[This is a guest post from Young Chicago Authors ‘The Chicago Beat’]
What makes Chicago music so dynamic is that, in one breadth, it contains a confluence of differing realities that manifest in sonically distinct ways; Chief Keef, Saba, Noname, Jamila Woods, G Herbo, Chance the Rapper, Katie Got Bandz, Cajmere and more co-exist in the same city, but their perspectives couldn’t be any more different. From the outset, the media-at-large has taken it upon themselves to villainize Chicago as a whole, beginning with Keef, who used his music to reveal a world that outsiders hadn’t previously been privy to. Slowly, since his 2012 breakthrough, artist by artist, the city has been unveiling itself, showing that what ties everyone together is the grit and truth of living and being from Chicago.
Chance, Noname, Saba, Jamila, Herbo, Katie — everyone is working in the same tradition as Chief Keef. In the spirit of that notion, Young Chicago Authors’ journalism program The Chicago Beat presents their playlist, It’s Bussin’: 10 Chicago Songs to Get You T’d. Because, often enough, even Chicago’s most anthemic party songs require some unpacking.
Chief Keef, “Faneto” (2014)
For a good time play “Faneto.” If you want an idea of just how much people T up to this song, you only need to look as far as June of this year. Security stopped Chief Keef from performing the Chicago classic at an ILLROOTS party this year because the crowd was just too wild. Indeed, “Faneto” is a frenetic and energetic song: Perfect for a night out, perfect for a night in. Really, just perfect. It sticks in your head the way cheese sticks in Keef’s pocket. Velveeta. —Eliana Buenrostro
G Herbo, “Rollin’” (2015)
G Herbo’s track “Rollin’” is the perfect mix of mosh pit meets ova east. The blaring of the bass over the constant repetition of phrases like “I’m rollin,” “It’s bussin” or “yeah hoe” easily urges you to want to do “hoodrat” shit with your friends. Nod your head or grab the person next to you and obnoxiously scream the song word for word,just don’t step on anyone’s all white g fazos. —Marlena Wadley
Saba f/ Joseph Chilliams, “Westside Bound 3” (2016)
In the third installation of Saba’s “Westside Bound” songs, the rapper pays homage to his Austin hometown by telling the perspective through his lens. On “Westside Bound 3,” we hear his distinctive style through a melodic and memorable hook: “West Side nigga go crazy!” Saba provides symbolism for an audience who may not be familiar with his part of the city, while openly talking about a part of Chicago that is often misconstrued. Alongside his brother Joseph Chilliams, the two unravel their story of what it means to be from the westside of Chicago. —Elsa Medhin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S-Ti1Aqx1c
Cajmere, “Coffee Pot (It’s Time for the Percolator)” (1992)
A throwback where any mama will hit you with the “you don’t know nothin’ bout this.” “Percolator” is the perfect song to give you an essence of Chicago house music. Play this is at any Chicago picnic for guaranteed shoulder movement. —Marlena Wadley
Chance the Rapper, “Good Ass Intro” (2013)
As you listen to “Good Ass Intro,” the opening track of Chance the Rapper’s breakthrough mixtape Acid Rap, you can’t help but feel like the best version of yourself. The song remains confident and victorious as Chance touches on a vast range of subjects, from drugs to family to education, the beat a nod to Chicago’s storied footwork culture. Whether you’re on your way to a party or in your own bedroom, the track’s “bounce” provides you with the pep in your step that you might need. —Lesley Casas
DJ Spinn, “Bounce N Break Yo Back” (2007)
If “Bounce N Break Yo Back” comes on while you’re getting ready, you can tell people it’s the reason your Lyft driver departed in four seconds. DJ Spinn made this song for his Chicago people, with every clap meant for our bodies. Its versatility has withstood the test of time: Even in 2017, if this song plays at the function, folks will automatically start twerking or footworking. If you’re at a Chicago party and have never heard this song before, be prepared to see just how fast a body can move. —T Munoz
Vic Mensa, “Feel That” (2014)
“Feel That” is a smooth song that takes you back to chill summer days. The song starts with Vic talking in the background before building into the first verse, intuiting a carefree vibe as he flexes on his money and spending it, adding to the carefree vibe; “I need that, Vic boy up in Nordstrom, spend like three stack / I just bought my bitch three pairs of heels, yeah, she feel that.” Vic makes you feel equally rich and confident as him, like you have your own cash to blow (even if you don’t). —Anna Mason
Lil Bibby, “You Ain’t Gang” (2016)
Do not take Lil Bibby’s song “You Ain’t Gang” lightly. The hook is a clear reminder to his listeners that “you ain’t gang,” and most certainly “you can’t hang.” But with the song’s earworm hook and addictive bass-laden beat, you might not immediately realize his hidden message, something that should not to be overlooked by those who can’t claim the gang lifestyle as their own. Bibby delivers an anthem and directive, while staying true to what and who he is: Street. —Matthew Willbourn
Katie Got Bandz f/ King Louie, “Pop Out” (2015)
Katie Got Bandz is often referred to as the Queen of Drill. However, Secretary of State is a more accurate title; after all, drill is a democracy. From her second album, Drillary Clinton, the King Louie-assisted “Pop Out” is distinctly Katie, distinctly Chicago, and yet, at the same time, a universal bad bitch anthem. The brash, Block on da Trakk-produced instrumental is steady and perfect for the most reluctant of dancers, who can easily milly rock or Lil Uzi shoulder roll to the beat. Whether you’re at home in your pajamas or touching the streets, Katie and King L make sure you’re ready to come for anyone who so much as even looks at you funny. —Leah Love
Chief Keef, “Love Sosa” (2012)
Released in 2012, it was the radio hit that put Chief Keef on the map as one of Chicago’s favorite T’d rappers. With lyrics like, “I gets lots of commas / I can fuck your mama,” Love Sosa has everyone in the room feeling like a BOSS. Plus, whenever the song comes on, you wish you had locs to shake. Admit it. —Kristen Simmons