Credit: Chance the Rapper

The Midnight 

Friday 11, ACL Live at the Moody Theater

I’ll credit ACL Fest 2022 for putting the Midnight in my scope. Touring band member Justin Klunk repeatedly stole the show during a Saturday afternoon with his saxophone solos. Show opener Bonnie McKee featured on the synthwave outfit’s latest album, Syndicate.

Chance the Rapper 

Sunday 13, Moody Amphitheater

Chance the Rapper’s official debut studio album, The Big Day, spectacularly cratered his trajectory from stardom to summerlong internet meme in 2019. But let’s not retcon the success of the Chicagoan’s 2016 mixtape, Coloring Book. Chance’s current tour celebrates the 10th anniversary of his gospel-inflected project, which was the first free, streaming-only album to win a Grammy. Expect pinches of 2013 breakout Acid Rap and 2025 sophomore full-length STAR LINE, the latter of which proves Chance is still an enjoyable listen. New Orleans rapper La Reezy opens.

xaviersobased 

Tuesday 15, Moody Center

Idiosyncratic rapper xaviersobased (“patchmade”) performing at Moody Center a day after J. Cole’s sold-out show represents the duality of hip-hop. The 22-year-old New Yorker, now signed to Atlantic Records, is often credited for helping popularize modern jerk. Playboi Carti disciple Ken Carson headlines.

This article appears in September 11 • 2026.

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As the Chronicle's Club Listings Editor, Derek compiles a weekly list of music events occurring across town. The University of Texas alum also writes about hip-hop as a contributor to the Music section.