Femdot - happyoctober.

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Fresh off announcing his signing with Closed Sessions via Billboard, Femdot is back with "happyoctober.", produced by charles lauste, 5th of hen, and jabari rayford. First off, let me say that the piano on this track is fantastic, a minimalist touch while still oozing in emotion and soul. The vocal sample gives the production a feeling of wanting, a perfect backdrop for Fem's lyrics laced in desire and nostalgia; the past fueling the present.

"Its crazy even these choosy women would choose us", Femdot raps like someone with fate behind him, the power of all the people supporting him culminating into a moment we're all witnessing. In my opinion what makes Fem so special is his storytelling, it makes you feel like you are watching his life from a third person perspective. Hanging over his shoulder like an appointed angel from heaven. Personable lyrics, beautiful production, and a genuine persona are all what you will get from streaming "happyoctober." above.

by Alexy

Smino - Sorbet (Prod. Sango)

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"shout to errbody who ever put somebody on lil ol me.
i love you MUHFUCKAS.
dis me jus havin fun wit it...hope yall enjoy, dance, smile to it. kuz nigga i do." 

St. Louis native Smino prefaces his latest song "Sorbet" with this heartfelt message. The overarching message to Smino is carefree. His content is often about the better things in life and Smino as much as any rapper knows how to savor them. He always manages to keep his unique style regardless of the beat, his greatest characteristic. Always working with the finest new age production Sango laces "Sorbet" with a fluttery synth line, rolling hi hats, and a kick pattern that creates the backbone for Smino's unconventional flow. Smino celebrated his birthday yesterday so join us at Ruby Hornet in being grateful that he's in our lives and bump "Sorbet" all day long.

by Alexy

Loren Hits Restart On New Project - Fake Deep

If you've been following Chicago Hip Hop the last few years, then you know Loren, although you may know him as Logan, a bubbling emcee from the city's southside. Many artists reinvent themselves, some as regularly as every album cycle. While changing clothes, image and sounds present their own unique challenges, changing one's name is a whole other challenge. Yet, that is what we have for Loren, who made such a move out of necessity.
Speaking exclusively to rubyhornet, Loren says, "I just wanna find who I really am. That's why I'm dropping so much music and working so hard, it's therapeutic and helping me along the way. Loren is my real name & it's who I always been. I'm just ready for a new chapter in life. I'm just having fun and figuring out life. I'm in the studio right now wrapping up my next project, I feel locked in. I know it's cliche but I feel like my time is coming."
Fake Deep is produced entirely by FLIGHT and the majority of the content centers around Loren, finding himself and his place in music - a spot he feels that he's held down for years with or without the formal recognition. There is a further sense of comfort as well present throughout the project. Loren is finally letting go of the music as he sees fit, not as others may believe. He spoke further on the music, especially the album's opener, "RIPLogan".
"It's basically me reflecting then looking at the now & then the future. It's also like an official end to "Logan" almost like a funeral in a sense," he says.
Stream the full project below, including Loren's favorite track, "Slumdog Miracle". He told us, "It's basically about my decision to dropout of high school and chase a dream. The 1st verse is mostly a metaphor bouncing back & forth between a school and my block. It's been my favorite song since I made it, the overall vibe of the record is ridiculous to me."

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by Alexander Fruchter

Knox Fortune Goes For Dolo On New LP, Paradise

Last week I wrote briefly about Knox Fortune's single "24 Hours", a jam that I really enjoyed and harkened back to late 90's indie alternative type shit (the good kind). Today, Knox has released his full LP, Paradise, and you can stream it below via Apple Music. I haven't had a chance to really dig in yet, but I plan on setting aside some time to properly give this one some attention.

And if you want to know about Knox, I highly recommend this piece written by Britt Julious for Noisey.  Knox won a Grammy for his work with Chance The Rapper, and has help guide projects from Joey Purp and KAMI. It's kind of a like a secret weapon isn't such a secret anymore.

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by RH Staff

No Frills - Stream ANXT's Watching Paint Dry LP

"Remind them/ you either marry wealth or Mary Poppins."

ANXT is an emcee from the Chicago suburbs. Little is known about him and most of what you find online uses imagery over photos of the aspiring wordsmith. There's nothing spectacular persay about his latest offering, Watching Paint Dry, in fact, that's kind of the idea. He told me via email, "Watching Paint Dry is me saying 'this might be boring to you if you're used to hyper hip-hop/trap songs.' It's slow paced and heavy on narrative. I like risks."

The project is released as one long mp3 on Soundcloud, further sticking to that theme. It's not for everyone, but I dig shit like this and I'm becoming a fan of ANXT. Since this released, he also dropped another new song entitled "Coming To America", which is some poignant social commentary, similar to what is found in WPD.

If you're a fan of low-fi raps, and Earl Sweatshirt, KA type of stuff, give ANXT a listen.

by RH Staff

The Cool Kids Return with Special Edition Grand Master Deluxe, Celebrate That $hit!

There is so much to say about The Cool Kids, man. Without Chuck and Mikey, I really can't say what the Chicago Hip Hop scene (or much of what's been dubbed "Internet Rap") would look like. They came through and blew the roof off our city's music scene, crushing segregated rap parties and the idea that everyone simply exists to hate on each other. They ushered in a new sound, which was a lot like an old sound, and paired it up with authentically vintage clothing as well. PLUS, they showed that you can do your thing independently, using your friends and the internet to make waves.

Much like Curt Flood, who fought hard for free agency, but never got to yield that Alex Rodridguez type of contract, The Cool Kids really never got their proper due. That's what happens all too often to the pioneers and trailblazers.

With Special Edition Grand Master Deluxe though, The Cool Kids have a chance to properly execute their sound, and fans/artists/and everyone else has a chance to proper celebrate this iconic duo.

The Kids are back! Stream the new album below and fucking rejoice!  And if you feel like it, revisit our 2011 interview, just after the release of When Fish Ride Bicycles.

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by RH Staff

Knox Fortune: "24 Hours"

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Knox Fortune is preparing to release his debut LP, Paradise, on September 22nd. Ahead of that drop, he has blessed the world with the new jam, "24 Hours". This record feels like it would fit right in with the late 90's alternative scene. Not to say that it sounds dated by any means, in fact, this pretty fucking fresh. And certainly a compliment to what Knox has done within the hip hop scene, working with artists like Joey Purp, Chance The Rapper, and KAMI.

Stream the record above, and look for the full alum 9/22.

by RH Staff

Joseph Chilliams wins with Henry Church

Pivot Gang's Joseph Chilliams released his debut mixtape, Henry Church, about a week ago and then celebrated with a sold out show at Schubas. The project, which consists of 13 songs and features homies such as MfnMelo, Saba, NoName, and others, is cohesive project chock full of pop-culture references, regular-guy observations, and a fun energy throughout. That's not to say that Henry Church is devoid of seriousness or melancholy. Many of Joseph's observations are told with an air of concern and a subdued tone, especially when remembering John Walt, who was tragically killed last spring. From the cover art, to the videos, to the music, it is clear that Chilliams is serious in not taking himself too seriously. And he's winning. Enjoy the project via Soundcloud below.

by RH Staff