“Our hustle has now matched our talent,” says Chicago’s Hustle Simmons, a man of all trades who has played a role in Chicago’s Hip Hop scene for the last several years. With the spotlight on Chicago now more than ever, many of started using the phrase “the new Chicago.” For Simmons, it doesn’t so much distinguish a specific style of Hip Hop or even segment of the city, it’s more about a new mind frame and vibe.
“For so long Chicago has been known for the same things. We’re known for movies, Michael Jordan, Harold’s Chicken. I think everything coming out of Chicago is coming out so big that there’s a whole new vibe here,” he told me during an interview in the South Loop. “The New Chicago is just a changing of the guard. Us being known as fashionable people, us being known for our music, us being known for our parties, us being known for our president… New Chicago is just people here doing what the fuck they want to do and making it hot.”
However you define it, there’s no debating Chicago’s Hip Hop scene is stronger than ever. For more on the new Chicago, and my full interview with Hustle Simmons, check back soon. You can also catch Hustle this Saturday, hosting Digital Freshness.