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Last night, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out Live Tour 2024: The Final Lap at Chicago’s United Center, experiencing the action from both backstage and the Owner’s Suite. This wasn’t just a night of comedy—it was an electrifying celebration of Black excellence, culture, and community. From the skits on stage to the powerhouse team behind the scenes, the event was a shining example of Black talent, unity, and financial empowerment.

Chicago’s Own Korporate: Elevating Black Stories with Laughter

A highlight of my backstage experience was meeting Korporate, the genius behind “Black Chicago Be Like.” His blend of humor and social commentary is unmatched, and in person, his passion for storytelling was clear. Korporate continues to elevate the voices of Black Chicago through his work, and speaking with him further solidified his role as a creative force and a cultural leader, whose influence goes far beyond the laughs.

Zeus Network’s Baddies Midwest Takeover: Laughs and Love with Akbar V

Backstage, the energy was equally magnetic when I had the chance to meet Akbar V from Zeus Network’s Baddies Midwest. Her lively, no-holds-barred personality lit up the room, and she delivered laughs that perfectly matched the bold and unapologetic spirit of the event. Akbar’s presence reinforced what makes the Baddies series such a fan favorite—real, unfiltered, and irresistibly engaging.

A Black-Owned Operation Leading the Way: Eugene Parker and Rip Micheals Make History

Another highlight of my time backstage was learning that the tour is powered entirely by a Black-owned operation. Eugene Parker, CEO of 5120 Entertainment, and Rip Micheals Entertainment led the production with a clear vision: to showcase Black excellence not just on stage but behind the scenes. Parker proudly shared, “This is about more than just entertainment—we’re creating jobs, opportunities, and empowering Black professionals at every level of this industry.” From backstage to the Owner’s Suite, this commitment to building economic impact and uplifting the Black community was felt throughout the night.

Angel Reese: Court Dominance Meets Stage Swagger

Adding to the night’s star power was Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky basketball star, who took the stage as one of the Wild ‘N Out Team Captains. Her fierce energy and competitive spirit were just as present during the improv games as they are on the court. Seeing her in action, both up close backstage and from the Owner’s Suite, showcased her impressive versatility and her deep connection with fans.

Nick Cannon’s Birthday Bash: A Night to Remember

The Chicago stop also marked Nick Cannon’s birthday, which transformed the night into an epic celebration. From my vantage point in the Owner’s Suite, it was incredible to witness fans and cast members showering him with love, turning the event into a huge birthday bash filled with surprises and heartfelt shoutouts. It was a perfect way to celebrate Cannon, a trailblazer in the entertainment industry who continues to push boundaries.

Musical Performances That Rocked the House

The musical performances took the night to another level. G Herbo represented Chicago with pride and energy, while Waka Flocka Flame had the crowd hyped with his hits. Chicago legends Crucial Conflict brought the house down with their classic “Smokin’ on Hay,” giving a nod to the city’s deep-rooted musical history. From the Owner’s Suite, the energy was undeniable as the night closed with a surprise appearance by Rick Ross, whose performance of “I’m on One” featuring Drake was the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable event.

A Bold Celebration of Black Excellence and Black Funding

Experiencing the Wild ‘N Out Live Tour from both backstage and the Owner’s Suite gave me a full view of the brilliance behind this event. This was more than just a night of laughs and music—it was a powerful statement about Black creativity, leadership, and unity. From Korporate’s thought-provoking storytelling to the all-Black production operation led by Eugene Parker and Rip Micheals, the night was a shining example of Black excellence in every form.

It was a celebration not only of entertainment but also of the powerful impact that Black-owned businesses and Black talent can have when given the spotlight—truly a night to remember.

 

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nikita Nicci