Raekwon + Ghostface Killah
July 14, House of Blues
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., the Wu-Tang Clan's two most talented wordsmiths are popping a bottle of Cristal and taking a victory lap. Released during the initial salvo of post–Enter the Wu-Tang solo albums, Cuban Linx found Raekwon and Ghostface Killah trading mafia-referencing verses atop RZA's warm, sampled beats. Two decades after their debut, these pulpy tales of organized crime have become a cultural touchstone for artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Rick Ross, who each cultivated similar urban criminal personas. No one pulls it off quite like Raekwon and Ghostface, who will dig into their extensive back catalog of collaborations (and solo material) during this co-headlining show. ($29.50, 17+)
Ondatrópica + Helado Negro
July 16, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Led by Colombian musician Mario Galeano and English producer Will Holland, Ondatrópica explores the varied, tropical sounds of Colombian music. Joined by a group of Columbian musicians, the ensemble's self-titled record presents an overview of the country's rich musical traditions, which draw upon African, European and Jamaican influences. Supporting act Helado Negro takes a similarly multicultural approach, mixing Spanish and English lyrics with looping, electronic arrangements and Latin rhythms. On his latest record, Double Youth, he meditates on a forgotten poster found in his closet with a collection of intimate, nostalgic songs. (Free, all ages)
Viet Cong + Ryley Walker
July 18, Subterranean
Assuming you still have some energy left after a long day in Union Park, this official Pitchfork Music Festival aftershow is one of the weekend's best, bringing together two bands that the online publication has been buzzing about for months. First on the bill is local guitarist Ryley Walker, who blends acoustic fingerstyle riffs and psych arrangements with the help of a band that includes several Chicago jazz scene vets. Canadian post-punk outfit Viet Cong headlines the evening, bringing its brooding song out of the sun and into a dark rock club—exactly where it belongs. ($14, 17+)