BOX ELDER, S.D. — One of hip-hop’s biggest names is headed to the Rapid City area this fall, but organizers behind the show say the night is designed to be about much more than its headliner.
Polo G will perform Friday, Oct. 9, at The Box Elder Events Center, joining a lineup that brings national star power together with independent, local and regional hip-hop talent. Doors open at 7 p.m., with Dakotah Faye, Visual Vinnie, Trae Young, Isaiah Jenkz, Trey Works, Karmike Collective and additional hand-picked artists and DJs joining the bill.
The appearance brings the Chicago rapper behind hits including “Pop Out” and the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “RAPSTAR” to the Black Hills. The Oct. 9 appearance is also listed by The Box and current concert listings for the venue.
For Crown Heart Management’s Nick Adams, however, landing Polo G is only part of what organizers hope to accomplish.
Adams said during an interview that the idea grew out of years of conversations among a close-knit team about becoming involved in music and creating opportunities in their own market. The Polo G booking took a major step forward when show partner Visual Vinnie attended a concert in Sioux Falls and made a connection that ultimately led to a contract.
“Next thing you know, we’re signing a contract and we’re getting him out here,” Adams said.
Building a Showcase Around Independent Talent
Rather than simply booking a major artist and filling the remaining slots, Adams said the supporting lineup was assembled intentionally.
The goal, he explained, was to avoid a traditional “pay-to-play” structure in which artists can receive better placement based on ticket sales or financial contributions. Instead, Crown Heart and Visual Vinnie wanted to select performers they believed had earned an opportunity in front of a larger audience.
“We wanted real talent getting real showcase, real moments for real artists,” Adams said.
That philosophy extends throughout the lineup. Adams highlighted Dakotah Faye, Visual Vinnie, Isaiah Jenkz and Trae Young as regional standouts, along with Wyoming’s Trey Works and the artists associated with Karmike Collective. DJ Judge is also scheduled to keep music running throughout the night.
Dakotah Faye brings an established independent résumé of his own. The Minot, North Dakota, rapper released three full-length albums in 2025 and surpassed one million career streams that year. He also played more than 40 shows across 11 states, according to his current artist biography.
Dakotah Faye Pictured Above
Adams said creating meaningful opportunities for performers like Faye is central to what Crown Heart hopes to build.
“All these people deserve their moment,” Adams said. “They deserve to shine. And they deserve to have people seeing and hearing what they are capable of doing behind the microphone or behind the deck.”
Crown Heart Looks Beyond One Show
The Polo G concert is also an early step in a larger vision for Crown Heart Management.
Adams said the Oct. 9 event is being backed independently by himself and Visual Vinnie rather than relying on artists to pay for spots on the bill. While sponsorships could become part of future events, Adams said the team first wants to demonstrate what it can accomplish.
That independent approach reflects the mentality of the people behind the company.
“We’ve done everything on our own,” Adams said. “Now let’s do all this on our own together.”
For Adams, bringing a current national artist to Western South Dakota also carries a personal significance. He described thinking about young hip-hop fans in the region who may be in the same position he once was — hoping to see artists of this scale without having to travel to a larger market.
“This is what dreams are made of for a kid like me,” Adams said. “I know there’s some kid who’s sitting right where I was at 14, hoping and praying for the same thing.”
$1,500 Costume Contest and After-Party
The music is only part of the night.
Admission also includes entry into an after-party and a costume contest offering $1,500 in cash prizes. First place will receive $750, second place $500 and third place $250, with organizers teasing the possibility of additional surprises during the event.
Adams is also encouraging concertgoers to arrive when doors open rather than waiting for Polo G’s headlining set.
DJ Judge will provide music during intermissions, the costume contest will take place during the evening, and Adams said the supporting artists are intended to be a major part of the experience rather than simply warm-up acts.
Polo G Live takes place Friday, Oct. 9, at The Box Elder Events Center in Box Elder. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through Crown Heart Management, and admission includes access to the after-party and costume contest.
