Dear Slug,

I have been wracking my tongue tied brain all day, trying to think of the best way to write a review for what you did last night. I just can’t do it, nothing I write seems to work. So I’m just gonna tell it to you straight. How to give you, Ant and your band the proper credit and justice you deserve for what you brought to your Chicago fan base last night. It was special, a real treat, an energetic lively night of story telling, head bobbing—and hell, let’s be perfectly frank here—it was fucking raw.

I’ve seen you before. The Pour Me Another Tour a couple years back, a couple side stages on the Warped Tour way back when—I’ve always known you can put on a show. I just didn’t know how you’d be able to top the last gig when I saw you at the Orpheum in Madison, backed up by a full band and pumping out all my faves from You Can’t Imagine How Much Fun We’re Having. I didn’t know what to expect this time around.

I just want to thank you, for being such a nice guy. Seriously, I know you have no idea who I am, but I remember you—every time we’ve been reintroduced has stood out in my memory—either in person at CMJ when you personalized an autographed poster, this past March at SXSW when you took the time for a photo, or even last night when you tapped me on the shoulder in the line outside the Metro, asking me politely if you could hand me your Karaoke flyer.

Every single time, you’ve been ridiculously kind, smiling and greeting me, despite my gaping mouth wide freaky fan awe. Not too many artists have ever been so chill and personable with their fans, in fact, I can’t think of a single performer yet I’ve shook hands who’s been so cool about it. I know it’s not just me, too. I saw how you hugged and laughed with the lucky four, five fans who got up on stage last night for your, how’d you deem it, “You Can’t Imagine How Much Karaoke We’re Having” set with the amazing DJ Rare Groove last night. I couldn’t tell who was having a better time—you, or the super stoked fans who busted out tracks from “Modern Man Must Hustle” to “Say Hey There.”

It was a great night. Every person in the venue was smiling, bobbing their heads, getting the fuck down. DJ Rare Groove busted out the perfect warm up party hits; Onyx’s “Slam,” Ini Kamoze’s “Here Comes the Hot Stepper,” alongside several J5 tracks. Abstract Rude, although it was my first time hearing his hot and slinky rhymes, definitely was a crowd pleaser. His mixed interpretation of Sublime’s “Ruca” and his fly blend of original material was so off the hook, I almost forgot who I had come to see perform. Definitely a crowd pleaser.

It didn’t take me too long to remember why I came, though. Abstract Rude is good, but shit—you are the bomb. When you and Ant took the stage—I’m sure you remember the love we gave you. The crowd’s roar of approval and excitement—that blew my ears out even more than the thumping speakers inches away from me on the stage.

I don’t know if I can think of a single show I’ve been to yet in my ten years of concert history where I’ve seen a crowd go so crazy. I would turn around and just see the looks in everyone’s eyes, the silent lip synching without missing a beat, it was crazy love.

And you. You were so passionate. You are a real story teller. You may have started out as more of an autobiographical hip hop artist, but last night proved that you have progressed into a whole new lyrical realm. Intense crowd connection, you gave Chicago what they wanted. Older faves like “God Loves Ugly,” “Little Man,” and “Always Coming back to you”—all accounted for. Sad Clown tracks like “Rooster,” and “Sunshine,” not missed. Newer numbers like “In Her Music Box,” “Skinny,” “Puppets,” the sweetly delicate “Like the Rest of Us”—ooh, and “Shoulda Known”—seriously, seriously. Awesome. For real.

So thank you Slug. Words cannot describe it—I’ve used too many, yet not enough as is. On behalf of Chicago and everyone else who was fortunate enough to be present for your powerfully amazing and intimately raw set last evening, thank you. We love you. Come back as soon as you can.

Your Fan,

Jodi