Vans

Photos: House of Vans opens Chicago location

Vans, a brand that prides itself in music, and street culture, opened it’s door for it’s House of Vans Chicago.

The opening night featured performances from Future Islands, Digable Planets, and Chicago’s own rising star, Noname.

House of Vans Chicago also showcased photography exhibits from photographers Jonathan Mehring, Ryan Kobane, and Ashley Osborn.

Opening night featured an immerse theme of Vans signature skating and alternative rock photography work from past Vans events. The intimacy between guests was well received from the huge warehouse store turned indoor skating park, store, and music venue.

Chicago’s Noname opened the night with a headlining caliber performance. The perfect setting setter, Noname’s “Telefone” had the House of Vans guests uplifted. The Chicago hip-hop rapper and poet, could have performed the whole night without any objection. Nomane kicking off her Telefone Tour, already sold out every single stop across the U.S.

Vans
Digable Planets at the opening of the House of Vans Chicago. Photo Jesus J. Montero

Alternative hip-hop trio Digable Planets, brought their bold Brooklyn flow to Chicago’s west side. The trip has been around for some time, the trio put no time to waste put on a rhythmic race of funky beats and spell bounding lyrics. True experts Digable Planets, made sure the House Of Vans Chicago got their dose of a old school hip-hop. Preforming classics like “Where I’m From” and “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) House of Vans Chicago were given a throwback of 90’s hip-hop treat.

House of Vans Chicago ended the night with Baltimore band Future Islands. A true showman, front man Samuel T. Herring had the crowd in a frenzy with his intense performance.

Future Islands previewed tracks from their new album “The Far Field”, the heavy spirt or prowling and growling of Herring made Future Islands performance not one to miss.

House of Vans Chicago has stated they will be free and open to the public.

Noname | Digable Planets | Future Island

 


Léon

Photos: Léon makes impressive Chicago debut

Swedish singer Léon made her Chicago debut selling out Lakeview’s Schuba’s Tavern on her 20 city stop tour.

On her first North American Tour, with special guest Jacob Banks, Léon shined in Chicago with a very impressive city debut.

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Review: Are The Migos Doing It for The Culture?

The majority of the hip-hop community loves Migos. They are one of the few constants in rap music. Take Off, Offset and Quavo have dropped their official 2nd album, Culture and it's definitely more than I expected.

Are Migos albums and mixtapes that different? No. However, I will say that the labeling of the "Mumble Rap Era" has forced some of your most hated artist to step up to a level that has made their music infectious and undeniable. The beats are hard. The words are clear; and there are even a few clever lines throughout Culture.

There are some true bangers on this album. "T-Shirt" "Get Right Witcha" and "Deadz" featuring 2 Chainz will stay on repeat. I expect all of these songs to be in every DJ's playlist. We're at the point where any DJ could do a 30 minute Migos set and that would be the highlight of the night. I'm sure "All Ass" is going to ring off in a lot of strip clubs this year. "Call Casting" is a dope joint. They bring the bars out on this one. Definitely in my top 3 on this project.

All the above  added with the Childish Gambino stamped "Bad and Boujee" equals the Migos running the clubs for another summer. It's not a fluke. These guys are the "Turnt Gawds" of the game.

I was expecting DJ Khaled to say too much, but he gives just enough on the "Culture" intro. Guccie Mane makes a solid appearance on "Slippery". It's always good when Gucci works with the young guys he inspires.

We went from thinking "Versace" was pure trash to loving "Bad and Boujee". Like it or not, Migos will be around for as long as they want to be. Quavo is becoming the front man, but to be honest, they will always be the ultimate example of strength in numbers. Migos are some of the prominent culture creators of this era. They talk the street life and the dope game like hundreds of our other favorite rappers. They also bring the turn up and hip-hop has been about rocking the party since Kool Herc was in the park. That is what hip-hop has always been about. Respect to Migos. Give Culture a chance.

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Check out another music review here.


Big Baby D.R.A.M

[Interview] D.R.A.M. - Reflects on success + Announces new album

Best known for his signature smile and upbeat personality, Shelley Massenburg Smith, known to his fans as D.R.A.M., is a fresh new face in hip-hop. His melodies and playful lyrics are perfectly crafted into a style that makes the Hampton rapper and singer stand out.

D.R.A.M.’s melodies transition into soulful moments that can be seen in his music, interviews, and featured performances. After some time spent listening to D.R.A.M. it’s hard to debate his playful, uplifting personality and it’s effect on his music.

His first studio release D.R.A.M.’s Big Baby D.R.A.M., debuted at number nineteen on the Billboard charts. It’s single “Broccoli” which features Lil Yachty received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Song Performance.

