Chicago hip hop blog
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James Gardin Crafts Theme Song For Latest Tommy Hilfiger Collab
ILLECT signee James Gardin has been dropping monumental hits this year. From May’s Complaining to July’s Groove – he has perfected the art of fusing funk, soul, pop, and hip hop. All of his hard work has paid off in a HUGE way. ICONIC, his latest track with Terem, was selected as the theme song for Tommy Hilfiger’s latest collaboration with…
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Compton Native RedAngel Checks In With New Single, “Opportunity.”
While I won’t sit here and bore you with another version of, “Mumble Rap Is Whack” for the umpteenth time, there is something a bit serene about hearing a substantial series of bars strung together perfectly in harmony. No matter how much I love, “New Patek” & Lil’ Uzi Vert’s enigmatic style, bars are still…
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Musa Reems Comes Alive In Visual To New Single ‘Flodge’
I wrote about Musa Reems’ latest track Flodge’ about a month ago. Here’s an excerpt: ‘Flodge contains a lot of flexing, a fluid flow, and the youngin’ letting loose. He’s carefree, confident, and having a lot of fun.’ It was awesome to hear Musa less calculated, and full of joy. I had high expectations for the visual. I’m not gonna…
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Chicago Emcee Loovy Shows Power & Resilience In His Latest Music Video ‘GLORY’
We all deal with day to day, month to month, year to year, or lifetime struggles – whether big or small. I find it easiest to tap into the experience of others through writing, or music. Anyone can make a track addressing specific trials and tribulations – but it’s the artists that move you, capture…
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ILL Gordon Drops Soulful Party Jam ‘Having A Good Time’
I’ve covered Ill Gordon, one of Chicago’s best kept secrets, for years now. He’s vicious on the mic, and a technically skilled emcee. Gordon’s biggest sell is his energetic tracks (and freestyles) that are best represented by last year’s Imma Beast. When I peeped his latest submission, Having a Good Time, I was surprised – but…
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Vince Verza & Sherpa Quietly Drop One Of The Best Chicago Collabs Of The Year
Sherpa was first brought to my attention this March as a submission to his incredible beat tape. Sherpa’s instrumentals were dynamic, and a breath of fresh air in innovation. I recently opened up another submission, and saw Sherpa’s name in the mix. I immediately pressed play, the anticipation building as if I was about to…
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The Rise Of Lam. – The California MC Who Beat All The Odds (Exclusive Interview)
I’ve always believed Lam. had the skill and confidence to make it in hip hop. He started off strong some time ago, dropping solid loosies and tapes. A lull took place when he moved to California, but after buying new studio equipment, Lam gave it another go. Ever since, he’s been killing freestyles, dropping singles, and pushing out…
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Illect Recordings’ Sundance Steps Out On His Own With Debut Single ‘The Last Sunrise’
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Illect Recordings is one of the best independent hip hop labels in the country. Not only do they host dope music, but often put out cassettes, CDs, and vinyl for their drops. Another gem has come out of the camp – this time from Sundance. The multi-faceted,…
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