There have been many renaissance moments in American history, but one of the most intriguing movements budding in the 21st century isn’t progressing in the streets of Harlem, it’s reigning from the Windy City.
Chicago’s Hip-Hop Renaissance has swept the nation virtually overnight, and everyone is now wondering if Chicago will be the next city to reign hip-hop.
There have been so many great artists from Chicago, but never has there been a movement of Chicagoan artists emerging from the streets at the same damn time.
There’s everyone from Hyde Park hip-hop collective Treated Crew, to Englewood rapper’s like Lil Durk. And we can’t forget the femcees repping hard for Chicago.
Rapper Chella H refers to herself at the “first lady of Chicago,” and has received an official co-sign from rapper Shawnna, formerly of Ludacris’ DTP family.
Chella’s often seen fraternizing with fellow femcees like Katie Got Bandz and Sasha Go Hard, who are also making a name for themselves on Chicago’s music scene.
Out of all the artists mentioned, Chief Keef is undoubtedly the most recognizable of Chicago’s budding music scene with his smash hit “I Don’t Like.”
His “I Don’t Like” video boasts over 7 million YouTube views, and is an in-depth look into the life of a teenager reigning from Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods.
Citing that his mother is the one who introduced him to hip-hop, Chief Keef is taking the music industry by storm with co-signs and inquiries from the likes of Kanye West and Birdman.
The 16-year-old rapper often dismisses the 16 years he’s been on the planet, and refers to his age as being “300.”
Besides the interesting fact that Chief Keef recently got off house arrest and is the father of an adorable baby girl, Chief Keef’s charismatic, bad ass, yet oddly innocent demeanor, make him one of the most likeable new rappers in the game.
Chicago’s gritty music scene, often referred to as “drill” music, represents the thousands of residents who are dealing with the crime war taking over Chicago’s Southside.
The most fascinating thing about Chicago’s hip-hop renaissance is the loyalty, camaraderie, respect, and support each artist has for their fellow Chicago talent.
If you’re looking for neighborhood drama between these Chicago rappers, you won’t find it here.
Most of these artists featured have worked together on numerous projects, or at least know each other in passing.
Wondering how street rappers like King Louie from “Dro City” can kick it with the more eclectic sort of hipster talent powerhouse like Treated Crew? Well, many of them either went to school together, or are virtually from the same hoods.
Check out the hottest 13 rappers reigning from Chicago in the gallery above and find out all the details on the next few pages!
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Artist: King L formerly King Louie
Reps: Dro City (Eastside Of Chicago)
GG's Song Pick: "Val Venis"
Signed To: Epic Records
Co-Signs: Kanye West mentions King Louie on the “I Don’t Like (Remix)”
Age: 24
Interesting Fact: He doesn’t like tongue kissing and he doesn’t dance.
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Artist: Chella H
Reps: Hyde Park (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “What We Do”
Signed To: Not signed to a major label
Co-Signs: Supported by other Chicago Femcees like Chella H and Katie Got Bandz.
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Artist: Chella H
Reps: “Low End” aka Southside Of Chicago
GG’s Song Pick: “Real Bitch”
Signed To: Not signed to a major label
Interesting Fact: Calls herself the “First Lady Of Chicago”
Co-Signs: Shawnna
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Artist: Chance The Rapper
Reps: Hyde Park (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “Nostalgia”
Signed To: Not Signed To A Major Label
Affliliations: Treated Crew
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Artist: Treated Crew
Reps: Hyde Park and Southside of Chicago
GG’s Song Pick: “All Black” and “Mr. Take Your Bitch”
Co-Signs: Producers Nez and Rio have produced songs with Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar. Million $ Mano is Kanye West’s DJ. Thelonious Martin produces for Action Bronson.
Interesting Fact: Treated Crew is Chicago’s premiere hip-hop collective with more talent than 300 Show Time At The Apollo performances. Treated Crew is made up of Million $ Mano, who is Kanye West’s DJ, Mic Terror, and Hollywood Holt. Rappers Sulaiman, Gzus Piece, Jon James, and Lee Majorz.
Treated Crew also boasts producers Nez And Rio, who’ve worked with Kendrick Lamar’s Black Hippy Crew, and Thelonious Martin, who has produced tracks for rapper Action Bronson.
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Artist: Lil Durk
Reps: Englewood (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “I’m a Hitta”
Signed To: Def Jam
Age: 19
Interesting Fact: Lil Durk is currently in jail.
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Artist: Lil Reese
Reps: Englewood (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “Beef”
Signed To: Def Jam
Affliations: Chief Keef’s GBE
Age: 19
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Artist: Katie Got Bandz
Reps: Bronzeville, Ida B.Wells projects (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “I Need A Hitta”
Signed To: Katie Got Bandz is currently not signed to a major label.
Interesting Fact: Katie Got Bandz refers to herself as “The Lady Hitta” and has been locked up for a gun charge.
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Artist: YP
Reps: Southside Of Chicago
GG’s Song Pick: “Who I Be (Clap)”
Signed To: Universal Republic
Co-sign: Nas
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Artist: Vic Mensa
Reps: Hyde Park (Southside Of Chicago)
GG’s Song Pick: “Whispers”
Signed To: Currently not signed to a major label
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Artist: Tree
Reps: Cabrini-Green Projects
GG’s Song Pick: “Good Shit/Roses”
Signed To: Currently not signed
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Reps: Caleb James
GG’s Song Pick: “Freddie”
Signed To: Currently Not Signed
