The live event, presented in partnership with Sonesta International Hotels, will take place in downtown Chicago.
Evening sun We enjoyed the atmosphere at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown Hotel as a crowd gathered for a live satellite event called “Musicians Talking About Musicians” with Common and Noname. The Chicago natives spoke to each other about their music, their careers, and the influence of their city on their creative process.
Exclusively invited Sonesta Travel Pass members and industry guests headed to the penthouse level overlooking the city skyline where DJ Jay Illa played classic R’n’B tracks to warm up the crowd before Rolling Stone’s Chicagoan editor-in-chief, Althea Legaspi, took the stage to kick off the party. “Every Sonesta International hotel is designed specifically for your stay, which is why this evening is designed specifically for Chicagoans,” Legaspi said before inviting local legends Common and Noname to the stage.
The two musicians first talked about how they got into rap and how similar they are despite their generational differences. Noname started out in verse and Common started out in freestyling, which led them to the lyricism and wordplay that they both embrace and appreciate in each other. As they discussed the music industry, growing up in Chicago, and how they eventually ended up collaborating, the crowd was enthralled with interest, laughter, and applause.
Once the sun set on the sparkling Chicago River, the discussion ended and Noname put on a lively show with her band, joking with the crowd and encouraging them to participate in “Song 32.” The surprise of the evening was Common’s return to the stage to perform his classics, as well as a freestyle set that celebrated the evening. The intimate setting allowed both musicians to talk candidly about their experiences growing up in Chicago, as well as perform to adoring local fans.
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This is the first episode of the Musicians on Musicians live event in partnership with Sonesta. The second episode will take place at the Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach in September and will be open by invitation only.
