Playboi Carti electrified the crowd at the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash festival in Chicago on Saturday night. The rapper, known for his enigmatic style and high-energy performances, used the platform to unveil a slew of new tracks, much to the delight of his fans.
Among the fresh material Carti introduced were his latest singles “2024,” “Ketamine,” “EvilJ0rdan,” and “H00dbyair.” The latter track was notably significant, as it both opened and closed his set, creating a full-circle moment for the audience. According to Setlist.fm, Carti also performed two unreleased tracks titled “All Red” and “Gwagon,” adding an element of surprise to his already dynamic performance.
Throughout the show, Carti didn’t just stick to his own catalog. He also delivered his verse on Future & Metro Boomin’s “Type Shit,” as well as ¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s “Carnival,” and Travis Scott’s “Fe!n.” These covers were met with enthusiastic responses, showcasing Carti’s versatility and ability to make any track his own.
The crowd’s reaction was palpable, with many fans capturing the moment on social media. Clips of the performance quickly went viral, with users expressing their excitement and amazement at the new material. One user, @tarek_hassabo, noted the intensity of the crowd, while another, @worldofopm, simply marveled at Carti’s presence on stage.
The setlist for the night was a mix of new and familiar, with Carti debuting several tracks live for the first time. The list included “H00dbyair,” “2024,” “Ketamine,” “Type Shit,” “Backr00ms,” “Fe!n,” “All Red,” “Gwagon,” “Different Day,” “Stop Breathing,” “EvilJ0rdan,” “Carnival,” “Shoota,” “Sky,” and a second performance of “H00dbyair.”
Carti’s performance at Summer Smash was more than just a concert; it was a statement. For months, the rapper had been teasing fans with snippets of new songs on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The anticipation for a new album reached a fever pitch, and Carti did not disappoint. His set at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, a suburb of Chicago, was a testament to his evolving artistry and his ability to keep fans on their toes.
The show opened with the live debut of “H00dbyair,” a track that had previously been played at a listening party for Kanye West’s VULTURES 1 album. This was followed by the first live performances of “2024” and “Ketamine,” both of which have become fan favorites despite not being part of any official album release.
Carti’s set was a rollercoaster of emotions and energy. After performing Future & Metro Boomin’s “Type Shit,” he returned to his own material with “Backr00ms” and two brand new tracks, “All Red” and a yet-to-be-titled song produced by F1lthy. These new songs hinted at a possible shift in Carti’s musical style, with one observer noting that “Ketamine” had an ominous, high-pitched quality that was both unsettling and captivating.
While there’s no official word on when these new tracks will be released, Carti’s DJ Swamp Izzo assured fans from the stage that “the album is coming.” This announcement was met with cheers, as fans eagerly await the next chapter in Carti’s musical journey.
The night was further elevated by appearances from Carti’s Opium Records crew, including Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely, and Homixide Gang. Although they didn’t perform, their presence added to the overall vibe of the show. BURBERRY ERRY, another member of the crew, even did a stage dive after Carti’s cover of Travis Scott’s “Fe!n.”
The set continued with a mix of new and old tracks, including “Carnival,” “Stop Breathing,” “Shoota,” and “Sky.” The latter was accompanied by a fireworks display, adding a visual spectacle to the auditory experience. The night concluded with a second performance of “H00dbyair,” bringing the show full circle and leaving the audience wanting more.
Other highlights from the Summer Smash festival included performances by Kodak Black, who was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” by Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett, and Lil Tecca, who drew a massive crowd for his late afternoon set. The festival also featured sets from BABYKIA and Rich Amiri, both of whom attracted large audiences thanks to their viral hits.
Playboi Carti’s performance at Summer Smash was a masterclass in showmanship and musical innovation. As fans continue to buzz about the new material, one thing is clear: Carti is not just a rapper; he’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
