Recap & Photos | BAD BOY Family Reunion Tour

As a kid that grew up in the 90’s, the music from BAD BOY records filled my childhood with real Hip Hop and R&B. It was even the home of one of my favorite rappers, the Notorious B.I.G.

I always thought what if Diddy put together a huge show that included the All-Stars of BAD BOY. I guess Diddy and I were on the same wavelength as he announced the BAD BOY Family Reunion Tour earlier this year. With that news, I couldn’t have been more excited and knew I had to be there.  Getting the chance to see the artists I grew up listening to and crushing on (I’m looking at you Lil’ Kim), and then having the chance to cover the show was even better.

Inside the arena, all ages turned out for this family reunion. Many were sporting retro BAD BOY t-shirts and snapbacks, while there were a few wearing Coogi sweaters, famously worn by Notorious B.I.G. As hype and anticipation began to rise, a countdown, counting down from 10 minutes displayed on the screen. The DJ called this a “10 minute” warning for all to get to their seats as he spun BAD BOY classics including Shyne’s Bad Boyz.

Soon after, the man, the myth, the mogul himself, Diddy (Puff Daddy), took the stage, making his entrance to the tune of No Way Out’s Victory. This would then lead into Finna Get Loose, where Diddy was accompanied by dancers wearing Chicago Blackhawks jerseys. Diddy danced all across the stage with his signature moves, while a new video recording of Pharrell played on the large screen on stage. No expense was spared for this tour. The stage featured two long runways, pyro, backup singers, and a full band.

Usually when a tour begins, the first show tends to have a few hiccups happen along the way. There were no mistakes or hiccups here. You could tell each artist was serious when it came time to give a great performance. The way the show was laid out, each artist would perform 3-4 songs. If a song featured another BAD BOY artist, that artist would make a showing. For instance, when Total performed What You Want, Mase made an appearance for his verse.

There was never a time where the audience had the chance to take a break or have a seat; it was literally hit after hit. Chicago’s own Carl Thomas received a standing ovation when he took the stage. It should be noted all the R&B artists on this tour – 112, Total, Carl Thomas and Faith Evans all sounded great. Faith Evans even debuted a new track that featured Jadakiss from her anticipated album with the Notorious B.IG. – The King and I.

Lil’ Kim might have received the loudest reaction in Chicago. Kim was as Hard Core as ever, performing classics from her discography.  She smiled as the crowd knew every word to Scheamin’.  No doubt Chicago was glad to see Lil’ Kim back on a grand stage.

Expect the unexpected at the BAD BOY Family Reunion Tour. Diddy had some great surprises for Chicago up his sleeve as he brought out DMX, Black Rob, Chance The Rapper (this is becoming the norm for Chicago concerts), and Jeremih. Christian Combs even came out and performed his recent single.

This close to 3-hour concert came to a close with a melody of All About The Benjamins, Mo Money, Mo Problems and I’ll Be Missing You (complete with a choir). Diddy thanked everyone and said Chicago was the livest city the BAD BOY family has ever performed in.

Check out shots from Chicago stop of the BAD BOY Family Reunion Tour

– Journalist Without A Beat… Out!

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