Tag: chicago

New Music, Projects, Submissions

Pigeons & Planes’ Freestyle Winner K1NG ELJAY Showcases His Production Chops On Instrumental Project ‘ROYALTY: The Common Tape’

Beat tapes are my weakness. I listen to a lot of hip hop, but rarely do I find an instrumental project that I really fuck with. When I do find that needle in the haystack, I play it obsessively throughout the coming weeks, and revisit it over the course of the year. K1NG ELJAY’s latest project, ROYALTY: The Common Tape, is a breath of fresh air. It … Continue reading Pigeons & Planes’ Freestyle Winner K1NG ELJAY Showcases His Production Chops On Instrumental Project ‘ROYALTY: The Common Tape’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Premiere, Projects

D2X- ‘Enjoy Life’ (New EP & Premiere)

We’ve been rocking with Chicago’s finest wordsmith D2X for years now; before he developed the amazing fan base that he currently has. There’s a reason for that. Every project, song, and visual he puts out is quality, and never the same as the last. He’s mastered the art of the EP, and Enjoy Life has garnered his best buzz yet. It makes sense, it being … Continue reading D2X- ‘Enjoy Life’ (New EP & Premiere)

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos, Submissions

Mani Jurdan Shows What It Means To Be A Revolutionary in Breathtaking New Visual ‘DIFFERENTIATION’

Mani Jurdan is one of the most versatile MC’s I’ve heard in quite some time. Last year he blessed us with Ntro 2 Da Ntro, which spawned his breakthrough single DIFFERENTIATION. He has a quality over quantity mentality which I heavily endorse. Make no mistake, Mani is alive and well, and has just put out a dynamite visual to the aforementioned track. Dude’s can talk a … Continue reading Mani Jurdan Shows What It Means To Be A Revolutionary in Breathtaking New Visual ‘DIFFERENTIATION’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

Jarrett Rad Drops Infectious, Yet Dark Single ‘Adore Me’

Jarrett Rad is such a blessing to the Chicago music scene. The young talent knows how to make a god damn jam, no matter the subject matter. Jarrett turns a rather simple scenario (a girl who didn’t fuck with him now does) into an infectious, off the top meditation behind a HEYJEANPAUL instrumental. As Adore Me progresses, Jarrett touches on the often unfortunate realities of fame and … Continue reading Jarrett Rad Drops Infectious, Yet Dark Single ‘Adore Me’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Mpulse Digs In The Archives For ‘CIRCA 11’ EP

Mpulse ALWAYS  keeps his word. His campaigns are legendary, whether he’s dropping one song a week (2017) or a new EP every month (this year.) He took a much deserved break this July, grabbing 4 unreleased tracks from 2011 to make the CIRCA ’11 EP. Pulse told me they are outdated, and was a bit hard on himself in the press release. I loved to … Continue reading Mpulse Digs In The Archives For ‘CIRCA 11’ EP

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Project Review, Projects

YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS: doola – Meanwhile (New EP)

There are so many dope independent rappers nestled in the heart of Chicago. These MC’s can put out amazing music, but it often falls by the wayside, sinking into the black hole of the SoundCloud universe. One of the best projects I’ve heard all year has a similar story. Chicago talent doola just dropped his Meanwhile EP, and after immersing myself in his hypnotic flow, … Continue reading YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS: doola – Meanwhile (New EP)

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

After A Year’s Hiatus, Tom Moore Has Returned With Lyrical Workout ‘Sunday Fun Day’

Tom Moore is one of the biggest hip hop heads I know. He reps the most important qualities of being a true MC – lyrical dexterity, upright flows, compelling content, a unique voice, and a keen ear for beats. It’s been a full year since we’ve heard from Tom after putting out his Discontent EP executively produced by FFD favorite banksthegenius. The long wait is finally … Continue reading After A Year’s Hiatus, Tom Moore Has Returned With Lyrical Workout ‘Sunday Fun Day’

Julie S.
chicago, Interviews, New Music, Premiere, Projects

Snowy Joey – ‘Snow 4’ (Exclusive Interview & EP Premiere)

Back in March we gave a heavy co-sign to Bad Boy, the first single off of Snowy Joey’s upcoming EP. The Chicago lyricist immediately impressed, seamlessly blending traditional hip hop with pop sensibilities. In his submission, he told us Snow 4 was dropping soon, and that we could expect catchy hooks, accessibility, and tunes meant to dance to. I had high expectations, and was worried the … Continue reading Snowy Joey – ‘Snow 4’ (Exclusive Interview & EP Premiere)

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Chicago’s MPulse Drops Another Stellar EP In ‘Self-Awarness’

MPulse has been on fire this year, putting out a brand new EP every single month. This will last till the end of the year – similar to last year’s one song a week campaign. You can’t tell the Chicago MC he doesn’t put in work. Self-Awarness hit SoundCloud at the end of June – an EP full of music that captures the importance of … Continue reading Chicago’s MPulse Drops Another Stellar EP In ‘Self-Awarness’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Project Review, Projects, Submissions

Sebastian Kamae Drops Monumental New Project ‘Waves’

SoundScape Studios and Closed Sessions are staples in the Chicago hip hop scene. Soundscape has a solid reputation as one of the best studios in the city, while Closed Session houses talents such as femdot., Ajani Jones, Kweuku Collins, and more. Sebastian Kamae, a producer, audio engineer, and composer, was lucky enough to intern with both this year. Through his work, he discovered artists that perfectly fit … Continue reading Sebastian Kamae Drops Monumental New Project ‘Waves’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Wil Akogu Drops His Long Awaited EP ‘Zone 1’

