CHICAGO — The United Center abruptly canceled rapper NBA YoungBoy’s concert Wednesday, citing no official reason but sparking widespread speculation that the decision was a safety precaution rooted in the artist’s ongoing feud with Chicago rapper Lil Durk.
The last-minute announcement, made just a day before the show, frustrated fans who had traveled to Chicago. “So inconsiderate,” one fan commented online. “People took off work, booked flights, hotels… spent their last to go to this concert.”
However, experts and the rapper’s own mother suggested the cancellation was necessary. “It wasn’t canceled to hurt y’all, it was canceled to protect y’all,” said Sherhonda Gaulden, the artist’s mother.
The context for the concern is a long-simmering conflict intensified by the 2020 killing of Lil Durk’s associate, King Von. Recent stops on NBA YoungBoy’s tour have also been marred by violence. The United Center had already signaled unease by instituting a strict “no bag” policy for the event, a measure not in place for other recent concerts.
@urbanmediaanimation During YoungBoy’s Kansas City show, the energy was so crazy a fight even broke out in the crowd! The vibe was nonstop chaos and hype all night. 💥” Fun Facts / Highlights: 1. “Security had to step in quick, but the show never slowed down.” 2. “Fans said this was one of the rowdiest shows of the M.A.S.A. Tour so far.” #NBAYoungBoy #MASATour #youngboyneverbrokeagain #nbayoungboyconcert #tmobilearena ♬ original sound – urbanmediaanimation
While the rapper’s manager criticized the venue for allegedly “b—-ing out,” fans were divided. Some saw it as an unfair targeting of the artist, while others agreed with the proactive decision. “They made the right move,” one social media user wrote. “There may have been some drama.”
Ticketmaster will issue automatic refunds to original purchasers.
