What's good yall... your boy R Dot Fitz on the check in once again. I definitely needed to do an update, so here I AM! Lol, but anyway today's update is going to be a little different than what I normally do. Its late, but its an UPDATE NONETHELESS!
Over the past few months, I've been noticing the city Chicago has been overlooked by many and never gets the credit it deserves. Chicago finds itself smack in the middle of the East and West coast, and is often reffered to as the "Midwest". Now being from NY/NJ... I grew up on soley NY music, that is where my heart lies. I've learn to adapt to all the different type of styles the east coast has birthed and definitely given off. But let's just say that the East Coast hasn't held it down like they once did in the '90s. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing a Nas and Jay-Z song primarily. Nowadays its a little different. With the South (predominiately ATL) taking over airwaves, it seems as if Chi-Town gets lost in all the mix. It seems like the Chicago artist don't get those spins that an artist from NY, ATL, or LA would get. Chicago was always a city known more for their Go-go House scene more than their hip hop scene. But over the last 3 years, the Chicago scene has definitely reached a new peak. Let's face it, Chi~Town hasn't had much to brag about since the Michael Jordan days. And after the dismal performance by the Bears in the Superbowl and so far into the 2007 season, there isn't much to brag about anymore (I know Chicago is hoping for a change with the Cubs and Bulls this year, haha)
Over the past few months, I've been noticing the city Chicago has been overlooked by many and never gets the credit it deserves. Chicago finds itself smack in the middle of the East and West coast, and is often reffered to as the "Midwest". Now being from NY/NJ... I grew up on soley NY music, that is where my heart lies. I've learn to adapt to all the different type of styles the east coast has birthed and definitely given off. But let's just say that the East Coast hasn't held it down like they once did in the '90s. You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing a Nas and Jay-Z song primarily. Nowadays its a little different. With the South (predominiately ATL) taking over airwaves, it seems as if Chi-Town gets lost in all the mix. It seems like the Chicago artist don't get those spins that an artist from NY, ATL, or LA would get. Chicago was always a city known more for their Go-go House scene more than their hip hop scene. But over the last 3 years, the Chicago scene has definitely reached a new peak. Let's face it, Chi~Town hasn't had much to brag about since the Michael Jordan days. And after the dismal performance by the Bears in the Superbowl and so far into the 2007 season, there isn't much to brag about anymore (I know Chicago is hoping for a change with the Cubs and Bulls this year, haha)
We start with Kanye West, being without a doubt the number 1 artist out right now leading the fast break for the Chi. Right behind him you have Common and Lupe Fiasco. These 3 powerhouses over the last year and half have put out nothing but quality music reminiscient of the good ol' days. Not only is their music refreshing, it is more than needed for the game right now. Kanye West's "Graduation" (950,000+ albums sold first week) will become an instant classic, while Common's last 2 Albums "Be" and "Finding Forever" have are both critically acclaimed albums, with "Go" winning grammys and receiving classic album ratings from various magazines. Then you have Lupe Fiasco. Jay-z once said about Lupe "He is a breath of fresh air". I couldn't agree anymore. "Food & Liquor" was one of my favorite albums over the last year to come out, and I got to the chance to see Lupe perform live and let's just say he has an awesome live show.
So we know about those 3 Chicago natives, but what else does Chicago to offer?
We all know John Legend is definitely a big name in the R&B game and a fan favorite, he is an artist who is going to be around for a while and will be a staple in the game. Rhymefest is a name that comes up when you talk about Chicago seeing as he has been in the game for a little while and has helped co-write a few songs for Kanye West (most notably "Jesus Walks"). As far as new names, their is a hip~hop savy, hipster duo called the "Cool Kids" (http://www.myspace.com/gocoolkids). They are on the come up and definitely about to make some noise in the game. They recently shot a video for their song "Black Mags" and is making its way around the internet. They bring a different style to Chicago, more of the old school feel with knocking drum beats. Mikey and Inglish of the Cool Kids are a group to keep your eye on for the future. Then you have the rest of Kanye's G.O.O.D. music label that range from Consequence, GLC, and Sa-Ra. All providing different types of music for different types of folks... but today I was doing a music search on myspace and came across 2 more names out of the Chicago scene. DJ Mano (a prominenet DJ on the local scene of Chicago) & Mic Terror (up and coming lyricist with a humorous delivery and catchy hooks). I have to say that a lot of potential lies in Chicago and definitely not a city to be slept on. Open up your eyes people. Its time to start giving Chi town the credit it deserves.
For links and pictures, check out below:
Kanye West - http://www.myspace.com/kanyewest
Lupe Fiasco - http://www.myspace.com/lupefiasco
Cool Kids - http://www.myspace.com/gocoolkids
Common - http://www.myspace.com/common
Consequence - http://www.myspace.com/cons
Rhymefest - http://www.myspace.com/rhymefest
DJ Mano - http://www.myspace.com/djmano
As far as today's tip of the day, Tip #4-
4.) Tell the people you love that you love them, at every oppurtunity. I love you, my special friend. You never know when you will get another chance to.
The throwback of the day comes from Chi~Town native Common
Common - "I Used To Love H.E.R.":
-Reed!
5 comments:
chi-town is def making great music. that common sense video was real. keep doing ya thing mr. fitz
Good looks on this story, but you forgot Kid Sister. I ♥ that girl(The Cool Kids are still my fave group.) Then there's Flosstradamus, but I guess he's more hip-hop/ techno. I dunno, and A-Track is Kanye's amazing dj and he's a major part of the Chi music scene... I've only been listening to Common for about literally half my life... lol... "I Used to Love H.E.R" and "Ressurection" are two of my fave songs... ♥
Check out this video about Chicago Nightlife and tons of chitown celebs!!!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1s-mEfhVELM
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