Along with the critical praise for his debut album, much speculation surrounded D.R.A.M. and his first released debut “Cha Cha” which came from his EP #1Epic. Playing defense, D.R.A.M. found his efforts in making his case that Drake’s “Hotline Bling” was a definite imitation.

With all focus on the potential beef, D.R.A.M never really got his fair praise for Big Baby D.R.A.M. In the days of modern hip-hop taking a different turn, it had many guessing D.R.A.M.’s legitimacy in providing continuous hit records.

D.R.A.M., which stands for Does Real Ass Music, has started his career with hit records like “Broccoli”, “Cash Machine”, and “WiFi”. With support from Young Thug, Lil Yachty, and Erykah Badu. D.R.A.M.’s debut album legitimized his status as one of the best new artists.

We spoke to D.R.A.M. about his view on life and music and his personal take on criticism on his work.

RH: You seem to keep business and yourself life well balanced. Keeping level headed, how does your personality affect your music?

It reflects me. The music has a lot to do with me in general I mean I just overall would be the likable good vibe spreading guy than the off putting I’m too cool for you guy. You can be cool without being so anti-everything.

I like the fact that it strikes a good tune in people because that’s what I aim to do. If I feel good about something when I make and put it out in hoping that the people that are listening to it feel the jam good vibe. It’s just me wanting to pass a good vibe and to be a likable person rather than a dick.

Big Baby D.R.A.M
Big Baby D.R.A.M. Photo: Jesus J. Montero

In your short career, you’ve exploded with success. Can you think back to one moment that was momentous in the very earlier blessings in your career?

Back in 2014, we had drop #1Epic mixtape we had the “Cha Cha” record attached to it. We literally just put it out there not knowing how it was going to go but we knew it was going to go.

That was our first blessing. My guy Jacob from Pigeon and Planes, he found my shit through somebody randomly reposted on Soundcloud and saw that called me and raved about my shit.

Six days into the project we didn’t know what the fuck was happening. (laughs) I got my lawyer and management and many other things steamed from Pigeons and Planes push. That was my first blessing. Never will forget that. That was the spark.

A spark that grew into D.R.A.M. today? While also sparking with others?

Yeah, even me and Lil Yachty linking up to do the “Broccoli” record was a blessing because it was all out of timing. I saw he was in L.A. and I hit him up, he came through. I was at a point where the up grind was about to start again and we were just preparing for it working on our shit. Getting back on the grid, and then Yachty being where he is with his fan base at that point. It was the perfect combination moment, everything just fit.

We legit thought it was going to be something on Soundcloud and get the internet and Twitter lit. Which then became one of the biggest songs in the country.

D.R.A.M at Freaky Deaky - 2016

With the release of “Big Baby D.R.A.M. “you were able to put out a body of work that silenced those who questioned your legitimacy after speculation from your earlier work. How did it feel putting those talks to rest? What were you able to do more of. What were you able to focus on?

I’ve always been making music like this. From many different angles and different influences but we do know what is the forefront sound what’s going to carry the torch. What’s popular when it comes to D.R.A.M. and that’s trappy go lucky. We never sit in and try to make that moment it just comes about.

Everything else is just all we’ve been doing if you listen to “#1Epic” in it’s entirely, “Live at the Milk Jam Room”, and “Big Baby D.R.A.M” in it’s entirely it’s continuing that source. I got to a point where I’m comfortable with the scale of my music. I wanted to make sure that these people knew that I’m for real. That’s why the three most popular songs are right there in the middle.

If you all you want to fuck with is that happy go lucky sound of D.R.A.M., I’d got to accept that because you still come out to see me. I put that project out there for the people that I already knew what I was about but I also did it for me.

After releasing “Big Baby D.R.A.M.”, what’s going on in your way of thinking? What’s the feeling of putting away all the naysayers of D.R.A.M.? After making such a bold entrance into the hip-hop world.

There’s not any pressure. I’ll tell you this right now. We're almost halfway done with the next album. This is (D.R.A.M.) not a flop, you feel me. So when we put out the project (Big Baby D.R.A.M.) I feel really good about it as a whole but it’s not even half my journey. Like the great Gucci Mane once said, “This isn’t even half my journey.”

I feel relieved now that the first album is out of the way. There’s so much crazy shit going on and I’m quite the opinionated person but what I want to do is keep that shit out of it.

I’m never going to try to push my rhetoric down your throat. In the mindset of all this I’m like “Hey let’s go through all of this.” let’s put on 4 minutes of blessing right quick because, at the end of it, it might speak out ideas that needed that good energy to spark it.

D.R.A.M will be in Chicago on Fri. Jan 27 at The Metro.

