Beloved Chicago Artist Jacky Blaque, Also Known as Rachel Hollingsworth, Dies Suddenly — Community Mourns an Iconic Creative Voice

Chicago, IL —
It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we announce the passing of Rachel Hollingsworth, affectionately and professionally known as Jacky Blaque. A dynamic and unforgettable force in Chicago’s underground music, poetry, and performance scenes, Jacky Blaque’s sudden departure has sent shockwaves throughout the city’s vibrant artistic community.

Rachel Hollingsworth, age 38, was more than a performer — she was a cultural architect, a voice for the unheard, and a bold innovator who reshaped the boundaries of art in motion. Known for her raw lyrics, emotionally charged performances, and unapologetically authentic presence, Jacky Blaque was a multi-disciplinary powerhouse. Her blend of spoken word, soul, hip-hop, and experimental visuals created immersive experiences that left audiences captivated and forever changed.

A Trailblazer in Chicago’s Creative Underground

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Rachel was a product of grit, grace, and resilience. She began writing poetry at the age of 11, using it as a tool to navigate trauma, identity, and the complexities of growing up Black and queer in urban America. In her early twenties, she adopted the performance name Jacky Blaque, a moniker that would soon become synonymous with artistic defiance, emotional depth, and fearless authenticity.

Jacky Blaque quickly emerged as a standout performer at open mics, poetry slams, and underground showcases across the city — from Bronzeville to Wicker Park. Her presence was magnetic. Whether behind the mic in a packed bar or under a single spotlight in an abandoned warehouse turned art haven, her voice cut through the noise with soul-bearing truth and a fire that demanded attention.

She released several independent EPs and spoken word albums over the last decade, each project weaving social commentary with deeply personal narratives. Her work often tackled issues such as racial injustice, gender identity, mental health, and the survival of marginalized communities — themes she didn’t just write about but lived through and embodied in her day-to-day life.

A Mentor, A Friend, A Fighter

Beyond her performance art, Jacky Blaque was a committed mentor and community organizer. She taught poetry workshops in local schools, collaborated with grassroots organizations on youth engagement programs, and never hesitated to lend her platform to causes bigger than herself. She was known to say, “Art should wake people up, not put them to sleep,” a philosophy that guided every piece she created.

Friends and fellow artists describe her as electric — a woman who lit up every space she entered, even as she carried private burdens with quiet strength. Her laughter was infectious, her hugs healing, and her honesty often disarming. Though she carried the weight of generational trauma and personal loss, she channeled pain into purpose and purpose into poetry.

“Jacky wasn’t just a performer. She was a vessel for truth,” said longtime collaborator Mariah Fields, a fellow spoken word artist. “She could tell a story that would make you laugh, cry, and protest — all in the same breath. She saved lives just by existing out loud.”

An Unbearable Loss to the Arts and Activism Communities

The news of her sudden passing, confirmed late Tuesday evening, has devastated her tight-knit network of family, friends, fans, and collaborators. No official cause of death has been released at this time, but her loved ones have asked for privacy as they process this monumental loss.

Vigils and community gatherings are already being organized across Chicago. A memorial showcase is being planned by local artists who want to celebrate her life with the same beauty, boldness, and rebellion that defined her art. Social media has been flooded with tributes, artwork, videos, and messages of gratitude from those she touched.

“She taught me it was okay to be too much — too loud, too emotional, too Black, too queer. Jacky gave me permission to be me,” said student and mentee Lamar Green. “I hope she knows just how many of us she saved.”

A Legacy That Will Resound for Generations

While the pain of her absence feels incalculable, Rachel Hollingsworth’s legacy — as Jacky Blaque — will continue to resonate in every space where art dares to speak truth. Her voice will echo through classrooms, stages, headphones, and hearts for years to come.

She leaves behind her partner, Malik Turner; her mother, Charlene Hollingsworth; two younger siblings; and an army of artists, activists, and admirers who will carry her fire forward.

As Chicago mourns one of its most luminous creative lights, we remember Jacky Blaque not only for what she created but for the way she made people feel — seen, heard, powerful, and never alone.

Rest in power, Jacky Blaque. May your voice ring eternal.