Wu-Tang Clan’s Final Chamber Tour leaves Chicago buzzing

By: Eddy “Precise” Lamarre

Wu-Tang Clan’s Final Chamber Tour in Chicago: A Night of Legacy, Loyalty, and Loud Memories

On July 7, Wu-Tang Clan brought their Final Chamber Tour to Chicago’s United Center. The crowd showed up early, ready for what would be one of the most anticipated shows of the summer. Run the Jewels opened with their signature high energy, setting the stage for what was about to come.

As soon as the first beat dropped, I was reminded of where it all started for me. Thirty years ago, I snuck into the House of Blues, just a kid looking to feel the weight of Wu-Tang Clan’s music live. That night, all nine original members stood on stage, and the entire room moved as one. Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s wild energy filled every corner of the venue. That moment shaped how I viewed hip-hop.

Now, decades later, I stood inside a packed arena. Things have changed. The men on stage have evolved. RZA has built a career as a film director and producer. Method Man is now an actor with an undeniable presence. GZA speaks on science and philosophy alongside top thinkers. Raekwon continues to celebrate his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… legacy, and Ghostface Killah still sounds as sharp as ever. Even with everything they’ve accomplished outside of music, their connection to the crowd hasn’t faded.

The show opened with “Sunlight,” leading into “Bring Da Ruckus.” From the start, the energy was high. They followed up with “Clan in Da Front,” “Da Mystery of Chessboxin’,” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ to Fuck Wit.” The crowd responded to every line, shirts with the golden “W” filling every seat in the building.

Throughout the night, they shifted focus between group tracks and individual moments. Raekwon and Ghostface delivered “Criminology” and “Ice Cream” with ease, their chemistry as strong as ever. Masta Killa and Cappadonna kept the momentum going with their verses, while GZA’s performance of “Liquid Swords” and “Duel of the Iron Mic” showed his lyrical mastery.

Method Man brought undeniable energy. He performed “Method Man,” “Bring the Pain,” and “All I Need,” feeding off the crowd and commanding the stage like few can.

Young Dirty Bastard honored his father with high-energy performances of “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” and “Got Your Money.” His presence connected the past with the present, and the crowd responded with loud approval.

The night was built on classic after classic. Tracks like “Protect Ya Neck,” “Reunited,” “C.R.E.A.M.,” and “Triumph” had the entire building on their feet. When Inspectah Deck delivered his verse on “Triumph,” the reaction from the crowd was overwhelming.

Standing there, it struck me that I wasn’t that kid sneaking into shows anymore. Yet somehow, the feeling remained the same. I could see it on every face around me—Wu-Tang Clan still hits just as hard.

Here is the full setlist from the night:

“Sunlight”
“Bring Da Ruckus”
“Clan in Da Front”
“Da Mystery of Chessboxin’”
“Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthin’ to Fuck Wit”
“Method Man”
“Shame on a Nigga”
“Protect Ya Neck”
“Can It Be All So Simple”
“Holla”
“Criminology”
“’97 Mentality”
“Above the Clouds”
“Incarcerated Scarfaces”
“Ice Cream”
“Bring the Pain”
“All I Need”
“Liquid Swords”
“Duel of the Iron Mic”
“4th Chamber”
“Gravel Pit”
“No Said Date”
“Run”
“Tearz”
“Reunited”
“Shimmy Shimmy Ya”
“Got Your Money”
“C.R.E.A.M.”
“Triumph”

Thirty years later, Wu-Tang Clan remains one of the most powerful groups to take the stage. The names and venues may change, but their impact stays the same.

Fire Friday: New music from JID, Jessie Reyez, JT and more

Fire Friday: The Must-Hear Rap & R&B Releases (July 1–4, 2025)

This week’s lineup brought serious heat across rap, R&B, and beyond. From standout lyricism and fiery mixtapes to bold visuals and emotional albums, these new drops are setting the pace for summer playlists everywhere. Here’s your full breakdown of the freshest releases from the past four days.

