1. King Louie – Tony
2013’s Jeep Music and Drilluminati 2 didn’t quite set the world on fire, but 2014’s Tony definitely made its mark, and put King Louie exactly back where he belongs. On Tony there was a new hunger in Louie, one that he commits to audio on the dominant and triumphant return to form, Tony. This is Louie coming for his spot — by any means necessary. He’s not asking, he’s taking. His bars are as ferocious and calculated as ever, and his ear for beats has only improved and grown more sinister. In fact, the latter half of the album might be the best work of Louie’s career.
He’s experimenting with new sounds, and as comfortable and complete over a beat as we’ve ever heard him. Call him Louie or call him Tony, just call this one damn near flawless. Many declared drill all but dead at the top of 2014, but if the sound was on life support, Louie definitely resurrected thee. Tracks like “Live & Die In Chicago” showed a different more reflective side of Lou, while “B.O.N.” is an undeniable sleeper hit, that crowds across the Midwest can chant along with word for word. Tony definitely put Louie back at the bosses desk – let’s just hope the rest of the country takes note.
One of the best most accurate and seemingly unbiased lists FSD has ever posted. Congrats to all the artists recognized big and small.
Surprised that Katie Got Bandz didn’t get nominated. I was surprised that Common made it. Truthfully, I felt like the project capitalized and pandered to his Chicago roots that he hasn’t acknowledged in a long time. Although I am sure some would argue that the gesture is to pass the torch, something about it seemed false and it is far deeper than the fact of Common not being a “drill” rapper. Plus anytime he talks about sex gives me pause.
yall left out some well known ppl reppin Chicago. Like where is CEITO
Gibbs ain’t even from nor does he live in Chicago… And where is Ceito???
Remember folks it’s a Midwest blog. Gibbs is from Gary that’s not far from the Chi. And as for projects left off the list. Maybe FSD needs an honorable mentions post
yeah we all know FSD is a midwest blog but don’t title the post best “chicago” projects if you’re gonna include outside of chicago projects. it’s a bit misleading. you don’t open a chinese restaurant and sell pizza. honorable mentions post would be nice but ceito is above that. the positive energy, no pun intended, and stylistic laid back sounds were one step ahead of the major label artists like j. cole and kendrick right now.
FSD is a Chicago blog. They have a poor representation of the Midwest.
I think Village party and Body high should of been higher on the list, overall not bad