Lil Wayne Surprises Disabled Fan With Chain After “Tha Carter VI Tour” Stop in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Hip-hop legend Lil Wayne turned his “Tha Carter VI Tour” stop in Chicago into a life-changing moment for one devoted fan. On Sunday, August 24, after performing at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Wayne met Sade Stephens, a woman who had waited 17 years to see her favorite rapper. The emotional encounter ended with Wayne draping his own chain around her neck.
A Dream Delayed, But Not Denied
Stephens’ journey to this moment began in 2008, when she was planning to attend Wayne’s I Am Music Tour. Just days before the concert, she suffered a cardiac arrest while roller skating, leaving her non-verbal and in a wheelchair.
Though her dream of seeing Wayne perform was put on hold, her devotion never wavered. Now in her 30s, she finally had her chance, thanks to behind-the-scenes efforts by her mother, Andrea Carson, and Young Money President Mack Maine.
Backstage With Tunechi
Following the Chicago performance, Wayne greeted Stephens backstage, where they shared smiles, photos, and a powerful gesture. In front of her family, Wayne removed the cross chain he had worn on stage and placed it around her neck.
Carson later described it as “one of the best days of her daughter’s life,” a moment of joy after years of struggle. The meeting also highlighted the network of family and industry allies who helped make the long-awaited dream a reality.
Wayne’s Tour and Album
The Chicago show was part of Wayne’s ongoing tour in support of his latest release, Tha Carter VI. The project features collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Big Sean, Wyclef Jean, Kodak Black, 2 Chainz, and even his sons, Kam and Lil Novi.
While the tour has largely gone smoothly, Wayne was recently forced to cancel his Toronto performance on August 11 due to illness. The venue has promised a rescheduled date, with tickets honored. The run will continue through the fall, wrapping up October 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
More Than Music
For Stephens and her family, Wayne’s gesture was about more than music — it was about recognition, connection, and the healing power of art. For fans watching the story unfold online, it reinforced Wayne’s reputation not just as a hip-hop icon, but as an artist who understands the impact he has on individual lives.
With an unforgettable concert and an even more unforgettable backstage moment, Lil Wayne’s Chicago stop was a reminder of why live music matters — for both the artists and the fans who carry their songs through life. For more concert highlights and artist stories, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.