Paramount + Marks the Return of "The Chi" With an Artist-Curated Giveaway
Rello, artist and founder of Cherry Mountain Arts chose four bespoke items from his favorite Chicago spots.
Lena Waithe’s The Chi is a paean to Chicago’s South Side and one of the few TV series in recent times to revel in the nuances of character development. A slow-burning character study of redemption, communal outreach and the intricacies of family, The Chi holds a mirror up to the South Side, mining beauty from the mundane and obscure.
News of the show returning for a seventh season arrives just as fans sink their teeth into the second part of season six. Paramount+ is hosting a four-piece giveaway curated by Chicago native and artist Rello to celebrate the return of the critically acclaimed series.
The founder of Cherry Mountain Arts took Hypebae on a tour of his favorite spots in the city, from the Stony Island Arts Bank to Joe Freshgood’s retail space Every Now and Then. Curated lovingly as an ode to Chicago’s art and streetwear communities, Rello selected four items from each location to feature in an upcoming giveaway. The lucky winner will acquire an aromatic “Cherry Mountain” candle from Cherry Mountain Arts, an Ozzy Billy Spacekid 2021 Vinyl Figure, Sony noise-canceling WH-1000XM5 headphones and a pair of Nike SB Dunk Low Pro shoes.
Founded by Rello in 2023, Cherry Mountain Arts is a gallery space, art center and novelty shop that features a rotation of creative workshops that aid aspiring artists in understanding the business of fine art while helping them foster career paths in creative disciplines. Painter and digital artist Adriana Miranda, known for her distinct Neo-Expressionist style, and Blue the Great (the artist behind Isaiah Rashad’s The Sun’s Tirade album artwork) are among Cherry Mountain Art’s contemporary cohort of artists — an ever-growing community reaching beyond the Windy City.
A conversation starter for the home and a must-have for avid figurine collectors, Rello’s Ozzy Billy Spacekid 2021 Vinyl Figure keenly explores representation through pop-inspired iconography. Ozzy Billy is a larger-than-life persona imagined in the likeness of Billy Dee Williams and Astro Boy.
Since Chicago’s South Side has spawned some of the most prominent musicians in contemporary culture, the giveaway wouldn’t be complete without Sony’s WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones, a necessary tote bag item for music lovers and city commuters.
Lastly, footwear aficionados will recognize a grail when they see one. The signature Air Jordan 1 model is a cult favorite amongst skaters and basketball players. The vibrant red “Chicago” makeup includes variations of black, white and “Varsity Red” paneling, paying homage to Michael Jordan’s lasting legacy on the court.
To enter the giveaway, follow @paramountplus and @hypebeast on Instagram, comment on what spots in Chicago you hope to see spotlighted on The Chi and like the giveaway announcement post on Instagram. The winner will be announced on June 7 and sent a private code via email to activate their one-year subscription.
Tune into the second part of season six of The Chi on Paramount+ with the Parammount+ with Showtime Plan. In case you missed it, see Rello’s tour of Chicago’s local hotspots here.
Paramount+ The Chi Giveaway Instructions
1. Follow @paramountplus and @hypebae on Instagram
2. Comment your favorite spots in Chicago that you want to see featured on the The Chi
3. Like the giveaway post on Instagram
