The RH Cheat Sheet to "Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 30 Days In Chicago"

If you haven’t heard yet, Red Bull Sound Select has put together an incredible month long festival this November celebrating the Chicago music scene and the people who make it great. There is a show out there for everyone. From mainstream darlings like Young Thug and Lil Yachty, to more local homegrown sensations such as Noname or Eryn Allen Kane, we at RH wanted to get in on the fun and compiled all the shows that we wouldn’t miss for the world.  All tickets and more info here

When: Nov 4th
Where: Portage Theater
Who: Fakeshoredrive 10th Anniversary show featuring The Big Tymers, Tee Grizzley and special guests.
Why: It's incredibly hard to last 10 years doing anything, let alone anything in the music business, and then take that a step further when it comes to music blogs. But Andrew Barber and Fakeshoredrive have done it and continue to push Hip Hop music and culture further. We came in the game together, and it's only right that the whole city comes out to celebrate. Celebrating FSD's 10 years in the game is not just a celebration of one website, but of the Chicago Hip Hop community, one that has evolved tremendously in 10 years and done things have not only shifted Chicago, but the music industry as a whole.

When: Nov 9th
Where: Thalia Hall
Who: Kali Uchis, Twelve’Len, Elley Duhe
Why: Colombian-American Singer Kali Uchis has a classic sound, dripped in nostalgia for a lost era. Singing about her personal independence in a slow paced hushed manner she gives off the aura of someone who has it all figured out. This show promises to be a romantic evening, perfect for the lovers in the city.

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When: Nov 16th
Where: Concord Music Hall
Who: Mura Masa, Tennyson, Bonzai
Why: Producer Mura Masa has an eclectic background. Before he ever picked up Ableton Live and started making Electronic/Trap music he grew up playing guitar, bass, piano, & drums while performing in Punk, Gospel, & Hardcore groups. His musical roots set the framework for his diverse and energetic music that makes you feel so alive. This show promises to be a banger and you should expect to get sweaty if you’re in attendance.

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When: Nov 20th
Where: Reggie’s Rock Club
Who: Daniel Caesar, SIR, Cherrie
Why: Canadian Soul and R&B singer Daniel Caesar has been critically acclaimed since the release of his EP “Praise Break” in 2014. Steadily building a fan base through continual EP releases, Caesar is the king of ballads at the moment. His music makes me feel like I’m becoming a better me, learning from all the mistakes and blessings along the way. If you are looking for a spiritual sentimental moment this show is a pretty safe bet for just that.

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When: Nov 21st
Where: Concord Music Hall
Who: Noname, Buddy, The Last Artful, Dodgr
Why: Noname is a hometown hero. A staple in the YOUMedia scene and slam poetry circuit she captured the nations hearts with her verse on Chance The Rappers “Lost” back in 2013. A couple years later she unveiled her debut LP “Telefone”, which was one of the best albums of the last five years. Noname does not make filler music, every sentence she raps is carried with a sense of purpose unmatched by her peers. This show is definitely for the city.

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When: Nov 25th
Where: Space
Who: Kweku Collings, Kamau, Trapo
Why: Evanston native Kweku Collins has had a huge year. From unveiling his second full length project “Grey”, to tearing up SXSW, to his tour with Whitney, he is riding his streak with a full head of steam. This show promises to be a look at the near future of Hip-Hop music with Kweku’s Alternative-Rap ethos being joined by Madison’s Trapo. A fiery MC who isn’t even 20 years old yet but has made Pigeons and Planes “20 Under 20” list 3 years running.

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When: Nov 26th
Where: Lincoln Hall
Who: Zero Fatigue, Smino, Ravyn Lenae, Monte Booker, Bari, Jay2
Why: The Zero Fatigue squad have all enjoyed their own respective successes this past year. Smino became the latest person who wasn’t from Chicago to be adopted as one of the city’s own. Monte Booker is the sultan of swing and makes beats that sound like no other, his mastery of syncopation unrivaled in the scene today. Ravyn Lenae is a masterful vocalist with an airy delivery all her own. All coming together on one bill fans could witness a Voltron effect on the 26th, this will be a squad affair no doubt.

