Some traveled as far as Northwest, Arkansas, to see him perform. Others were just trying to find the restroom but took a detour after being captivated by the booming sounds coming from the BMI stage at Lollapalooza.

       More than 250 festival goers erupted into cheers when they saw Kenny Mason, 26, take the stage. The Atlanta native is a rising rap and hip hop artist whose music became recognized during the pandemic. His latest album “Angelic Hoodrat: Supercut” was recognized earlier this year by Billboard as one of the top 50 albums released in 2021 so far.

       In March, Mason learned that he would be performing at this year’s Lollapalooza music festival. He didn’t yet know that it would be the largest crowd he’d ever perform in front of.

       But whether he’s at a small club in Atlanta or an annual four-day music festival, Mason says he gives his audience the same high energy.

       “My producer tells me not to look at other people’s performances and find my own style,” said Mason.

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       “Performance wise, I look up to Michael Jackson because of the energy and care he would bring to the stage,” said Mason. “If I could even emulate 1% of that, that would be amazing.”

       Kenny Mason poses for a portrait during the second day of Lollapalooza, Friday July 30, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Vashon Jordan Jr. / Chicago Tribune) (Vashon Jordan Jr. / Chicago Tribune)

       “My style is very loud and energetic,” said Mason who encouraged his audience to create a mosh pit before each song. “I feel like if I have the right amount of passion and engagement, I’ll be able to connect and touch people at the end of the day.”

       Mason nodded to his upbringing in Atlanta as his inspiration for the music he writes. He calls his native city a “training camp” for the world of stardom. During his first performances, he’d take the stage at warehouses where no one knew his name.

       “I came up in the underground scene in Atlanta where everybody is amazing and has their own style and swag,” said Mason. “If you can shine through that, then you’re built for it.”

       Jaxon Duran, 29 who traveled from Northwest, Arkansas with his girlfriend says he discovered Mason during the pandemic and quickly appreciated nuanced style.

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       “He’s a rockstar,” said Duran. “I like how he incorporates rock into his rap, it’s sick.”

       Cesar Coronado, 36 was looking for the nearest restroom, but right next to it was Mason’s live performance.

       The Humboldt Park resident says he is a new fan.

       “It was worth it,” said Coronado. “I hadn’t heard of him before and fell in love with him.”

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