Cara Lewis On Hip-Hop’s Explosion, Eminem, Khalid & Chance

Cara Lewis, who has been synoymous with some of the top talent in hip-hop and R&B for more than 20 years, talked to Pollstar about the current state of urban music touring as well as upcoming touring plans for clients including Chance The Rapper, Eminem and Travis Scott.  

– Cara Lewis

Lewis started CLG – Cara Lewis Group last year after leaving CAA’s New York Office. She had spent 23 years at William Morris before that, and has represented everyone from Eminem to TLC.

Pollstar caught up with Lewis for Pollstar’s in-depth cover story on the explosion of urban music in the live space.

Pollstar: Hip-hop touring has exploded compared to 20 years ago, when it was hard to book shows. Now everyone wants a piece of it. What do you attribute hip-hop’s growth to from a touring/live perspective?

Cara Lewis: Hip-hop is the most-consumed genre in music. Streaming has enabled this genre to grow even bigger and at a far quicker pace due to the unlimited global access it provides in music, video content and sharing.

What do you think’s changed?

Hip-hop and R&B are defining the culture of today and what resonates with young fans. The artists demand a real sense of urgency, as they continue to release an unbelievable amount of hit music and cross many different demographics in real-time. Not to mention, the stellar performances with over-the-top productions. A festival is a multi-cultural experience and we are at the top of MOST WANTED list!

What are some upcoming hip-hop tours you can preview from the CLG roster in 2018? 

AP Photo – Eminem
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, Empire Polo Field, Indio, Calif.

Eminem will be touring next year on select dates, his first U.S. performances since 2014. Khalid has announced The Roxy Tour, which will bring him to large theaters and sheds starting in May.

Travis Scott will be headlining arenas in 2018. And last but certainly not least, Chance The Rapper will play international dates including Lollapalooza in Chile, Brazil and Argentina.

What about some of your up and coming artists?

Russ will play large theaters and arenas in 2018 after selling out 9,500 tickets at Red Rocks in Colorado this October and sell-out success on his last tour.

PnBRock will tour next year to support his new album, as will They.,Taylor Bennett, Ski Mask The Slump God and Pouya, to name a few.