Twista Rocks Chicago’s City Winery, Launches Tour

Twista still got it.

On a Saturday night in May, Twista reminded a packed room exactly why his name still carries weight. The West Side Chicago rapper walked onto the intimate stage at City Winery Chicago and put on for his city. Again.

The May performances, two back-to-back sellouts, launched his City Winery tour. By the time the night was over, it felt more like a homecoming that had been a long time coming.

“The energy in the room was undeniable,” a show attendee told AllHipHop. “This is Chicago. We don’t forget our own.”

Backed by The Cabrini Kings, a live band whose, Twista moved through a catalog that spans generations. He took a page from Lauryn Hill’s book and reshaped familiar records into something that felt entirely new with live instrumentation. The combination gave classics a new breathing quality and the audience reaped the rewards.

They paid close attention.

Family, longtime supporters and newer fans packed every seat for both shows. Twista’s grin made it clear: the feeling was mutual.

Violinist Binta Kai made her debut, performing alongside Twista. The performance marked the first time she had shared a stage with him, and it landed on her birthday.

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Chicago vocalists Slique Adams and Liz Toussaint added additional texture to both sets, their performances added soul between Twista’s rapid-fire verses.

City Winery, known for its acoustics and its wine program as much as its bookings, is a room that rewards artists willing to be present with their audience. Twista, for his part, leaned into the format. Smiling through the set and letting the moment breathe.

Chicago has produced its share of legends. Twista, on this night at least, reminded the city he remains one of them.

Photo Credit: Barry Brecheisen 

Video Credit: @BriaDVisuals