Ice-T and MC Schoollyd Bring Classic Hip Hop to Chicago

Ice-T, the legendary rapper and actor, is set to hit the stage in Chicago on Saturday, June 21, for a night celebrating the roots of early rap culture. In a recent Instagram post, the musician—born Tracy Lauren Marrow—announced that he and MC Schoollyd will headline a Classic Hip Hop showcase. “CHICAGO! We’re pullin up… Sat the 21st! Me and @mcschoollyd Do not miss this.. Your attendance is requested. #ClassicHipHop 💎 @djevile_1 💥,” he wrote.

Event Details

The show kicks off at 8 p.m. local time at a downtown Chicago venue. Accompanying Ice-T is MC Schoollyd—credited as a pioneer of gangster rap following his 1985 breakout “PSK What Does It Mean?”—while DJ Evile_1 handles turntables. Together, they plan to deliver a setlist packed with foundational tracks and deep cuts that defined the genre’s golden era. Tickets start at $45, with VIP packages offering limited meet-and-greet access and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Pioneer Of Rap

Since his debut album Rhyme Pays dropped in 1987, Ice-T has remained a force in hip hop. His 1996 release, Iceberg –T VI: Return of the Real, landed on the Billboard 200 and cemented his reputation for hard-hitting lyrics and streetwise storytelling. Beyond music, Marrow expanded into acting with roles in films like New Jack City and a long run on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. On social media, he frequently honors hip hop veterans—in a recent post he tagged Fredro Starr, Onyx, and Sticky Fingaz to celebrate “Original Hip Hop,” underscoring his commitment to the genre’s history.

Touring Through The Midwest

This Chicago stop adds to a string of live dates that reconnect fans with hip hop’s formative years. Ice-T hinted at West Coast dates in a May Instagram post: “It’s poppin off San Francisco! I’m pulling up! Friday June 27th… With OG @therealmacmall,” he shared, indicating a run that spans from the Midwest to California. MC Schoollyd brings his own legacy—born Jesse Weaver Sr., he influenced future acts with his minimalist beats and uncompromising flow, earning him the title “Godfather of Gangsta Rap.”

Dj And Vinyl Experience

DJ Evile_1, whose credits include sets for Public Enemy and KRS-One, will blend vintage vinyl cuts with live MC drops, ensuring seamless transitions throughout the evening. In addition, Rare Groove Chicago will host a pop-up vinyl booth where enthusiasts can trade or buy first-press records from the 80s and 90s. Organizers say the interactive setup will give attendees a hands-on look at the physical artifacts that shaped hip hop’s sonic palette.

Safety protocols at the venue include temperature checks and optional masks, aligning with local guidelines. Doors open at 7 p.m., and fans are encouraged to arrive early to avoid lines. Concessions will feature craft beer options, vegan snacks, and bottled water.

Limited VIP bundles include a photo opportunity with the artists, a custom poster by graffiti artist NESK, and priority entry to the lounge. General admission grants access to the main floor and side lounge, where additional DJs will spin records before and after the main set.

This event arrives amid a revival of 90s nostalgia: streaming data shows spikes in older rap catalogs, while festivals integrate retro lineups. Ice-T’s live showcase taps directly into that trend, delivering authenticity that resonates more than heavily produced arena spectacles.

Between music and acting—he’s also an author—Marrow’s mantra remains “No beef, no drama.” “I’ve never had any serious beef in my career… Plus, I can handle myself. No diss to anyone that uses security… I just have never needed to,” he noted in another post. That down-to-earth approach carries through to his performances, where the focus stays on raw lyricism and crowd engagement.

As the countdown to June 21 begins, Chicago hip hop aficionados are gearing up for an evening that promises more than just nostalgia. Ice-T and MC Schoollyd aim to create a live experience honoring the aggression, creativity, and communal spirit that birthed the culture. Whether you lived through rap’s early days or are discovering it now, this showcase offers a front-row seat to history in motion.

Trivia

Ice-T is an advocate for several social issues, including violence prevention and the rights of artists in the music industry.

Reporter

Reshmi Das

 

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.

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