JID – GDLU: The Preluxe (Mixtape)

JID kicked off July 4 with GDLU: The Preluxe, a sharp, four-track teaser mixtape leading into his upcoming full-length album God Does Like Ugly. Known for his rapid-fire flow and intricate wordplay, JID doesn’t disappoint here. The project features Eminem, Lil Yachty, and 6LACK, pairing clever rhymes with slick production, making it a must-listen for hip-hop heads.

Listen to the full mixtape here:

JT – “Ran Out” (Official Music Video)

JT shines in her latest solo release, “Ran Out,” a bold track packed with swagger, attitude, and confident bars. The music video matches the energy, showing off high-end visuals, fast cars, and no shortage of luxury. It’s an anthem for anyone who loves a flashy, unapologetic flex.

Watch the video here

DDG – “That’s My Ball” (Official Visualizer)

DDG keeps the momentum going with “That’s My Ball,” an upbeat track accompanied by an animated visualizer. The fun, sports-inspired video features popular creators like Kai Cenat, Ludwig, ImDontai, and Valkyrae, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the playful, competitive song.

Watch the visualizer here:

DJ Snake & J Balvin – “Noventa” (Official Music Video)

DJ Snake and J Balvin link up once again for “Noventa,” an infectious reggaeton track filled with retro charm. The video takes it back to the ‘90s with VHS effects, throwback dance moves, and summery street party vibes, making it a certified warm-weather anthem.

Watch the video here:

Jessie Reyez – Paid in Memories (Album)

Jessie Reyez delivers raw emotion on Paid in Memories, released July 2. Her powerful vocals and deeply personal songwriting take center stage as she explores themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, family, and healing. From stripped-down ballads to upbeat tracks, Reyez proves her versatility while staying true to her vulnerable sound.

Stream the full album here:

This week’s releases bring a range of vibes—from emotional R&B and fierce lyricism to flashy visuals and dance-ready beats. Jessie Reyez and JID deliver standout projects for listeners looking for depth and skill, while JT, DDG, DJ Snake, and J Balvin keep the energy high with vibrant visuals and catchy hooks.

No matter your mood, these releases deserve a spot in your playlist rotation.

‘PTSD’ is G Herbo at his most vulnerable

G Herbo has delivered one of the strongest sophomore projects in recent time with PTSD. The so-called sophomore jinx does not appear to be an issue for the Chicago rapper. PTSD is the follow up to his 2017 offering Humble Beast. Herbo has come into his own.

Lyrically Herbo maintains his street edge and it’s more polished. He comes right out of the gate blasting. On ‘Intro” Herbo raps “I do it for the haves and the have nots, all he had was a half and a glass pot, gotta race till he the first one with the last rock, every day you see his face just like a mascot, trapping out the Honda, no he never had a stash box, stuck to armed violence, that was at the last spot”

Herbo’s voice and delivery carry the pain and authenticity of someone who has experienced trauma on multiple levels. This vulnerability is most evident on “Gangstas Cry” featuring BJ the Chicago Kid. He laments about losing a friend to the violence that’s had a grip on the city for many years. “I stayed up the longest when my n—- died, I poured up some more so I could stop from crying. Relapsed after quitting like my second time, but I know I wanna numb the pain that’s inside” Herbo raps.

The title track “PTSD” featuring the late Juice Wrld, Chance the Rapper and Lil Uzi Vert is a glimpse inside of the minds of these young stars. The chorus is haunting and emotional. Hearing Juice Wrld sing the chorus sounds like a plea for help ‘I made it on my own, the said I’d be in jail or dead, I’ve seen my brothers fall over and over again. Don’t stand too close to me, I got PTSD” 

Herbo’s unguarded approach is what makes this project so relatable. The stand out tracks are “Gangbangin”, “PTSD” “Lawyer Fees” and “Intuition.”  Herbo gave us a classic and continues the tradition of Chicago rappers providing substance. 

