely invoked moments and memories of BTSβs goofy and silly side. With the silly aqua vibes, fans delighted in chanting the songβs lyrics. The moment was truly unreal. With confetti flying, j-hope ran around the stage, which started to move up and down on its own. It really seemed like everyone was having such a good time especially the dancers on stage as firework shot off at the end of the song. Seizing the moment, Hobi encouraged those in attendance to give him a clap. As the purple bombs filled everywhere, people cheered him off the stage to give him a well-deserved moment to catch his breath.
For the next set of songs, j-hope would focus on the concept of βFantasy,β as it reflects the world j-hope envisions. When j-hope reemerged on stage, it was like he had woken up from a dream or should we say woken up in the bed from his song βDaydream,β which was the lead song of his first solo mixtape βHope world.β The stage was like a daydream, capturing the memorable desert from the βDaydreamβ music video. The stage even captured the multiple silhouette versions of j-hope just like that in the music video before he finished the performance by hopping back in bed. He reemerged to the opening beats of βChicken Noodle Soup,β which delighted those in the audience. The song was a big moment in j-hopeβs discography as it was j-hopeβs first solo Billboard Hot 100 entry. Back on stage, colorful cars lit up behind the dancers as the stage began to elevate. The arena was so alive that j-hope did not even have to sing this song if he didnβt want to as those in attendance were chanting it, but he still delivered a good time enlisted their help in singing Becky Gβs part in the song and killing the viral dance moves as flame shot out from the stage. Red filled the stage, as j-hope took a second for a sip of water and chatted with fans. βSeriously, ARMY is the bestβ he professed. Then he asked, βcan I speak Korean?β To which then he spoke from the heart, βThis is my first city on my American tour. I never imagined having a solo tour, but I am now here doing it. Honestly, this is the beginning, and I have so much to show you. You are here on this meaningful day, and you are the center of attention. Honestly, I was very nervous today because there is a new song first of all, I prepared it for a long time, and it is the first time showing it to all of you with the performance. This is the first time since βChicken Noodle Soup.β I hope you guys love βMona Lisaβ [and] of course, βSweet Dreamsβ also. Β Iβm really touched by you all and I really think the energy I have received from you means that I can start this tourβ¦Brooklyn you are the best! Thank you for everything!β Β j-hope confessed as the crowd cheered. He wrapped up the moment by tapping into his iconic saying, βIβm your hope! Youβre my hope! Guys you ready? Iβm J—– βHope!β Β Thank you, Brooklyn!β
With a roaring guitar and fireworks, j-hope yelled, βWelcome to my Hope World!β and got right into βHope Worldβ from his first solo mixtape βHope World.β With confetti flying the party mode was in full effect, right down to the group clap. Then he took time to share the moment by introducing the band. As fireworks erupted and with a big wave, j-hope said, βIβm your hopeβ as the stage engulfed him and the arena went dark. But instead of the show being over, fans got a moment to shine. Sifting through the audience, the camera would find those who had unwavering support and love for j-hope and would highlight them on the stageβs big screens. Fans who were dressed up as j-hope or wanted to give him shout outs, or just had interesting posters, found themselves on the digital stage. Β Some of the fun signs said, βDudes for Hobi,β βThirsty for Hobi water,β βCanada loves j-hope,β βhot girls skip classes to go to aΒ j-hope concert,β and Β βbest birthday gift ever!β
For the encore stage, j-hope highlighted the concept of βWish.β The encore set embodied his hope for a brighter, uplifting future for everyone as it hoped to inspire and create hope in our reality. Β Taking the stage again for the final turn, j-hope reemerged holding a tiny red lighted box wearing the Brooklyn 25 Hope tour shirt, with a flannel shirt, baggy jeans, and sneakers. Once on stage he teased, saying, βsurprise itβs j-hope.β Then he showed the audience what the box was and explained βit was very preciousβ¦ but said thereβs something we have to do first,β climbing down into the audience before just jumping right into this song, β= (equal sign).” For the song, he was joined on stage by his dancers. It was like j-hope was sending all the love he could out to ARMY with his heart touching vocals. Wishing everyone the brightest future of all, he sang, βFuture.