Earlier this summer, Common revealed that AAHH! Fest would be returning to Union Park on September 24 and 25, bringing a community showcase and a lineup of hip-hop acts to the West Side venue. Now the festival has revealed its initial lineup and it's just as strong as the the inaugural AAHH! Fest in 2014.
AAHH! Fest's community showcase (which is now a ticketed event) on September 24 will feature local talent competing for a chance to perform on the main stage the following day, but it will also include performances from Calumet City rapper Tink and Taylor Bennett (guess he'll be showing up a few hours late for his brother's Magnificent Coloring Day festival at U.S. Cellular Field).
The festival's second day will be hosted by comedian Deon Cole and will feature sets from festival head honcho Common, neo-soul singer Bilal, The Tonight Show house band the Roots, "Birthday Sex" rapper Jeremih, Odd Future affiliates the Internet and local R&B artist Sir the Baptist. More acts will be announced closer to the event and we wouldn't rule out a surprise performer (but don't get your hopes up for Kanye—he'll be performing in Indianapolis that night).
Tickets for AAHH! Fest are still available—between the festivities in Union Park and Chance's show at the Cell, it's going to be a busy weekend for Chicago hip-hop fans.