Taking the time you need to finish a project is key to longevity in this industry. FFD favorite Wil Akogu put his heart and soul into Zone 1, a new EP that he refused to rush. He started the year right with an incredible two parter titled Riches/The One followed by some looses, a single, and a handful of experimental collaborations. Wil Akogu’s long-awaited Zone 1 EP was worth … Continue reading Wil Akogu Drops His Long Awaited EP ‘Zone 1’

Julie S.
New Music, series

flowsfordays Co-Signs #5 (Playlist)

The 5th edition of our Co-Sign series is upon us! We’ve got 11 fresh joints from independent artists who deserve recognition for their music. Flowsfordays has always been a platform for rappers and singers that don’t get posted on blogs for reasons I cannot figure out. Music discovery is the centerpiece of our site, and we hope you find some new gems in this playlist … Continue reading flowsfordays Co-Signs #5 (Playlist)

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

SAVEMONEY’s Brill Drops Another Vintage R&B Gem In ‘Too Serious’

SAVEMONEY vocalist Brill never stops working. Visuals, a stunning debut, and a year end single and show has made him one to watch this year. The last we heard from the talented Chicagoan was when he dropped Don’t Tweak, produced by our man 25th Hour. The track was another solid addition to his ever growing discography. After countless shows and studio sessions, Brill is back with another 25th Hour collab … Continue reading SAVEMONEY’s Brill Drops Another Vintage R&B Gem In ‘Too Serious’

Julie S.
chicago, Editorials

The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

I first heard Juice WRLD’s platinum hit Lucid Dreams as soon as it got the visual treatment from videographer sensation Cole Bennett. A bit sad, as the 19-year old is a Chicago native, and the song was featured on last year’s Juice WRLD 999 EP. Fakeshoredrive has covered him from the beginning, and last year music sites of high-caliber finally noticed the kid. This year, he … Continue reading The Importance Of Juice WRLD’s ‘Lucid Dreams’

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos

Chicago MC Fairplay Drops Another Dope Visual In ‘Who Run It’

Fairplay’s newest visual, Who Run It, is the MC in attack mode, flowing over the popular G Herbo instrumental with lyrical twists and turns. This is raw, uncensored hip hop with an energetic video to match. Videographer Rickee Arts captured Fairplay’s rapid fire bars with quick cuts that are as eye catching as they are  impactful. We see Fairplay in the city streets, speaking truth … Continue reading Chicago MC Fairplay Drops Another Dope Visual In ‘Who Run It’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Submissions, tracks

Producer, Rapper, and Poet Bless 1 Is Back With Inspirational Single ‘No Looking Back’

“The life that I’ve been living, ain’t pushing me towards the ceiling.” And just like that, I’m introduced to Bless 1. Originally a rapper from Chicago, Bless soon turned to producing and licensing music for TV and ads. He released an instrumental album titled Urban Growth  back in January, showcasing his chops on the production tip. Bless is equally talented on the mic, and he’s back … Continue reading Producer, Rapper, and Poet Bless 1 Is Back With Inspirational Single ‘No Looking Back’

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Daylight Tone Drops Another Flawless Project In “What Would Daylight Do”

Back in January, Chicago’s Daylight Tone dropped one of the best projects of the year – and it just happened to be his debut. I predicted he would be huge by the end of the year which I still stand by. If anything, my confidence in him has only grown deeper thanks to his new EP What Would Daylight Do. Not only has he crafted … Continue reading Daylight Tone Drops Another Flawless Project In “What Would Daylight Do”

Julie S.
chicago, New Music, Premiere, Projects

flowsfordays Premiere: Devin – “Secound Coming” (New EP)

Devin and I have been working together for some time now – initially linking off the strength of his last song. He dropped by apartment a few weeks ago to play me some unreleased goodness that varied in sound, theme, and delivery. We picked out 2 tracks that stood strong in their own right for our newest premiere. Short EP’s have sprung up all across … Continue reading flowsfordays Premiere: Devin – “Secound Coming” (New EP)

Julie S.
chicago, New Videos

Chicago Native HM Bando Spares No Seconds on, “Bands”

Photo by @bandofmdtay Chicago has a rich history of people who are determined to make it by any means. Sometimes, due to circumstances, the “any means” isn’t positive, but despite that we move forward. The important thing is we learn from our mistakes and become better from them. On, “Bands,” Chicago’s own, HM Bando is just trying to find that realization. Keeping melodic energy at … Continue reading Chicago Native HM Bando Spares No Seconds on, “Bands”

ajhoward47
chicago, New Music, Projects, Submissions

Fuck Kanye’s ye, ANXT’s ‘Keep Your Eyes Straight And Your Mouth Shut’ Is What You Should Be Bumpin’

After 2 impressive singles (#1 & #2) Chicago’s ANXT has finally blessed us with his new EP Keep Your Eyes Straight And Your Mouth Shut. Fuck Kanye’s newest publicity stunt LP, this is the shit you should be bumping. Why? KYESAYMS is the purist form of introspection from an MC, put together with an eclectic mix of beats, poetic musings from the dark side, and straight up … Continue reading Fuck Kanye’s ye, ANXT’s ‘Keep Your Eyes Straight And Your Mouth Shut’ Is What You Should Be Bumpin’

Julie S.