For those new to the site, “How About Some Old Sh*#t” is over version of a throwback Thursdays themed article. Here we look back at something from our past that is relevant again in a new light. We’ve been doing this off and on for the last year or so, and, well… it’s back on.
Today’s feature comes from Naledge and his 2009 solo release, Chicago Picasso. This is a song and an album that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, especially as we get closer to the November 6th release of its follow-up, Chicago Picasso 2. I worked a lot with Naledge on Chicago Picasso, from documenting studio sessions and throwing release parties, to sequencing the album and eventually handling the mixing duties on it as well. There was a lot good energy surrounding this project and Naledge’s whole Braniac Society movement, which was bringing a lot of people together for the first time.
Looking back on it now, that time period was really the beginning for a lot of artists, directors, and others involved in Chicago Hip Hop that have really established themselves. “Focused” is a prime example. The video was directed by Noah Banks, one of Chicago’s most skilled and creative videographers. The video also has cameos from Big Homie D.O.E., and a very young Vic Mensa. Highlife, Vic Spencer, DJ Word, Mike Kolar from Soundscape, and even me, DJ RTC, all appear as well, making this a great snapshot for our city.
Watch the new video below, either for the first time or for the first time in a long time… Chicago Picasso 2, November 6th.