South Shore Drill Team To Perform With Chance The Rapper

SOUTH SHORE, IL — The famed South Shore Drill Team had already been chosen to perform during next week’s NBA All-Star Weekend events in Chicago but they received an even bigger surprise on Monday: they’ll be performing with Chance the Rapper.

Members of the team erupted with glee and some even fell to the gymnasium floor upon learning that they’d been chosen to perform with the Grammy Award-winning rapper and South Side native.

At least 60 of the team’s more than 200 members will be featured during All-Star Weekend, performing in the NBA’s “Rising Star” challenge on Friday, and then will be spotlighted on Sunday during the game’s half-time show at United Center with Chance the Rapper.

Takeyah Boston, 17, a five-year member of the team, said performing at Disney World was one of her favorite memories but nothing would compare to being selected to perform with Chance the Rapper.

“Tears were coming out of my eyes,” said Boston, upon learning the news. “He’s a really big celebrity…he’s just a big inspiration for a lot of us.”

The South Shore Drill Team celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The precision drill team, with members ranging from 8-24, has performed internationally, at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and for former President Barack Obama, among other honors. The team is a pereennial favorite at the annual Bud Billiken Parade, and performs at more than 100 events annually.