Dat Boy Hot x Shawnna to Release Official Music Video for “BOB” on September 5, 2026
The South Side artist celebrates the city that shaped him in a new visual featuring Shawnna, premiering September 5, 2026.
Chicago artist Dat Boy Hot is bringing the energy of the city’s nightlife to the screen with the official music video for his single “BOB,” featuring Chicago rap veteran Shawnna, premiering September 5th on YouTube.
Originally released in February, “BOB” was born from Hot’s years immersed in Chicago club culture and his desire to create the kind of unapologetically fun record he felt was missing from today’s music. Blending nostalgia with a current sound, the record is designed as an escape from everyday pressures, a moment to turn the music up, let loose, and simply enjoy life.
Those vibes carry directly into the video, filmed at The Galleria in downtown Chicago. Surrounded by neon lighting and a setting that recalls the energy of classic nightlife, Hot and his team created a visual centered on movement, community and fun. The video draws inspiration from the energy of the '90s while capturing the spontaneous feel of a packed Chicago night out.
For Hot, the release is also an opportunity to celebrate the city that has shaped both his music and his career.
“Chicago has given me so much, and it was important for me to create something that gives that love and recognition back,” says Dat Boy Hot. “This city embraced me and put me in the position I’m in today, so if there’s anywhere I want my work to resonate and be recognized, it’s right here at home.”
Dat Boy Hot’s relationship with Chicago culture runs deeper than geography. His musical perspective was shaped in part by the city's DJ culture, where a single set can move effortlessly from drill and hip-hop to house music. That freedom has become central to his own approach as an artist, and he refuses to be confined to a single sound.
“BOB” also connects two generations of Chicago music through an appearance from Shawnna. After reworking an earlier version of the record alongside Yayo, Hot reached out to the acclaimed Chicago MC, who quickly responded and joined him in the studio.
Hot describes Shawnna as one of the strongest lyricists in the game and says her professionalism matched the energy she brought to the record. “She did nothing but spit heat,” he says of the collaboration.
The accompanying video builds on that celebration of Chicago, bringing together generations of the city’s music community with appearances from Crucial Conflict, Hot Stylz, Jet, John Blu, and other notable Chicago talent. Shawnna’s presence adds another layer of nostalgia, with her styling paying homage to the bold fashion and attitude that defined women in ’90s hip-hop.
Directed and shot by Ryder Visuals, the video was produced by Yayo and Dat Boy Hot, with creative direction and styling by Shawnna and Big Da Chairman, and choreography by Chris Bellby and Rocky. Together, the team captures the organic, high-energy spirit of Chicago nightlife, creating a visual that feels as much like a night out in the city as it does a traditional music video.
Beyond the party atmosphere, “BOB” represents where Hot finds himself creatively today: energized, independent, and continuing to evolve after years in music.
“I call it the LeBron James effect,” says Hot. “I’ve never lacked in my talent. No matter what stage I’m in, I’m able to maintain at a high level.”
That confidence sets the tone for Hot’s next chapter. “BOB” serves as the first release in a larger run of new music, with additional singles and visuals planned throughout the remainder of the year. Building on the foundation he has established in Chicago, Hot is now focused on expanding that energy beyond his hometown through new music, live experiences, merchandise, and events in cities across the country.
The official “BOB” music video featuring Shawnna premieres September 5th on YouTube.
Video Credits
Artist: Dat Boy Hot
Song: “BOB” featuring Shawnna
Director: Ryder Visuals
Producers: Yayo / Dat Boy Hot
Director of Photography: Ryder Visuals
Creative Director / Stylist: Shawnna / Big Da Chairman
Assistant Director: Ryder Visuals / Big Da Chairman
Choreography: Chris Bellby / Rocky
Location: The Galleria, Chicago
Connect with Dat Boy Hot:
Dat Boy Hot is a South Side Chicago artist whose career is defined by versatility, consistency and a refusal to be boxed into one sound. Raised around 76th and Union and now based on the city’s East Side, he began rapping at eight years old after watching his cousin perform. Freestyles and lunchroom battles eventually led to a professional career at 19, shaped by influences ranging from Big Daddy Kane and LL Cool J to Nelly, Mase and the Black Eyed Peas. He calls his sound “music gumbo” with an unpredictable blend of genres, eras, and energy rooted in Chicago’s DJ and club culture.
Dat Boy Hot has independently built a presence in Chicago, earning multiple records across major local radio stations without traditional label backing. His catalog includes “Up & Down,” “Walking Around the Club” and “Erykah Badu,” while his live résumé includes tours with Jeremih, Yung Joc and Hot Stylz, along with performances alongside Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane and T-Pain. Now fully independent, he is entering a new chapter centered on upbeat, feel-good music, beginning with his 2026 single “BOB,” featuring Chicago rap veteran Shawnna. With more singles, visuals, and live experiences ahead, Dat Boy Hot is focused on building music that can travel nationally while staying connected to the Chicago community that shaped him.