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When: Nov 28th
Where: Chop Shop
Who: Xavier Omar, Jesse Baez, Jake&Papa
Why: Xavier Omar, a smooth singer from San Antonio is one of the more overlooked R&B acts out there. After first hearing his soothing voice on “All I Need” by Noname I was impressed; once I came across his smooth & sexy EP “The Everlasting Wave” I was sold. If you are looking for a romantic evening and some dancing this is the show for you.

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Kweku Collins Announces East Coast Tour with Femdot

Kweku Collins has done a lot in 2017. He released Grey in April, hit the road with Whitney, headlined across Europe, performed at Lollapalooza, and just recently sold-out his 11/25 Evanston homecoming show as part of Redbull's upcoming 30 Days In Chicago.

Kweku is going to end 2017 with his first ever east coast headline run hitting D.C., New York, and Philly 12/7-12/9. Femdot, who also recently announced a partnership with Closed Sessions, will join Kweku as direct support.

Tickets for all 3 shows are on-sale now. You can cop them at the link below.

12/7: DC - Songbyrd - http://ticketf.ly/2y7U5zO
12/8: NY - Baby’s All Right - http://bit.ly/KwekuCollins
12/9: Philadelphia - Johnny Brenda’s - http://ticketf.ly/2yaC6dM


Let CK.FM006 take you into the underground

Sean CK was a big part of rubyhornet version 1. Starting off as an intern, he rose up to key contributor and even held down the fort for a short time after I left. He had a classic interview with Sir Michael Rocks during the height of Cool Kids label-fuck-shit era. And he did a phone interview with Sean Price in our office stairway, came back in the room shaking, and erratically muttering "I can't believe I just talked to Sean Price."

To know Sean CK is simply to love CK.

He recently launched a weekly soundcloud radio show, uploading weekly mixes of his favorite songs. Most episodes have focused on electronic music, but for number 006, he decided to focus some new gems from the underground Hip Hop scene.

I hit him up for a description and he told me that he wanted to hit to branch out with a "largely hip-hop filled episode with lively, conscious lyrics from emerging artists."

Enjoy the episode above, and definitely look for CK to be involved as we continue moving forward.


"The Mayor" Documentary depicts Wiki's love for New York and gives an intimate look at an emerging new voice

Wiki is one of my favorite emcees. He's got a voice and flow that is unmistakable with prose delivered in deliberate, stabbing sentences. This short film traces Wiki's journey towards a rap career, and his parallel relationship with NYC, using the context of a 5-Borough tour that coincided with his recent LP, No Mountains In Manhattan.

Wiki teamed up with Boiler Room on the tour and film, making the footage intimate, raw and imperfect. In true Boiler Room fashion, Wiki took to non-traditional venues such as a Brooklyn Beer Hall, Staten Island Skate Park, Bronx backyard, Queens rooftop, and for the finale, took his talents to the storied Nuyorican Cafe.

Wiki travels to each show on public transportation. His journey to each venue simultaneously traces his upbringing in NYC. "Once you could take the train on your own... it's like you can do anything. And that could take you down any route. That can make you get into anything," Wiki says in the film.

As discussed in the 21-minute documentary, Wiki choose Hip Hop as early as 6th grade. Routinely hitting the Rec Center, which led to frequent subway trips en route to cyphers, shows, and parties. As he traveled he took in a fuller picture of what it meant to live and rep NYC in life and his music. That discovery remains a main element of his music, and a large reason why Wiki is embraced so heavily in New York that he has been bestowed the nickname of The Mayor. It's not just a false claim, or something he chooses to brag about, but a point of honor and significant muse.

"I always loved New York. It's always been that thing, I always wanted to represent.When I was younger I wanted the thing that said 'New York' on it. I wanted motherfuckers to know. I realized getting older that it's like, 'nah, you do you.' That's the best way to be New York."

The documentary follows Wiki through each performance as well as the planning and gives a glimpse into an artist that cares deeply for New York as well as the people that make the city what it is. It's further evidence of Wiki's endearing qualities as a emerging artist. The film also provides a new context with which to enjoy his album.

