David Drake of the Chicago Tribune goes in-depth about Chicago’s local hip-hop scene. The piece is to run in tomorrow’s edition of the Trib, in conjunction with The Bassment’s ninth anniversary concert tomorrow night at the Metro. While the article mainly focuses on the artists on the bill (L.E.P. Bogus Boys, King Louie & YP), there is a separate story which lists 10 local acts to watch. They even got a few quotes from yours truly, Kevin Beacham, E from Infared Music and DJ MoonDawg.
“The biggest emerging figures in Chicago’s hip-hop scene succeed by mixing and matching influences and styles. YP, raised in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, was heavily influenced by a New York lyrical tradition and recently received co-signs from Q-Tip and Raekwon. His list of influences reads like a who’s who of New York legends…”
“…Another of Chicago’s rising stars is from the East Side neighborhood of Chicago known by many as Dro City. King Louie is a prodigious talent with an utterly distinctive delivery and a knack for memorable phrases. (“I’ve never heard anybody that sounds like Louie,” YP said when the rapper’s name came up.) Although he’s been releasing music since 2007, King Louie saw his profile rise considerably when he caught the attention of Andrew Barber, who highlighted the artist on his website, Fake Shore Drive…”
“…The LEP Bogus Boys, who will perform their track “Gangsters Only” with Mobb Deep at Metro, are gangster rap veterans. Raised on the South Side, the two have had a rocky career path, facing the loss of associates to street violence and dealing with other considerable setbacks. But in the past two years, their profile has risen dramatically. The duo has been featured on MTV and BET, and recently performed to a packed venue at Atlanta’s AC3 hip-hop festival. The Bogus Boys’ sound is contemporary but aims for the spirit of a forgotten era of 1990s gangster rap that seemed imperious and important. Count and Moonie’s tenacity — the group has been in existence for almost one and a half decades — is evident in their professionalism. They’re clearly veterans of the industry and are one of the few hip-hop groups from Chicago that seem to have successfully navigated the national networking game to make connections in the music business…”
Check the full piece here. And read about 10 local artists to watch here.
Kevin Beacham needs to be mentioned in any and everything related to Chicago Hip Hop.
Good look for the home team…
Good article and some great points made. Still it’s not fair to place any blame on GCI DJ’s… Clear Channel controls GCI with an iron fist. Khalid was on WEDR and never controlled by Clear Channel, thats why he was able to play what the fuck he wanted to. Fingers and questions should be directed towards the powers that be. Not the DJ’s.
Radio aside, there have been plenty of artists that have broken out on the strength of blog sites alone. Big Sean is one example, L.E.P is another. Blogs afford artists the opportunity to market themselves in a way radio never has before. They are more interactive than radio and allow you to repeat or make that music mobile.
Nowadays all you need is management, marketing and a dope site behind you. Anyone can blow regardless of location. No excuses.
I completely agree.
I used to try to get my artists stuff on various websites and radio shows (including this one) but after little success I decided to make my own blog and start promoting some of my favor Chicago rappers who I felt dont get the attention they deserve and its been going well for me and them. Good point none the less.
fuck al b silk and every phony ass lying ass dj up there! l
bump j said this shit long ago break that shit an he for seen all this