Latest Posts

G Herbo – “Drill (feat. Rowdy Rebel)”

What better way to celebrate the one year anniversary of an album other than to release some visuals for it? G Herbo decided to paint even more of a picture for his fans by releasing the music video for “Drill (feat. Rowdy Rebel)” off of his last project 25. AZAE Production made a three minute movie for Chicago and New York’s superstars as they floated over the mountains of 808s. G Herbo and Rowdy Rebel brought the perfect balance of business and casual to their video for “Drill.” See what I mean here: Stream “Drill” on Spotify Watch the “Drill” music video on YouTube

Shoebox Benny – “Straight”

Before there was Car Bombs, there was “Straight.” Shoebox Benny decided to grace his fans with some visuals to the first single of his sophomore album, and let’s just say they generously compliment the track. Shot in the Chicago MC’s favorite places on the West Side, the warm orange colors combined with the cut-out letter font make the song come off a lot more casual in a great way. It also helps that Shoebox Benny is floating every second he speaks. You won’t be surprised what $50,000 off dope money would make you do, but you probably will when you find out what your girl does with Shoebox Benny behind your back. Watch the “Straight” music video on YouTube

Cool Heat – “Lately”

Somehow, a solo musician, the Chicago phenomenon by the name of COOL HEAT, has dropped off a single that offers an out-of-body like experience. The dreamy vocals laid atop hypnotic synths are what truly transcends the mind from body while listening to “Lately.” The simplistic, yet trippy music video has garnered over one thousand views in ten days, in which COOL HEAT is shown walking the streets of what is presumably Chicago while quite literally dancing to the beat of his own drum. If you enjoy a good lo-fi track, then do yourself a favor and get plugged in with some COOL HEAT. Stream it on Spotify & Apple Music

Gordmin – “Batshit”

Gordmin created a full-on experience for his debut single, “Batshit…” A groovy, serine, and great time all-around provided by the Chicago singer/songwriter. “Batshit” is a double single containing the title track “Batshit” along with “Paid,” both of which are 10/10s. The thick, warbly, honey-like production draws you in like a freshly-baked pie sitting in the window of a cartoon. Gordmin dropped  “Batshit” on March 23rd of 2022, which if we’re judging correctly, will one day be known as the start of his legendary career. Stream it on Spotify and Apple Music

Kells Dougie – “95′ Freestyle”

Up-and-comer Kells Dougie can rip off line after line of short, but sweet quips. Case-in-point is in “95′ Freestyle.” Freestyle tracks are great because they have a different type of expectation. Commonly misperceived as having to be “off the top,” a good freestyle really should just be fun and filled with punchlines, and that’s exactly what we have here. All song long, Kells is busting out stuff like “Subtitle flow, they see every bar I’m saying.” and “Different draft class, ain’t into the game like us.” The boom bap beat ties back to the year alluded to in its title, and the track proves to be traditional hip hop greatness. Press play below.

nIgel, NePh & Xany – “Morphine”

Chicago is currently a hotbed for up-and-coming rappers. The drill scene and the Save Money movement are well-covered in the blogosphere, but talent lurks elsewhere too. In a collaboration with producer Xany, we find two such emcees in nIgel and NePh. With natural chemistry, the two rappers utilize clever wordplay to float between talking on “morphine” and “more fiends.” Their raps are drugs, and their listeners are fiends for more. On the production side of things, Zany comes through with a lovely, hazy landscape to flow over. It’s higher energy than the Xanax and morphine tags would suggest, but the general smokiness of it all results in a great substance track from all angles.

Tonight: Nitin

Although Toronto’s CODA will be missing Lee Foss on Saturday night’s lineup (due to circumstances beyond CODA’s control, as reported on the event page), some of the Canadian city’s own talents will be stepping up to the plate. Nitin, a globetrotting Toronto-based label owner, producer, and DJ will be taking some extra time on the decks. Beginning his career in London, Ontario, Nitin came to Toronto in 2005, joining up with Gem Events to bring a wide range of shows to the city.He partnered with Johnny White in 2008 and launched his record label, No.19 Music, and it has grown into a well-respected fixture for a new wave of dance music, signing tracks from the likes of Stacey Pullen, Maceo Plex, and Soul Clap just to name a few. Nitin is no stranger to the international scene, playing clubs in Ibiza and Berlin as well as throughout North America. You can find him traveling[...]

Tonight: J.Phlip and Monty Luke

Dirtybird is not just a record label. The people that comprise dirtybird are your friends. Whether it is one of the dirtybird players performing solo, or all of them at their touring dirtybird BBQ, there is no doubt that you will have an experience. J.Phlip, the dirtybird duchess, returns to Buffalo again tonight. When not monikered she is known as Jessica Phillippe. Given her Chicago house influences from growing up in Champaign, Ill., the sounds of her sets and productions have a depth, complexity and smoothness to them, you might as well be drinking a well-aged scotch. J.Phlip has the ability to draw you in with sound and take you to another place. Don’t believe it? Just take a listen to her set closing down the Beatport stage at DEMF last year. Also on tour with her is Monty Luke. From Brooklyn, he made his way to the West Coast[...]