Now if only we can get him out here for a Digital Freshness.


Cae Jones - Hunnit [Video]

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Directed by Itenji Films and produced by KZA K' Lee, Cae Jones has unleashed his powerful new song & visual with "Hunnit". Cae displays a sing-song flow that he uses to carefully and confidently dissect the beat; a surgeon with the words. The calm of his delivery juxtaposed to the backdrop of the punk rock synth line and pumping drums creates an ever interesting dynamic between music and performer.

Shooting the video in his native habitat of Rochester, New York, Cae returns to his roots while expanding his horizons through music. His versatility and poise on the mic certainly make him stand out in a sea of carbon copy MCs.

Watch "Hunnit" above.


BoatHouse - "A Small Glimmer In The Distance"

I got a text yesterday from BoatHouse, "I'm gonna drop a beat on Soundcloud." A couple hours later, he hit me with the link to this jam, "A Small Glimmer In The Distance". The instrumental is light and fun, definitely something set for a quick soundcloud drop. I would say what the inspiring track is, but we ain't sample snitches over here.

Enjoy this jam below, and catch BoatHouse on Sunday at Bottom Lounge opening up for Smino and T-Pain.


Stefan Ponce - For A Girl (Feat. Rejjie Snow, Moxie Raia, & Julian Bell)

[iframe id="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/346300111&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"]

Chicago producer Stefan Ponce enlisted a talented crew of songwriters and vocalists to create a piece of work that somehow transcends the sum of its parts with "For A Girl". The track is a groovy new age Funk/R&B record that would be perfect for cruising the lakeside. The drums swing within the pocket of the rhythm, the harmonies are rich, and every detail feels hashed out to the margins. Look no further than the guitar outro that comes in at the 3:10 mark, most acts wouldnt think to strip the song down that way. The attention to detail is clearly what separates Mr. Ponce from the rest. Listen for yourself above and think about that special someone.

Writing credits go to: rejjie snow, rayblk, stefan ponce, julian bell, william kurk, eddie sanchez


Songs For Keith Olbermann - A Collaborative Playlist

Man... I know, I know, I'm late. All the Eminem BET Cypher discussion happened last week. We're passed that now. I'm not really here to add another think-piece about Marshall Mathers and his Anti-Trump performance, there are plenty already out there that make points way better than I could.

What I do want to write about is fucking Keith Olbermann and his smug comment that Eminem's freestyle removed 27 years (?!) worth of doubt that he had about rap music. He never fully explained what the doubt centered on, so I can only assume he doubted it as a genre capable of important social messaging? Maybe the doubt was about a rapper's ability to hold political thoughts? Keith, did you doubt an emcee's desire to pay attention to current events?

That comment and the way he made it - as if his tweet provided some sort of holy and sought after validation on rap music - really bothered me. Oh shit, Keith Olbermann is on board?! I think we got something with this hip hop shit after all. GTFOH Keith. Seriously.

I am a big fan of your videos on GQ and your persistent stance against Donald Trump. But you continue to deliver that message with a tone of arrogance and cockiness that is extremely off-putting. This tweet you made is a prime example of why people don't fuck with you...

But, yo, now that you have no more doubts about rap music, I have a secret for you - rappers aren't just rapping about Donald Trump! Shocking right.

What if I told you that Hip Hop music has centered on societal critiques since its inception - gasp - over 40 years ago! What if I also told you that there are songs about past presidents too. Hold up Keith, did you know your boy Eminem actually made an anti-George Bush song back in 2004 to inspire people to vote for John Kerry? Maybe if you were paying attention and shared that one, history would have played out a little different.

Anyway, Keith, here's a little playlist I made literally in 5 minutes without even really thinking. The playlist contains Hip Hop songs that address everything from politics to healthy eating, from police brutality, racial inequality, zealous patriotism, xenophobia and general complacency Check this out, and let me know what you think. Isn't crazy how deep this genre gets?

To our readers - please hit us up with more songs that should be added and lets make this a collaborative playlist.