Last night I received an email from the homie Bump J, confirming the internet rumors that were swirling last week regarding his departure from Atlantic Records: Yes, the rumors are true. I asked or a release from Atlantic and was granted my freedom. It’s a new ballgame now. Bump is in control of his own…

Chicago’s man of the people, Pugslee Atomz, drops the second video from his Coversations with a Chamelion album. Out now on Gravel Records. Sidebar: Pugs caught me trying to knock the doors down at the Smart Bar in the Metro on Friday night – in search of a cocktail, of course. My bad.

RhymefestMetro ChicagoJanuary 18th, 2008 This past Friday, Che Smith played to a fanatical crowd in his hometown of Chicago. If you’ve ever seen ‘Fest perform live you know he does not disappoint. His energy and enthusiasm truly make him enjoyable to watch, not to mention the passion he has for his music and moving the crowd. Che…

The latest webisode from our boy ‘Fest.  He hits the studio with Just Blaze to record a track for El Che.  I actually saw him debut this track at Lollapalooza this past summer – Incredible stuff. Definitely a B-Boy anthem right here.

The super unofficial remix of Kanye’s “Flashing Lights” featuring some R. Kelly babbling. Kanye West feat. R. Kelly – “Flashing Lights” (Remix) Jacked from You Heard That New

The debut video from Astonish, the newest member of Chicago’s legendary Molemen crew.   The first single from From Now Until Forever, dropping February 26.  This right here gets the big Fake Shore Drive cosign.  Well done, Astonish – I’m diggin’ this track. Shout to Sonia

My boy Maestro just hit me with a banger from his new artist Pete Sayke.  From Pete’s debut album Cubicle Rebellion, available now here. Pete Sayke – “Follow the Liter” (produced by Maestro) 

Illseed, from the always credible rumors section over at Allhiphop.com, reports that Chicago recording artist Bump J has been released from his Atlantic Records contract: I’ll never forget bumpin’ Chicagorilla, Bump J’s mixtape. I was waiting for the official album. And, guess what? I never got it. Well, now Bump J has formally revealed to…

Um…Better late than never, I guess? This was the first ‘Quence and Kanye collabo I’d ever heard, but that was way back in ’03 – when Kanye was still putting his Pelle Pelle’s on layaway. It’s really amazing how many videos Kanye is able to squeeze out for his GOOD Music artists, in an age…

Kidz in the Hall – “Drivin’ Down the Block” (Full) Double O and Naledge get a thumbs up on this one. Produced by Double O. From their Duck Down debut, The In Crowd. Dropping this Spring. Jacked from 2DopeBoyz