The music industry is buzzing with the emergence of Star Bandz, a compelling rising artist from Chicago whose electrifying Lollapalooza debut on the BMI Stage has signaled a momentous shift in her burgeoning career. This pivotal performance, held at a venue renowned for showcasing musicians on the cusp of superstardom, notably mirrors the early festival appearances of fellow Chicago Rap icons Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa, firmly positioning Bandz on a similar trajectory towards widespread acclaim.
Her impactful presence at Lollapalooza solidified her standing, coming on the heels of significant critical recognition. Publications such as Complex have already lauded her as one of the preeminent teenage rappers, while Pitchfork notably singled out her single “Yea Yea” as among the best songs of 2024, underlining the rapid ascent of this captivating drill music talent.
At just 17 years old, the Sauk Village native delivered a commanding performance, effectively closing out the BMI Stage. Her set reinforced the notion that she is poised for immense success, occupying the very same hallowed ground where local luminaries like Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa first captivated large festival audiences, drawing clear parallels between their formative journeys and that of Star Bandz.
The digital landscape has already borne witness to Star Bandz’s burgeoning popularity, with her breakthrough single “Yea Yea,” famously filmed at her 16th birthday party, amassing an impressive 5.3 million views on YouTube. Furthermore, her collaboration “My Baby” with Sugarhill Ddot has garnered a staggering 26 million views, underscoring her broad appeal within the music industry and beyond.
Ahead of her dynamic performance, the Sun-Times had the opportunity to converse with Star Bandz and her mother, Ana De Leon, backstage. Discussions spanned the vibrant Chicago Rap community, Bandz’s inspiring message to aspiring musicians in the city, and her resolute commitment to maintaining clean lyrical content, a distinctive element in her drill music style that sets her apart as a rising artist.
Expressing profound excitement for her festival debut, Star Bandz conveyed her eagerness to engage with the massive crowd, a stark contrast to her previous, albeit larger, performances. Her unique sound, influenced by her Chicago Rap roots, resonates not only in her musical expression but also in her accent and demeanor, which consistently draw attention from listeners across different regions.
Notably, Star Bandz also highlighted the significant strides made by women in rap, expressing admiration for artists like JT, who has personally co-signed her—a substantial validation from a prominent figure within the music industry. This endorsement further solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with among rising artists.
Her proactive engagement with local high schools underscores her dedication to her community. For Star Bandz, touring schools in her city is a way to energize young people and impart a vital message: to passionately pursue their dreams, embrace the process, avoid overthinking, and strive for productivity and purpose in their lives, fostering a positive impact within the Chicago Rap scene.
The decision to maintain clean lyrics is a deliberate strategy for Star Bandz, believing it offers a distinct advantage and broader appeal, particularly to younger audiences who listen to her drill music. Her mother, Ana De Leon, reflecting on her daughter’s journey, expressed astonishment at her meteoric rise, yet also pride, stating, “I named her Star for a reason,” acknowledging her daughter’s destiny in the music industry.
