Mad Decent Block Party Lacks Big Names But Packs Good Punch This Saturday

By Jake Guidry in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 9, 2011 7:20PM

It was just last year that Diplo's Mad Decent label announced that its annual block party would become a traveling affair. In addition to entertaining folks in its base city of Philadelphia, the Mad Decent Block Party also hit New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Last year's party - then at The Hideout - was at times sloppy and under-organized, but had spurts of fun and excitement, most notably during Kid Sister's headlining set. This year, Mad Decent has taken its party to Milwaukee Ave., between Western Ave. and Oakley Blvd., where it will feature sets this Saturday from Curren$y, Dillon Francis, and Lunice, among others.

While other cities got Major Lazer, Das Racist, Claude VonStroke, and Gang Gang Dance, Chicago has one of the less exciting lineups (chalk that up to the loads of Chicago festivals snatching them up earlier). Chicago's full lineup?: Curren$y, Dillon Francis, Dawn Golden & Rosy Cross, Bosco Delrey, Toy Selectah, Kito, Reptar, Lunice, BBU, Benzi, and DJ Say Wut. But while the names are definitely not as sexy as they could be, there's a lot of upside. Curren$y's Pitchfork Music Festival set proved that his heddy, vibing hip-hop translates well into the festival atmosphere. Supporting acts Dillon Francis, Toy Selectah, and Lunice also provide a wealth of up-and-coming talent that, while unknown, can potentially rock a party just as hard as any of the names Mad Decent has booked.

Our quick picks for Mad Decent Block Party, as you might have guessed, are Curren$y, Dillon Francis, Toy Selectah, Lunice, and Benzi. Don't forget to enjoy the dunk tanks, as well.

Mad Decent Block Party is this Saturday, on N. Milwaukee Ave. (between Western Ave. and Oakley Blvd.), 12 p.m. - 10 p.m., FREE, all ages