The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash 2025, held at SeatGeek Stadium from June 20 to 22, delivered a whirlwind of iconic performances and unexpected moments, with over 100,000 attendees buzzing.
The seventh edition of the Midwest’s premier hip-hop festival, hosted by Lyrical Lemonade and SPKRBX, featured headliners Don Toliver, Yeat, Future, and Young Thug, alongside a stacked lineup of rap superstars and rising talents.
Here are the standout moments you might have missed from this year’s electrifying weekend.
Young Thug, performing his first show since his 2022 arrest, closed the festival on Sunday with a blazing spectacle that left fans in awe. Donning Joker-inspired makeup and emerging from a dramatic video apology to his fans, Thug brought out surprise guests, including Travis Scott, for a high-energy set that included hits like “Hot” (notably without Gunna’s verse).
His stage dive into the crowd capped a performance hailed as a “welcome-home party” by Lyrical Lemonade’s Jake Milan. Social media erupted, with fans calling it “a legendary moment after 1,193 days off the stage.”
Friday night’s headlining duo of Don Toliver and Yeat marked their first-ever joint performance, blending Toliver’s melodic trap with Yeat’s rage trap energy.
The one-time-only set, described as a “culture-shaking” moment by Billboard, had fans rushing the stage as the pair delivered a seamless fusion of their hits. The collaboration was a festival highlight, with attendees praising the chemistry that set the tone for the weekend.
One of the most jaw-dropping moments came when an unnamed artist reportedly skydived from a helicopter and landed on stage, a stunt that sent shockwaves through social media.
“How is nobody talking about the fact they skydived from a helicopter and landed on stage at Summer Smash?” a fan posted, capturing the disbelief and excitement. While details remain unconfirmed, the daring entrance became a viral talking point.
Chicago’s Chance the Rapper delivered a Sunday night set that doubled as a comeback, previewing tracks from his highly anticipated album Star Line Gallery.
His performance, alongside local heroes like G Herbo and Saba, was a nod to the city’s vibrant rap scene, with Herbo calling Thug’s presence “priceless” for Chicago fans. The emotional weight of Chance’s set resonated deeply with the hometown crowd.
Streamer-turned-artist PlaqueBoyMax and DDG lit up the festival with their performance of “Pink Dreads,” an unforgettable moment that had fans raving online.
“PlaqueBoyMax and DDG’s performance at Summer Smash was unforgettable,” one fan shared, accompanied by a clip that spread rapidly across platforms. The set highlighted the festival’s knack for showcasing viral sensations alongside established stars.
The inclusion of Insane Clown Posse raised eyebrows, but their chaotic rap-rock set proved to be a perfect fit, bridging their legacy with the festival’s rage trap vibe. Their performance was a surprising crowd-pleaser, with attendees noting their influence on the genre’s newer acts.
Beyond the music, Summer Smash 2025 dazzled with art installations like monster trucks, giant Minion inflatables, and Lyrical Lemonade-themed music video set replicas.
Fans swarmed the grounds, with some spotting a cryptic billboard reading, “Are you preparing to meet Sosa?”—a nod to Chief Keef’s iconic 2024 homecoming. The festival’s immersive atmosphere kept attendees engaged between sets.
With performances that ranged from heartfelt to high-octane, Summer Smash 2025 cemented its status as a cultural cornerstone for hip-hop.
Fans are already looking forward to next year’s edition, with tickets for the 2025 festival having sold out rapidly during pre-sale. For those who missed the action, select performances were streamed live on the festival’s website and partner platforms like Twitch and YouTube, ensuring the energy reached fans worldwide.
