[Video] Fredo Santana: "Ova Here"
Over the past year and a half, a sort of "next up" mentality has been established amongst the Chicago hip-hop scene. Chief Keef gave way to Reese, then there was Chance, then Vic, Durk, the list goes on. One artist that has seen his profile rise in recent months is veteran southside MC Fredo Santana, who has migrated from being auspiciously behind the scenes to playing the villain in Drake's cinematic video for "Hold On, We're Going Home."
Today we get the latest from Fredo, a video for his single, "Ova Here", off his recent album, Trappin' Ain't Dead. In the video, Fredo takes viewers to his side of town, warning against making the trip themselves. Following the WorldstarHipHop documentary The Field that highlighted the plight of young adults in the city's rough neighborhoods, Fredo continues to tell his tale. Watch the latest, streaming below.
Top Chicago Rappers of 2013
Chicago hip-hop has enjoyed a certain popularity increase over the past couple of years. Where 2012 saw the rise of Chief Keef and "Drill", 2013 brought about a new flavor as listeners from across the country, initially hooked by the drill sound, began to explore the vibrantly eclectic different sides of the city and variety of sounds that make up what is the flourishing Chicago scene today. With seemingly everyone's eyes on the Midwest and so many talented artist rising from the area, we decided to compile a list of the top hip-hop artists from Chicago that had the biggest years in 2013. We based our decisions off of releases, co-signs, shows/tours and general influence throughout to put together who we thought had the best top to bottom 12 month cycles since this time last year. You may not agree with all of our decisions, so let us know in the comments. Without further ado, I give you the Chicago's hip-hop artists that elevated their game the most in 2013.
[Video] Freddie Gibbs: "Deuces"
Photo by Virgil Solis
It's been a minute since we've heard something fresh from Indiana's finest, Freddie Gibbs. This time around, the seminal gangsta rap artist of our time teams up with the mastermind of the drill sound in Young Chop for this dark, ominous track. In what seems like a match made in heaven for Chop and Gibbs to get together on a track, the song is as gritty and street-conscious as you'd expect and another solid get for Chop, who recently put out a track with Taylor Gang's Wiz Khalifa. The video for the single dropped yesterday and has ESGN Films’, Danny Manhattan following Gangsta Gibbs from his hometown of Gary, Ind., to nearby Chicago. Take a dip into Freddie Gibbs' world in the video below and pick up the track via iTunes.
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[Video] Gianni Blu: "Bounce" (Feat. Sasha Go Hard)
Gianni Blu has been lacing some pretty impressive cross-over tracks, utilizing hip-hop artists to blend his signature style of unique production. On his latest release, Blu teams up with frequent collaborator Sasha Go Hard for a song that is a step up for both artists. For her part, Sasha's flow seems to improve on every single and she is grittier than ever on "Bounce" with a changing rhyme scheme that has yet to be seen in much of her work. On the production side, Gianni pick up where Diplo left off on his "Damn" track from Sasha's album Round 3, released earlier this year. Mixing in traditional hip-hop aesthetics with a thumping, bouncing electronic flair, Gianni Blu crafts a track that is as ready to bop to as anything that has hit the airwaves lately. D Gainz handles the video, shot at an indoor skatepark complete with BMX riders and a slew of back up dancers. Check out the latest from Gianni Blu & Sasha Go Hard below.
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[Video] Sasha Go Hard: "Problem" (Feat. Tink)
Chicago's Sasha Go Hard is back with her latest video, this one for her track "Problem" which features fellow Windy City female artist, Tink. Tony Roche lends the production for the pair to discuss the intricacies of keeping it 100 and generally not being easy to deal with.A Zae Production provides the visual of the two southside MCs doing their thing at what looks like the Lacuna Lofts on the near south side of the city. Check out the video and the song itself below.
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[Video] Lil Reese: "Team"
GBE's own Lil Reese returns with a fresh video for "Team" off his latest release, Supa Savage, available now. Reese puts on for his squad in the appropriately-titled joint and backs it up with a video to match. Having steered clear of the law for awhile, Reese is starting to build steam again for himself as the year comes to a close. Check out the video below.
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Fredo Santana: "Jealous" (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Fredo Santana's Trappin Ain't Dead suffered a delay due to issues with iTunes. Nevertheless, the GBE artist decided to reward his fans' patience with a leak from the album. "Jealous" is probably the most attention-grabbing track on the LP, and it's largely due to the Kendrick Lamar feature that nobody saw coming. The song still works on all levels and is one of the best tracks I've heard this Fall.
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Chief Keef Released from Jail
Keith Cozart is once again on his way out of prison, this time nine days early. The artist, better known as Chief Keef, spent just over a week at the Cook County Jail in Illinois for violating probation by failing a drug test. The 20 day sentence was reduced due to "good behavior," according to the Chicago Tribune. Keef, who recently released a new mixtape Almighty So, has had a tumultuous few years to say the least and could very well be headed for a dim-lit end soon if he doesn't figure things out and get his head about him.
Currently facing hundreds of thousands in court fees and lawsuits for failing to show up to scheduled shows, the money from the deal he signed late last year seems to be waning. For his part, Keef has been on his game, releasing two projects (Bang Pt. 2) since the summer, although the lean may be taking its toll. His puddle-stomping in his latest video for "Love No Thotties" might be the clearest glimpse at the (for now) deep-pocketed, overgrown child that is Chief Keef. Here's to hoping Keef can get it all together and turn things around with his new found freedom.