Contrary to popular belief of would-be rappers everywhere, bloggers never discover new artists via new age spam tactics. You know, the old Twitter convo interruption; Facebook wall spam and picture tagging; emails that have been copied, pasted and forwarded a dozen times. Never have I found, or even listened to an artist this way. In fact it’s a major turn off. Even worse is if someone hits me with a “man fuck yo site, yo shit weak joe, but can you post my joint please?” I’m sure there are great good rappers who are using these “grind” tactics, that I’m completely overlooking, but how could you even find the needle in the haystack with all of the garbage out there (no shots)? Like I tell people over and over again, if the music is good enough, it’s going to find me – and that’s how it should be. Sometimes it happens by chance, other times by accident.
About a year ago, FSD contributor CNTRBND posted some King Louie material on the site. I was kind of salty because I’d never heard of Louie at the time, and I remember hitting CNTRBND like: “Dude, who is is this?” CNTRBND sternly told me to chill and listen to it. Thankfully I did, because I immediately became a fan. I sat back and watched from afar while enjoying his mixtapes (most notably Chiraq Drillinois & Hardbody), and with each release the music improved. The beat selection was on point, and the releases were chock full of great and hilarious ad-libs, dope hooks and original rhyme patterns. What draws me to rappers isn’t necessarily their content, but the way they present it. Is their any originality? Are they blazing trails or are they following them? It doesn’t matter to me if they’re rapping about choppers in the car or missing H.E.R. – if it’s dope it’s dope. And I could care less about “swag” at this point. Yeah, your puffy fur velcro Louis Vuitton chain beltloop keychain purse is cool, but that doesn’t mean your music doesn’t suck. Miss me with the swag shit, that just masks the fact that you’re wack. Give me something original, or miss me all together.
Within the last few weeks, Louie hysteria has reached a fever pitch – at least locally. While rumors run rampant that Louie’s inked a deal with Chicago music industry luminary, John Monopoly; the FLY ENT crew has been working feverishly to put the finishing touches on Louie’s Dope & Shrimp project. With FSD-favorite, Bighomie DOE, stepping from behind the mic to handle CEO and managerial duties for Louie, their team has a special, organic chemistry that I haven’t witnessed in a long time.
Late last week, I was invited out to Studio 11 to preview the album (it’s bigger than a mixtape) and watch the creative process live and in person. No less than a dozen of associates flooded the studio (including Bighomie DOE and producer Lokey), to contribute, kick it, or just roll L’s. The support and family vibe was refreshing and while most of the inhabitants were blunted, their enthusiasm for the music and what was happening before their eyes was evident – it’s like they all knew something monumental was taking place. Everyone chimed in with ideas and were more than happy to share honest and sincere feedback. And they could’ve cared less that a media dude was in the house – they paid me absolutely no mind. I actually prefer to be a fly on the wall, instead of having some hanger-on bend my ear about their cousins new album, which is sure to be the “next big thing out of Chicago.”
I watched Lou record three tracks in my short time there, all of which are standouts on Dope & Shrimp: “Band Nation,” a Nez & Rio-produced monster, “Loud Pack,” a party anthem, and finally the Lokey-produced “Stylin,” which could easily be Louie’s breakthrough record. So far, 14 tracks have been completed for D&S, with a few more to be added before it’s intended October release date.
There’s the indulgent “Louie,” which samples the theme song from Louis CK’s FX series, Louie, as well as “New Soul,” which flips Yael Naim’s record of the same name in a Kanye manner. Tracks like “Goldie with the Pimpin” and the “Goldie (Remix)” serve as that smoothed out Chi-Town player shit, while Louie successfully tackles a dubstep-inspired record on “We Like To Party.”
Now, I don’t want to give the whole thing away, but this is something you’ll want to keep on your radar. Obviously, all music is subjective, so I’m sure to get hit with some “MAN WHAT THE FUCK DREW THIS SHIT IS WACK” comments, but hey, I’m just here to share my opinion. That’s what bloggers do, right? Keep an open eye.
Great Read Andrew! Anticipating the project!
Church
Great article. I remember when I first heard this guy. It was here on FSD of course. I wasn’t impressed at all. I think it was “We taking over the streets”. I made an assumption about his music before I even listened to any other track. The next song a came across was “Kush To Strong” on youtube. Now, if you know me, you already know that this became an instant favorite of mine. Man Up/Band Up is nice too. I tend to judge an artist to quickly, with out listening to there whole catalog. This dude is goin places. Now roll up some dope.Where da bitches at?
king louie 3 times is the shiiiiiiit
Thanks FSD for the support on behalf of the whole team Lawless Inc., John Monopoly, & F.L.Y
King Louie is defiantly street approved. Follow the movement @lawlessinc , @John_monopoly , @1987RudeboiKing , & @BigHomieDoe
smoke sum’n bitch is a classic. hopefully he’ll bring record labels attentions to the city
STREET MUSIC IS DEAD! IM SO SICK OF THE “STREETS” GUESS WHAT THATS NOT THE REALITY FOR MOST. I AM A GIRL AND I WAS BORN IN STATEWAY…SO I KNOW THE FUCKING STREETS. TIRED OF IRRESPONISIBLE NIGGER MONKEYS JUMPING AROUND WITH THERE PANTS DOWN WITH BLUNTS IN THERE MOUTHS TELLING THESE UNTRUTHS….FUCK KING LOUIE..AND THE TRAIN HE RODE ON!!!!. EVEN RICKIE ROSE DOESNT SELL UNITS. FSTREETS THE MONKEYS THAT GLORIFY THIS BS ARE THE SAME ONES YOU ARE CLUTCHING YOUR WALLET AROUND….ANDREW……..
