MC’s like Geno Pacino are the reason why I have such a soft spot for nasty, grimy, street-oriented hip-hop. It’s menacing, in your face and unforgiving. And his new single, Justice, is no exception. The instrumental is one of the nastiest I’ve heard this year. The bass is an intimidating grumble, followed by hard-hitting trap percussion with bleak … More Geno Pacino Fights For His Rights On ‘Justice’
Before his breakthrough album Snow 4, Snowy Joey put out a more reflective project called See You Soon. The 6 track EP was smooth, meditative, and reflective of where he’s been, and where he’s about to go. The slickest song on the project is 1 9, and produced by S. Rock. Joey resembles Chicago legend Common … More Snowy Joey Reflects On His Past, Present & Future In New Music Video, ‘1 9’
When an artist hit my inbox with a visual he described as Spongebob-esq (RIP Stephen Hillenburg) with lyrics centered around stress and paralysis, I knew I was in for a treat. This October, Casey Cope and Big Soda joined forces to create the visual to What I Learned In Boating School Is; a track that ranks in my top 50 … More Casey Cope & Big Soda Join Forces For One Of The Best Tracks Of The Year AND Its Spongebob Inspired Visual
As as a 90’s baby I grew up with freestyle tapes from G-Unit to Lil Wayne to The Clipse. I have fond memories of hearing Wayne progress with every installment of the Dedication series, and downloading bootleg after bootleg of unreleased material from whoever I damn well pleased (*word to Datpiff). Freestyles from millennial MC’s … More 18 Year Old Freestyle Killer Kari Drops Two More Gems in ‘LEMONS’ & ‘HARIBO GUMMY BEAR FREESTYLE ‘
If you take a look at Mix’s SoundCloud page, you might dismiss him from the jump. His profile is pretty much bare, save for one song, no banner, a minimal bio, and a profile pic that lacks pep. Stay long enough to hear that song, 305, and you might just find your new favorite record. … More Chicago’s Newest Prospect, Mix, Drops Debut Single ‘305’
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 … More Musa Reems Comes Alive In Visual To New Single ‘Flodge’
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 … More Chicago Emcee Loovy Shows Power & Resilience In His Latest Music Video ‘GLORY’
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 … More ILL Gordon Drops Soulful Party Jam ‘Having A Good Time’
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 … More Vince Verza & Sherpa Quietly Drop One Of The Best Chicago Collabs Of The Year
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 … More The Rise Of Lam. – The California MC Who Beat All The Odds (Exclusive Interview)
