Table of Contents
The FADER was backstage at Summer Smash last weekend capturing portraits of everyone from diamond* and Tezzus to PlaqueBoyMax and prettifun.
diamond*, North West, and Tezzus backstage at Summer Smash 2026.
Abie Niedzwiecki / The FADER
When Summer Smash announced their lineup this year, it was clear the Midwest’s definitive rap festival had hit a new level. Stacked with major names like Lil Uzi Vert and Ken Carson, plus just about every up-and-coming rapper you can think of, the weekend was seriously stacked.
Naturally, The FADER had to get backstage: our photographer Abie Niedzwiecki was on the ground this past weekend to capture candids of Tezzus, Che, Feng, and more. Check out his photos below.
xaviersobased
FADER cover star Xaviersobased has been touring hard over the past 18 months and his performance did not disappoint.
Tezzus
Tezzus brought out Young Thug during his set, who filmed the YSL-signee’s performance like a proud dad.
prettifun
prettifun rocked out his second Summer Smash; he told us yesterday that seeing ezcodylee perform on the Main Stage nearly made him cry.
PlaqueBoyMax
Plaqueboymax had a seriously stacked set, bringing out slayr, 2slimey, and pretty much the entire ØWay crew.
sosocamo
sosocamo continues to build on the success of his February album big country and his national tour this spring.
Che
FADER fave Che premiered some seriously sick new tracks — here’s hoping he drops sooner than later.
Feng
When we saw him on tour last week, Feng told us wants all of his concerts to feel like a house party.
ApolloRed1
ApolloRed1 is YVL’s bright new talent, riding high off the release of Demon Heart Radio.
2slimey
2Slimey’s earsplitting set felt closer to noise music than hip-hop, but the crowd’s energy was undeniable.
North West
North West performed a 15 minute set, her first solo live performance ahead of her upcoming tour with Molly Santana.
North West and Tezzus at Summer Smash 2026.
Abie Niedzwiecki / The FADER
If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on Google News too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.
If you want to read more Like this articles, you can visit our Social Media category.