β Moving around the stage, it was like he was trying to serenade each ARMY individually before finishing this song on an elevated box inviting the audience to join him in a wave. At the end the box fell into the floor as he waved goodbye, only to reemerge, saying βSurprise!β For the grand finale, j-hope sang, βNEURON (with Gaeko, yoonmirae),β which saw him shout out his dancers before saying thank you and good night. He finished the song, by encouraging those in the audience to sing with him the last few lyrics of the song as they were projected on stage. J-hope sang with ARMY, βI’ll tell you again. We’ll never ever give up, forever. I’ll say it again. We’ll always be alive to move us,β before taking a final bow and saying, βthank you.β
Clearly, this first night of βHOPE ON THE STAGEβ showcased j-hopeβs growth as an artist and as a performer. The show delivered a visually and sonically immersive experience with its spectacular production that saw the stage move effortlessly around the performers as if they were one. The accompanying live band also gave the performance an authenticity and richness. Furthermore, the show flowed so much that there was no opportunity, no downtime, to even go to the bathroom. From start to finish the show was a wonderful music ride, taking us through j-hopeβs world, and growth as a true artist.
India Shawn Delivers An Honestly Raw, But Soothing R&B Set at BMIβs Lollapalooza Stage
Courtesy of @indiashawn
With the wind effortlessly blowing, the beautiful songbird, India Shawn, took to the BMIβs Lollapalooza stage to pour out her soul with her R&B songs that are a collection of honesty, trials, and triumphs. Clad in pink with feathers, the LA base songwriter and songstress, belted out the ethereal, βFloating away.β She followed it with her honest and retro vibe song, βDon’t Play With My Heart,β before diving into her laid-back song, βCali Love.βΒ Then Shawn took a second to chat with fans. She expressed her frustration about living in LA and the lack of finding honest love despite trying.
After taking a beat, she dove into her song βToo Sweet.β With sensual moves, she reminded the audience that she cannot only tempt but also reward those who love her. Accompanied on stage by her guitarist and drummer, India Shawn ruled the stage captivating those in the audience who love to sing along with her, especially for βToo Sweet.β
Shawn changes things up for her next song, βNot Too Deep.β Slowing the tempo down, she made every word in the lyrics not only heard but felt with deep emotion and honesty.Β With sensuality on full display, Shawn then got brutally honest for her next song, βExchange.β Hitting high notes, she made the audience feel the moment, in which she put pen to paper to craft the song.
Shawn then reminded her fans that not only is she sensual, but she is also strong. Belting out the song, βSuperfine,β she championed her happiness over heartbreak all while noting to everyone that she is one fine-ass individual. She then gave the crowd her rendition of Brandyβs βAlmost Doesn’t Count,β before singing βMovin on.β She rounded out her performance with her final song βCaught In The Middle,β which she released only days before Lollapalooza.
Check out India Shawnβs new music video for βCaught In The Middle.β
Buffalo Nichols Brings His Life Journey To The BMI Lollapalooza Stage With A Raw & Powerful Performance
@buffalonicholsmusic
Life can teach you many lessons, even ones that you don’t want to learn, but for rhythm and blues singer/ songwriter, Buffalo Nichols has taken those life challenges and channeled them into a brutally honest and authentic hard-working music career. Better or for worse, married to the music as well as his guitar, Nichols has traveled the globe from Milwaukee to West Africa to Texas and Europe with the mission to turn an artist’s dream into reality and bring blues music into the future by putting stories of black Americans back into folk music.
His latest stop on his journey has brought him to the iconic Lollapalooza BMI stage. In front of a packed audience of young and old and every color, Nichols sang his heart out. A company just by his guitar and a drummer, he held the audienceβs soul in the palm of his hand. With the audience hanging on his every word, he admits his captivating stage presence is not one that he developed overnight. βIt’s definitely learned and not natural,β he said. It’s evident that his undeniable stage presence has been one that has been earned through years of setbacks, challenges, and strife culminating in an excruciating pressure that only develops the worldβs rarest gems.