Take a listen to ‘PTSD’ below.

Stream “A Killer Joe” by Precise below

G Herbo opens up to ‘rolling out’ in candid interview about Juice Wrld, mental illness and ‘PTSD’ (Video)

G Herbo currently has one of the hottest projects to drop this year. He chopped it up with Eddy “Precise” Lamarre of rolling out and touched on his relationship with Juice Wrld, seeking therapy and PTSD.

Stream “I’m Dreaming (Don’t Wake Me)’ by Precise

2013 Precise Year in Review

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In November of 2012 I decided that I would not set a resolution for 2013. My goal was to be deliberate and purposeful as to what I wanted to attract into my life during 2013. I listed my Top 10 Intentions for 2013.

About a week ago a good friend of mine Lashawn Williams the Arts and Culture Editor of Gapers Block reached out to me with an idea. She suggested that I do a recap of my year in order to be clear about the accomplishments that I have made.

I thought that was a great idea, and because I did The Top 10 Intentions for 2013 it has afforded me the ability to look back and see how my intentions have panned out over the past 12 months.

Now…let’s take a look at my year…..

2013 Precise Year in Review

1. Have a stronger connection to the creator and keep my vibration high.

This is an ongoing journey and after this amazing year I know for a fact that this connection has grown and is continuing to get stronger in each moment. I know the creator is real and I understand that we have been given the tools to achieve greatness. My eyes are open wide and I am more in tune with who I am and the ability and gifts that I have been blessed with. I am grateful to the creator for this.

2. Develop stronger more meaningful relationships with my family and friends.

I have been blessed to have a circle of family and friends that are very supportive. This year has allowed me to be more attentive and has given me insight as to who has my back. I have met so many new people and strengthened relationships that I thought were over. The treasure is with our friends and family and I honor them.

3. Be the creator I am supposed to be.

This year I have embraced the fact that I am a creator. I have been more deliberate as to how this message of positivity and power is and will continue to be delivered to the world. I wrote some great video treatments and some amazing songs. The more creative and bold that I am the more I attract other creative people. Let’s continue to build. Greatness is on the horizon.

4. Finish 5 projects sell 100k independently

I didn’t finish 5 projects; However I did finally finish “Ladies Love Mixtapes”, filmed the video for the lead single “Take Our Time”. The listening session for ‘The Anti Skinny Jeans  LP”  at The silver Room was successful and “A Hate You Can Trust” by The Guild a project I am prominently featured on was released.

5. Go on World Tour and perform for sold out stadiums.

The world tour and sold out stadiums didn’t happen YET, but I did A LOT of shows, the most notable was The Main Stage at The Silver Room Block Party. I also made a couple of trips to Indiana. One trip was to perform at Hype Magazines 11 year celebration, then I went to Indianapolis to perform at Pure Passion West and I was interviewed by Taj Longino of TWTTV.com

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6. Be more fearless.

Eliminating fear from our lives is what allows us to move without doubt. The moment we tear down this wall the blessing come. Im knocking down a brick in each moment. I am more open and more willing to be vulnerable.

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7. Increase the flow of prosperity to me in the form of money and health.

I lost 30lbs this year!!!! WOOOHOOO!!!! I got a new car!!!  As a result of the shows that I have done the prosperity continues to flow.

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8. Be the voice of Hip Hop Conscious Artists

I was featured in Yahoo Voices as Chicago’s most motivational Hip-Hop Artist. Thank you Jolie du Pre.

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In July I was interviewed by City Vanguard’s David Weathersby

9. Buy Mansion of Star Island and Move To Miami

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Still catching up to this and I am encouraged.

10. Buy Condo in Chicago Museum Park.

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As the prosperity continues to flow and I know I am moving closer to this.

I am so encouraged after seeing what has been accomplished in 2013. This makes me more determined and focused. I am ready for 2014…Are you?

-Precise

Stay Focused, Positive and Productive

How was your year? Tell me about it. Leave a comment…share.. :-)