In this week’s edition of the Chicago Reader, writer Leor Galil profiles Chicago’s streetwear and hip-hop scenes, and how they work together for positive results. They spoke to a handful of local designers, artists and vendors and put together an introspective look into the ongoings around town.
“You could walk into a shop and hear what’s playing and know that’s what’s in right now—or that’s about to be in right now—because a lot of the people who run the shops are tastemakers,” says Clinton Sandifer (aka ShowYouSuck). “You can walk into Jugrnaut and see me and St. Millie or other artists. Since they’re open all day, artists like me who don’t have a day jobs, that’s where we hang out.”
Beyond that, local stores also help artists through publishing blog posts and videos, and offering a physical space for aspiring MCs and producers to leave free mix tapes for curious shoppers. “It’s definitely not responsible for all of the ill shit that’s coming out of Chicago, but it’s one form of promotion,” says Chancelor Bennett, aka Chance the Rapper. “The streetwear stores in Chicago definitely have supported and help push the Chicago artists on the rise right now.”
Chance is one of the more sought-after rappers on the scene since he dropped his #10Day mix tape in April, and he credits stores like Leaders for helping him get his start. “The end of ’09 I had a mix tape that nobody knew about,” Bennett says. “Leaders threw me a listening party. It was a small gathering of people.”
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