[RH Premiere] Jarred A.G.: Luxury Tax
After both a First Listen on Jarred A.G.'s single "Play Around" and a First Look on the emerging Chicago act, we're now proud to premiere his debut project Luxury Tax. Featuring appearances from Dally Auston and Ibn Inglor, there is a presence of youthful Chicagoans imbued in the tracks. Couple that with fire production from Jarred's brother and frequent collaborator Smoko Ono, as well as C-Sick, Samiyam and Benny Nice. After experimenting with hip hop for only "a year and a half", he's got an extensive catalog, and the Luxury Tax EP is seemingly only the tip of the iceberg. The six track EP comes across as a cohesive product and is a great introduction to the young artist. Listen below and stay on the lookout for more from A.G.
Download: Luxury Tax EP here
[RH First Listen] Jarred A.G.: "Play Around"
Jarred A.G. has been quietly working for the past year and a half to amass a strong catalog of music, he has been eager to release. During that time we heard tracks come from him and the Fifth Dimension Collective, piquing our interest for the up-and-coming local emcee. Now he is on the verge of releasing his debut project, The Luxury Tax EP, and comes through with the debut track, "Play Around" featuring Savemoney's Dally Auston and produced by Jarred's younger brother Smoko Ono. The smooth production picks up on a dope sample, adding mellow synths and some snappy drums to create the perfectly laid back base to flow over. Read on to learn more about the track and to catch a preview of our upcoming First Look on A.G.
RubyHornet: When was the track recorded and can you speak on the inspiration behind it?
Jarred A.G.: Play Around was recorded a couple months ago at LPeezy studios. Shout outs to Papi Beatz. Smoko first played the beat for me about half a year ago and mentioned how he wanted me to work with his friend Dally, this MC has was producing for, (go cop The Wood). The beat itself reminded me of a lazy Sunday morning in bed and that was the atmosphere I was trying to create on the song. Fast forward a couple months later and Dally came through to the studio, and we went right to work. After we heard it, it was like damn, we gotta do some more work together.
RubyHornet: How would you describe the collaborations that go on with artists from other sets then?
Jarred A.G.: It’s always good vibes. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a lot of talented artists who all share the same passion for music that I do. The chemistry between Dally and I is natural, and he’s easy to work with. Smoko really brought us together through the music and we’ve continued to collaborate since. We’ve got a couple more tracks on deck. I don’t see the collaborations slowing down anytime soon.
RubyHornet: Any other Savemoney x FDC collaborations we should know about?
Jarred A.G.: There are a couple things in the works with Dally, which y’all will hear in the coming months. Shit is crazy, but I don’t want to give too much away. Shout outs to Ibn Inglor, Benny Nice, and Black Ralphy’L for doing their thing with us too, you can expect to hear some work with them very soon.
[RH Premiere] Sey: "Is This Real?"
Chicago emcee Sey, knows a thing or two on the struggles that comes with being a young individual trying to maintain his life afloat while pursuing his dreams and in "Is This Real?", his latest solo release and a RH Premiere, he documents the ever-lasting journey that will take you through breakups, drug use, character traits, industry practices, being broke, killings, the desolate job market, backstabbers, and finding oneself. Production is handled by Fcuknormality, AX of TheDREAMERS, Dedication, TheCleanGeneration, JMSL, FXN & Kams, TRVWL, and Miles Davis.
[Video] In The Studio With Chance The Rapper and BJ The Chicago Kid
BJ The Chicago Kid was in from LA over the weekend and connected with Chance The Rapper to do a little work on Chance's forthcoming Acid Rap. Check out some of the behind the scenes footage from their recording session. Shot and chopped by Davy Greenberg. Acid Rap dropping soon.
[RH Premiere] ShowYouSuck: "Rap Game Karate" (prod by Zak Jablow)
"Rap Game Karate" is the first single from AEMMP Hip Hop's forthcoming compilation, The Prerequisite. The album features a great collection of Chicago Hip Hop artists, all compiled by the student run record label of Columbia College. The new record features ShowYouSuck, with production from Zak Jablow and it is quite the banger. The Prerequisite will be released on March 5th, and is the follow-up to last year's Class President, which introduced many to the production Thelonious Martin. Listen and download the song below, and stay tuned for more from AEMMP Hip Hop.
[Premiere] Dotkom x Japandrew: Daydreamer EP
Today we a are happy to premiere a new soulful EP from emcee Dotkom (1/2 of theWHOevers) and produced Japandrew (Vertual Vertigo). The two linked for this 7 track EP Daydreamer, a calm, 90s inspired offering. The EP is a perfect relief to the cold Chicago air, and lends itself to a long line of classic Chicago boom bap, and stays extremely cohesive with only one feature from J. Arthur (theWHOevers & Ezekiel 38. Stream and Download Daydreamer below, and be ready for much more from Helluva Year 2012 artists, theWHOevers in 2013.
[RH Premiere] Chase N Dough and Lezy: "Orchestra"
Chase N Dough has continued to prove his growth as a rising local artist, from producing for countless Chicago artists (King L, LEP, Sir Michael Rocks) he also has a strong mic presence (as seen on Orchestra), all while leading heading the SBSG movement. Today we are proud to premiere the Chase N Dough produced "Orchestra" feat. Lezy, a song in which Dough states he, "got inspiration for this track from wanting the listeners hear a different sound from me. I think it's time to jump into another lane of music. It features an artist in my camp(SBSG), his name is Lezy, a producer as well.' Dough noted a shift in his sound would come in our Record Producer interview, and today is a shining example. Be on the lookout for this on SBSG's upcoming Illiana compilation coming in Mid March as well his Dough's solo project Perfect Timing, due in February.