CHICAGO (Nov. 3, 2025) — The Ramova Theatre pulsed with authenticity Saturday night as One of One MG presented Philmore & Phriends, a celebration of organic hip hop culture that brought together some of the most respected names in the craft.
The lineup read like a lyrical hall of fame Large Professor, Skyzoo, Apollo Brown, Rasheed Chappell, Illah Ghee, Rashid Hadee and Sean Doe but it was the Chicago artists who electrified the room and reminded the crowd why the city remains a cornerstone of hip hop, politics and cultural innovation.
Standout performances came from Mar, Panamera P, Ju Jilla, YP, Vic Spencer, Heavy Crowns, Joel Q, IAMGAWD, Rufus Sims and Jae Haze. Each artist brought a raw flavor to the stage, blending storytelling with grit, passion rooted in Hip Hop’s creative legacy with each of their own unique style and character. No one artist was the same and that’s what I loved the most.
The atmosphere was charged with community spirit and cultural pride. TaRhonda Jones, a longtime supporter of Chicago creatives and creative herself, sponsored ten tickets for fans who wanted to attend free of charge, a gesture that perfectly reflected the event’s mission to keep the art form accessible and alive.
A live beat tournament showcased producers crafting soundscapes in real time, battling for bragging rights with precision and flair. For non artists like myself, it stretched long but remained captivating and a rare opportunity to witness hip hop production as performance art.
This event gave me hope. Hope for the future of our music, hope for our city, and hope for my mission, to connect creatives and social entrepreneurs into a new market where we can all thrive.”
—BK
The night wasn’t just about entertainment; it was an experience of unity, creativity and Chicago resilience. Hip hop heads nodded in sync, strangers exchanged smiles, and every verse echoed the city’s enduring rhythm.
The only regret? Not capturing the moment on camera. My outfit was giving 90s Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice, next time, I’m making photos a priority.
Still, I left inspired and that was the point. Philmore & Phriends was a spectacle; and a revival. For those who were there, the message was clear: Chicago Hip Hop isn’t just surviving. It’s evolving, thriving, getting ready to take the world by storm ☔️ and it’s in good hands.
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