As for his music, it seems to have hit a cord with the masses given the pain brought on by the pandemic. He acknowledges with songs like βLiving In Hell,β his music has been resonating with more and more people, βI thinkβ¦ a lot of people were trying to escape from the darkness of the last two years, but I think a lot of people are giving into itβ¦not in a negative way but just accepting it. I think that’s why people come to my music.β
Accepting one’s fake can be a love and hate relationship, which is something he can identify with when it comes to his guitar. βIt means everything and nothing,β he says about his six strings. βI tried so hard not to play guitar and do something else with my life, but it just [keeps] calling me back,β he admits. βI love it; it’s ruined my life and saved my life,β he said.
As for the next chapter on Nichols’s Journey, well he’s back on the road. His next stop will be AMERICANAFEST before heading to New York, New Jersey, Kentucky, Texas, and Little Rock Arkansas.
Jazmine Sullivan Beams at Exclusive Lollapalooza Pre-Show Performance
It’s the vocals and collaboration for us! Before her debut Lollapalooza performance in “The Windy City”, two-time Grammy Award winner Jazmine Sullivan partnered with IHG Hotels & Resorts to give some fans an exclusive rooftop party last Wednesday (July 27).
The packed event took place at Boleo Rooftop in Chicago. Guests were also invited to try two specialty cocktails including the “PiΓ±a Co-Lolla” and a “Six Thousand”, a nod to the 6000+ open hotels by unveiling the “6,000 Club,” a collection of new properties from IHG.
Once she took the stage Miss Sulivan performed a medley of her biggest hits for the crowd, “Bust Your Windows”, “Pick Up Your Feelings”, and “Insecure.” Fans were singing along to every word and trying to record all of the R&B singer’s high notes. She served vocals and stunned with a beaming hot pink Sandro shirt and Stuart Weitzman heels.
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 27: Jazmine Sullivan on July 27, 2022 at the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/InstarImages)
Jazmine also shared that she was invited to curate her own suite at the Kimpton Gray Hotel by IHG Hotels & Resorts. One lucky IHG rewards member was able to enjoy a luxurious five-night stay in a suite that featured all of Jazmineβs travel essentials, from calming scents to vegan snacks and immune-strengthening juices.
βTraveling is naturally a big part of my life, both for work and to experience new things. When Iβm on the road, my hotel room is my sanctuary and a space of rejuvenation. I rely on a space that feels both comforting and creative to recharge. That’s why I was so drawn to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring my favorite parts of traveling to life through my own curated suite. From the calming scents we brought into the room to whatβs stocked in the mini fridge, this suite is a little part of me that Iβm so excited to share.β
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 27: Jazmine Sullivan on July 27, 2022 at the Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/InstarImages)
To find out where Jazmine is traveling next check out her tour dates here.
Peter CottonTale, Chance the Rapper and BMI Make History at Lollapalooza With Gospel Performance
Courtesy of @realcottontale
βIβm from Chicago, the birthplace of gospelβ and with those words music producer and composer turned performer, Peter CottonTale, made history at this yearβs BMI Stage at Chicagoβs 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, βGod is Love,β before performing βHi-5,β βHe is Real,β and βI Want to Thank You.β He rounded out the first part of his set with his collaboration with the mega-church Hillsong for the songs, βAs I Amβ and βGrateful/Together.β
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 βDo Your Thing.β CottonTale followed that performance up with the toe-tapping and upliftingΒ βWhen I Get There,β with Jamila. He rounded out this part of the set with Joey performing βDon’t Leaveβ and then βGive It Up to God.β He also teamed up with Vic Mensa for βNo Worriesβ as well as Tiff Joy for βFeels Like Church.β
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 Chicagoβs son, Chance the Rapper, to help him deliver powerful renditions of βPray for Realβ and βForever Always.β 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. βItβs amazing,β Chance acknowledged about the moment. He added, βit’s a blessing [especially on a Sunday], absolutely!β
J-Hope of BTS is set to make history at this year’s Lollapalooza.