Hays, KS – July 17, 2025 — It was a night to remember at The Fox Theatre in Hays as over 450 fans packed the venue wall to wall for an unforgettable evening of hip-hop, high energy, and hometown pride. Headlined by the legendary Afroman, the show was a perfect blend of rising Kansas talent, buzzing indie label heat, and a nostalgic trip through some of hip-hop’s most iconic stoner anthems.
Local Heat: J-Quick & 4TH X Set the Stage on Fire
The evening kicked off with two of Kansas’ most promising acts, J-Quick and 4TH X, who took the stage for a full hour of raw bars, gritty storytelling, and crowd-rocking performances. Their chemistry was undeniable, trading verses and feeding off each other’s energy in a way that had the audience fully locked in. From deep local cuts to unreleased hype tracks, J-Quick and 4TH X proved that Kansas hip-hop is alive and thriving.
Swaggertown Records Takes Over
After a brief reset, the spotlight shifted to the Swaggertown Records roster, and that’s when the energy turned up another notch. DJLeach, RCXY, Yung Fate, and Jake Strain stormed the stage with undeniable presence, each bringing their own unique style and flavor to the mic.
- DJLeach kept the beats crisp and transitions tight.
- RCXY delivered ferocious lyrics with a stage presence that commanded attention.
- Yung Fate brought the melodic sounds and had the crowd amplified.
- Jake Strain, riding momentum from his recent buzz, delivered high-impact verses that showcased his versatility and hunger.
Together, the Swaggertown team gave a showcase-worthy performance that made it clear they’re not just opening acts — they’re headliners in the making.
Afroman Delivers the Hits… and a Surprise
Then came the moment the crowd was waiting for — Afroman stepped onto the stage to a roar of cheers that shook The Fox Theatre. As soon as he appeared under the stage lights, the entire venue erupted into a unified chant:
“Afro-Man! Afro-Man! Afro-Man!”
The walls echoed with the sound of hundreds of fans calling out his name in unison, creating a surreal moment that felt more like a hero’s welcome than a concert introduction. Afroman soaked it all in with his trademark grin and a raised mic, clearly moved by the love from the Kansas crowd.
He launched into hit after hit — from “Because I Got High” to “Crazy Rap” — and the crowd rapped every word back like a choir of diehard fans. But the real highlight of the night came when Afroman invited Swaggertown Records back on stage to perform their collaborative track “420” — a hazy, hypnotic anthem that felt tailor-made for the moment.
As the first notes of “420” dropped, the venue transformed. Lighters flicked to life, casting warm glows across the sea of fans. That’s when a massive 10-foot RAW-branded balloon was thrown into the crowd, bouncing above heads like a beach ball at a summer festival. The atmosphere was euphoric — smoke in the air, bass thumping, and a shared sense that something special was happening.
The balloon kept floating until someone’s lighter accidentally popped it mid-air, sending the crowd into a brief, explosive cheer. It was spontaneous, chaotic, and completely unforgettable — a fitting metaphor for the night itself.
It was clear that this wasn’t just a performance — it was a celebration. Afroman, Swaggertown, and the fans created a moment that won’t soon be forgotten in Hays.
A Full House, A Full Circle Moment
With over 450 people in attendance, the venue was completely sold out. The Fox Theatre, a local landmark, was buzzing with excitement and hometown pride as fans from across Kansas came out to support their own and party with a hip-hop legend. The sound was sharp, the performances were tight, and the vibes were high — in every sense.
In a town where cornfields meet clouds of kush, and the spirit of the Midwest meets the soul of hip-hop, one thing is clear: As the final beat dropped and the crowd drifted out into the smoky Kansas night, the air inside The Fox Theatre lingered with more than just the smell of good weed — it carried the afterglow of something real. From the hometown heroes who lit the spark, to Swaggertown’s explosive set, to Afroman’s legendary presence, the entire night was wrapped in a cloud of energy, unity, and yes… a little haze.
No wonder they call it “Hays.”