IM ON A MISSION…INTERNET RADIO SHOW COMING SOON…TO DEGRADE THIS IRRESPONSIBNLE USELESS GARBLE~!!!!!!! YUCK
KKL!!!!!
OH YEAH…AND HE IS WACK AS FUCK ON THE RAP SIDE…STREET CRED…..AND WHAT GOONS DID YOU HAVE LUNCH WITH ANDREW???….SLAP THIS WHIT BOY
Oh.
Although you could’ve made a great argument about the “realness” of his music and how it glorifies violence, your whole comment came through as simple trolling.
If you’re going to make a statement and criticize other people’s work, at least do it with good grammar and punctuation. Otherwise it seems you were just ranting because you were at home, bored and with nothing else to do but lurk the internet and knock on other people’s job.
Insulting Louie and Andrew doesn’t help your case either, it makes you look uneducated and it nullifies your opinion.
@Andrew,
It was a good read, Dope & Shrimp is certainly a project I’m looking forward too.
Well it’s not a project that I’m looking forward too. Both Louie’s delivery & lyrics are terrible. In addition, nothing separates him from other street artists. Actually, in comparison, his music is horrible. His basic punchlines are extremely insulting to fans of hip hop. If this is one of the best that Chicago has to offer, I’m sad for this city. I see why we’re at a standstill. Actually, people always say that many artists pay Andrew off in order to get posts on this site, while it’s no big deal to me whether he does or not, this type of garbage music makes me believe so.
And although, “WHATTHEFUCKWASTHATSHIT” could have presented her complaint in a more civilized manner, that still doesn’t take away from the main point she is making, which is, “Louie is wack as fuck on the rap side” Lol Which he pretty much is. This is in no way, shape or form quality street music. I don’t think Lep makes great street music either but at least they take time to form great concepts, tell great stories, gather good beats, & present themselves in a professional manner. King Louie reminds me of the dirty nigga that’s on the block all day that claims he a hustler but has nothing to show for it.
FUCK YOUR OPINION AND YOUR SPELL CHECK. WHO GIVES A FUCK ABOUT EDUCATION ON A HIP HOP SITE………. ITS THE INTERNET LAME!…..AND THE CONSENSUS FROM THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER IS THAT HE IS TRASH!!!
,I WAS ON THE PHONE WITH A HEAVY HITTER FROM A VERY ESTABLISHED CONGLOMERATE, WHO ASKED ABOUT HIM…HONESTLY, I DIDNT HATE ON HIM. I GAVE HIM PROPS BECAUSE HE IS FROM MY CITY….SO STPOP TRYING TO EARN POINTS FROM ANDREW. AND IF I SEE YOU..ILL SMACK YOU AS WELL!.,,,,MAKE THAT A CASE!
SPELLCHECK THAT HOE!
@ Chiraq business then who do you think makes good “street music” in Chicago?! just give me 5 people
King Louie, Sly Polaroid, Butta Da Prince, Skooda Chose L.E.P
not in this order tho…
Butta is cold he needs more exposure
its only 1 person in that whole line up worth listening too an that’s SLY P! PERIOD!
Wow you trippin, go listen to “Heir Chose” by Skooda Chose, I bet that changes your tune. Butta Da Prince “My Time” King Louie Man Up/Band Up remix, L.E.P Lust For Life and One Plug
I’m looking forward to hearing this, Vic Greenthumbs, and hard bars. Not because I know these niggas personally because they’re talented and their grind is fuckin crazy. Eastsydeeeeee Gerald Dean shit.
Louie came out with his own style of street music and thats what makes him stand out. He cracks jokes and tell real life stories that people can relate to. In 2009 if you asked anybody who King Louie was they wouldn’t be able to give you an answer, a year later he name was ringing bells. He grinded for that whole year and still is. DGainz always put together great visuals for his music. He may not be lyrical but instead a punchline rapper. Weather people think they’re “basic” or “wity” he still puts together great music. He’s bringing a lot of attention to Chicago, he grabs ears off one listen. Great music isn’t always your personal favorite. I’m pretty sure Dope & Shrimp will be great. Great review, Drew.
I just don’t understand why some people continue to hate on artists that are out there doing their thing. That’s what’s wrong with Chicago….. too many haters and those haters are not about anything either!. Louie is trying to get somewhere and he will, no matter what you morons say. You know there is a “off and on” button on your computer, just turn it off if you don’t like his music. STOP HATING and START SUPPORTING. You may just learn something. Too many internet thugs these days. Moving on…….
I DONT SUPPORT THIS AT ALL! what so ever! #GARBAGE
Im Fuckin with The Homie King Louie!!! #ChcagoorNothin
SPREAD LOVE CHICAGO! HAHAHA
Lol @ “Oh”
Forgive them Drew, for they know not what they do.
I FUCKS WITH KING LOUIE HARD AND HE GONE MAKE I SAY IN ABOUT 1-2 YEARS LOUIE WILL BE ON MTV AND BET
People have their opinions so who cares listen too Louie if u like it keep listening you don’t, stop listening. The man is trying to make a way out for his family music didn’t cause poverty, lack of opportunity i.e jobs , better education did , Mrs.Hawkins “in my Nino Brown voice” Gud review.