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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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.
Anna Agosta Unleashes Her "Greenhouse" EP
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Anna Agosta is one of the Chicago music scenes next big R&B/Soul acts. She wields a powerful but sultry voice along with deceptively clever songwriting to create a deeply personal project in "Greenhouse". The quality production and raw talent cannot be ignored.
The harmonies on the lead song "Surrender" rope the listener in and the beat drop instantly gives one the feeling of a new journeys beginning. The next track "Lucky" features warm guitar and live drums while showcasing a raw sound in the percussion. Anna balances all of her problems within the scope of understanding that she's "lucky to be breathing and thinking about these things". A noble message to say the least. Her lead single "Never Fall" gets a facelift production wise, while maintaining the songs calm, mature essence. "Unforeseen Fate" is a stripped down barebones ballad that touches the soul. Anna slows it down, incorporating a beautiful guitar interlude and breakdown in the production halfway through. The arrangement moves with conviction, much like someone moving on to another chapter in their life. She closes out the album with "Reaching", leading off with a tasteful touch of electric guitar. Reminiscing on the moments in her life that have led her to this place.
"reaching, reaching onward
reaching through,
windows of reflections I will use,
oh you tell me, thank you for allowing me to move".
Boathouse - "Crowd Go Loose"
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Closed Sessions producer Boathouse brought a touch of Grime back with him from his swing overseas. Sampling Grime legend Dizzee Rascal, Boat creates an ethereal melody within a House/Electro setting that pumps and thumps; perfect for a house party. The synths are lush and the sound selection overall feels carefully curated. Bump "Crowd Go Loose" at full volume, drop it in your new DJ set for your friends and get ready for new music from Boathouse in the near future.
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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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.
SoloSam - Fast
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An infectious hook over a self produced beat is only the beginning of SoloSams musical showcase. Lyrical dexterity with a calm collected flow give "Fast" a feeling of effortless ease. Solo doesn't miss a step over the beat and is lyrically one of Chicagos heavy hitters, so you know he brought the bars. By handling the production he is showcasing a newfound dimension to his game; mixing it down and putting it all together is none other than BanksTheGenius.
SoloSam is rising quickly, performing around the country this charismatic MC is going to be around for a while. Be ready for his upcoming project "itis", I have a feeling it'll be a coming out party to a lot of onlookers.
Standouts - "means" Glassic Feat. Will is Chillin
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In the description for his new project 'Safe Travels' Chicago producer Glassic states "there's a lot of talent in local and underground musicians that doesn't get enough appreciation". This idea is perfectly represented in album standout cut "means" featuring local staple Will is Chillin. The Stankface records MC laces a fantastic double time flow that sits in the pocket perfectly. The kick pattern has an undeniable swing to it and the fast paced hi hat accompanies Will as he breezes through rhythms.
Whether or not Glassic or Will is Chillin are getting attention on a national level, it is clear that they are producing music at a professional level. It's only a matter of time before the music hits a wider audience. Until then Midwesterners can appreciate the hidden jewels that they have.