While Trace does host a variety of music and sports events in Wrigley, they do have a core culture built around Rock N’ Roll. As most of Wrigley would appear to be as well, for obvious reasons. Sports fans gravitate toward live bands that emulate that competitive and testosterone driven energy that baseball, football and hockey brings. As Trace opens their doors to more broader audiences, one event stood out recently that marks a significant change in their directive.

Wrigleyville mostly attracts rock music, metal, pop music culture and house music fans with spots like Underground Lounge, HVAC, the Cubby Bear, the Metro and Smart Bar. Trace, however, is changing pace, reintroducing and welcoming back Hip Hop and R&B audiences. After an absence of about a decade at the venue, Chicago’s underground lyricists can find a space for their fans to enjoy a late night out on the North Side. Adding diversity to the sports culture in the neighborhood.

This new journey at Trace is marked by an expectional event debut late November, this year in 2025. Presented by local hip hop artists and producers Rhymster and DJ Metric, Trippy Hippy marks hip hop and R&B’s return to Trace. Packing the house with excited fans, dozens of artists, art and merch vendors and unqiue sponsors. This return is highlighted by successful planning and execution. To no surprise, as RhymSter and Metric have hosted events in Chicago, with more than a decade combined experienced in music nightlife.

Trippy Hippy combines a few creative aspects that altogether generates a exciting, productive and inspiring night of performances, networking and friendly connections. Starting with the main dish, the artists, the debut lineup was stacked with over a dozen performing artists, lyricists and vocalists on the second floor. Chicago is filled to the brim with passionate talent, and the performances of the night affirms the artistry that fans were able experience! From local heroes like K.E.N, Orlando Coolridge, Rhymster, James Slay, 95 Goldie, and more, the night was filled with high energy from both fans and creatives.

Additionally, Trippy Hippy is loaded with talent and connections beyond the stage. For those interactions in between performances to keep you entertained! Fitted with merch and visual art vendors on both the first and second floors. To take home a piece of the night, to help you remeber the good times had, and share the experiencce with your friends. The event also gives thanks to fan support with free raffles and giveaways. With Cheech & Chong Cannabis Co. sponsoring Trippy Hippy, the audience gets a chance to win some items in a goodie bag, to elevate the night! Plus more networking opportunities for local artists to take their talent beyond the familiar and past state lines. Many artists in the room come from Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, with connections as far as Mexico, and Colombia! Rhymster, the event host, is a big advocate on getting into new territories and expanding your reach!

All in all Trippy Hippy had a perfect start to reintroduce hip hop, rap and R&B culture to Wrigleyville. Big thanks to Trace for opening their doors to new ideas, compounding on their success as a late night bar and event space. Trippy Hippy returns bi-monthly to Trace, next event being January 23, 2026. See you there!