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Listen: Jermaine Dupri x Da Brat ft Mishon - "Level Up"

One of the greatest tandems in hip-hop ever is back! They have a brand new joint out now that you may probably want to add to your playlist, ASAP! Legendary producer, writer and mogul, Jermaine Dupri and the first female rapper to go platinum, from Chicago, Da Brat are back together again! Hip-Hop and 90's teens rejoice! The new song is called "Level Up". It features the vocals of up and coming artist and dancer, Mishon.

Historically, JD and Brat make timeless hit records. On Level Up, they take it back and hit us with the back and forth flow, like on the classic, "Funkdafied" from Da Brats debut album. This could be the warm up for an album from JD or Brat or both. Either way, I only see the game benefitting from it.

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I shouldn't have to sell you on listening to legends in the game. Check out their new joint above!

Check out another feature here.


KD young cocky

Listen: KD Young Cocky - "Take A Hit"

The Str8Drop Entertainment team closed out the 4th quarter with a little something to heat up your winter. He's a Chicago artist that goes by the name KD Young Cocky. He has a new project titled Take A Hit ready for your ears on Soundcloud right now!

Take A Hit has features from Chicago's rising star and 2016 Freshman Lister, G Herbo on "Nervous". KD also has Atlanta's YFN Lucci on "Lifestyle". YFN had one of the more notable songs of 2016, "Key To The Streets" featuring Migos and later got a remix featuring 2 Chainz.

KD Young Cocky has also gotten the attention of tastemaker, Karen Civil. You can check him out on the Civil Scope on her website.

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Take A Hit is full of 808, bounce and KD's reflections of his road to riches. The project is full of lyrics with "Got to make something shake" emotions and affirmations. "Hustler In Me", "Make It" "Goals" and "Lifestyle" are great examples of that.

I really dig the combination of KD and XODB of Hyrdox. This tandem has some of the brightest spots on the project. "Goals" is my hands down favorite.

Chicago music keeps moving forward and KD Young Cocky is part of that movement. Get your ears around this and show him you're down with the movement.

Peep another review here.


Jeff K%nz "Type"

There is a brand new artist trying to make a name for himself in the rap game. He's coming from all the way down in Champaign, IL and his name is Jeff K%nz. That was not a typo. You pronounce the name as "Jeff Koonz". Now since you know the name, so you can check out "Type", his new video shot and edited by "Flyshotz" Williams.

"Type" is a joint that showing off Jeff's lyrical ability as well as let's you know what type of guy he is. This is a pretty good visual. It looks horror flick trailer worthy and it keeps you waiting for a plot twist or dramatic moment. Spoiler alert. There may be a plot twist.

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The video starts off with flashes of K%nz and a young lady who is in a pair of pink sweats you won't be mad at. Then, you see a woman who seems to be having a normal day and ready for shower time. Next, you see K%nz is positioned in a dark and secluded area going out of his mind. That can be taken literally as well as metaphorically if you feel the lyrics of the song.

I know what you're thinking. Is he in her closet? What is he doing in the closet? Does she hear him? Well, you just got to watch the video and draw answers for the questions I'm not going to answer.

Peep another review here.


Nick Grant "Return of The Cool"

You don't really notice that "cool" is missing until someone makes an effort to show you what it is or bring it back. Nick Grant is on a mission to bring back "the cool". His attempt was successful with his latest release Return of The Cool.

Return of The Cool is an infectious, soulful and lyrical display of music that is in a class of it's own. While many ride the wave of "what's hot?", Nick widens the degree of separation and proves what he does can't be done by just anybody.

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Album highlights:

"All of You" feat B Hess: He says this one is for the radio. Radio better act right and play this one. Something lyrically clever and cool, but also for the ladies

"Sing Along" feat Rico Barrino: a clever introspection on the game, and all the negative messages that always seem to win big.

"Gotta Be More" feat BJ The Chicago Kid: A breakdown of real people stories and occurrences that all lead to a perfectly placed chorus. There truly has to be more than what we see and what we have right now.

"Get Up" feat Watch the Duck: This one got my mom rocking in the kitchen. This a party starter right here.

"Return of The Cool": The album title track should be fire and it is definitely that. This got a get fly and step out for no reason vibe.

You can't highlight certain songs as a great display of lyrical ability, because every single song is a great display of lyrical ability. You will hear a dope bar every few seconds. Then when you listen again, you will realize you missed something just as dope, if not better than the first one you heard. Nick Grant has the ability to amaze with bars. That's something that isn't done regularly by rappers in this era.

Nick Grant makes the type of music that should silence all complaining about hip-hop. Whether you a "trap in the 90's ni**a" or a "young cat that wants the old heads to get out the way" you should be saluting Nick Grant and appreciating the work he's putting in.

Check out another Ruby Hornet review here.