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.
Taylor Bennett: "Ballin"
Yesterday, Chicago's latest up and comer, Taylor Bennett, celebrated his 18th birthday with the Hypetrak premier of his latest track, "Ballin," due out on his anticipated 2014 project, Mainstream Music. The follow-up to last month's debut single "Heartbreaker," Bennett is proving that there is more to him than his older brother (Chance The Rapper).
He's a mile-a-minute on the haunting Saint The Good Boy beat, tossing together rhymes in rapid-fire succession while allowing listeners to digest his thought-provoking and insightful bars he's throwing at them. It's equal parts Twista and Lupe as he churns his way through the track. Check out the latest from Taylor Bennett from yourself, streaming below.
Kenna & RJD2: "Imitation is Suicide" (Chapter 3)
Kenna has been on a marathon of music over the past four months as he has worked on his Imiation is Suicide music series which saw the blossoming artist team up with several acts, including Childish Gambino, who he recorded the track "Relations" with. For the past couple weeks we have been teasing the third chapter in Kenna's series as he has worked with DJ-juggernaut RJD2. Today, they released their three-song EP that serves as the final installment of what has been one of the more interesting and open-minded series of music releases to come about recently. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance", Kenna set out to pull from a multitude of different mediums and genres to create his eclectic mix of sounds across 12 brand new, original tracks that act as a lead-up to his upcoming full-length album due out in 2014. One of the beautiful thing about the Internet and the world we live in today is that collaborations like these can happen so seamlessly, at the benefit of everyone who gets to listen. Take some time out of your day to groove along with D2 and Kenna, stream below.
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[Mixtape] Scheme & DJ Scend: "Pocket Full of Pesos"
Scheme and DJ Scend have kept hotness coming from Chicago for a minute now, and today return with their latest offering, Pocket Full of Pesos, the duo's first foray into an dual-language project that is as uniquely diverse as it is in its creative intonations and ability to pull from so many influences for the wordplay. Truly the essence of hip-hop, Scheme & DJ Scend took time to put together Pocket Full of Pesos, last dropping tracks and songs back in 2012, but the work is well worth the wait as each side of the pair is in their own workable place that comes together for one of the more impressive releases from Scheme & DJ Scend. Check out the full project below.
[Mixtape] Netherfriends: "Beats in Bed"
Production wizard Netherfriends doesn't exactly have a bed right now. Having spent the past month or so on the road touring America with Rich Jones and currently in the midst of what he calls an "endless tour" that has spanned three years, a bed is more of a luxury than an expectation. It is because of this reason that, after returning to Chicago for two weeks not moving anywhere, he was so excited to spend some time relaxing in his girlfriend's bed after she left for work each day. In his words, "She would go to work during the day and because I didn't have a winter coat, I never wanted to leave the house... or the bed."
Thus, Beats in Bed was made. Ever pumping out new creative content, Netherfriends was able to craft a project that is centered loosely around Ethiopian Jazz samples while adding the drum sequences live from on top of the sheets. As for what's on the horizon: "I have a new single from my first studio album P3ACE. The song is called Joey Vision. It's the most epic song about mediocrity. Plus 6 Kind Of Buzzed volumes that I still need to release. I am heading to Austin in December to mix and finish my garage rock album Logan Square and Kanye sample album Netherfriends Goes West." Netherfriends has been crisscrossing the country for awhile now, spreading funky tunes far and wide, he deserved a rest, we're just lucky he doesn't stop working when does so. Check out "Beats in Bed" below.
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[Mixtape] Aaron Cohen: "Potential Fans"
Seattle native and current Brooklyn resident Aaron Cohen dropped his latest offering, Potential Fans on the luckiest day of the year (11/11). If you have been paying attention to RubyHornet lately, you've certainly seen plenty of the Mishka-clas white kid with a beard that will put your No Shave November attempt to shame. Cohen has made a name for himself with a different, steady-handed flow that has garnered him fans on both sides of the country. His latest release comes on the heels of several well-received singles and videos like "Stanley Kubrick", "My Mother and My Music" and the recently released, "Nickvanexelrose". Cohen, along with hisInner City Kids squad are most definitely on their grind right now and Potential Fans is just the kind of release he and his team need to keep the upward climb moving. Expect plenty more from Aaron Cohen and keep it locked to RH for more coverage coming soon.
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[Album] The Palmer Squares: "Finna"
The Palmer Squares have been building up their profile in Chicago for awhile now. Don't believe me? Go to any show Acumental and Terminal Knowledge are performing at, and you'll see the large crowds of Palmer Squares fans that are there specifically for them. Finally, the duo have released their first full-length album to collect all of their songs into one nice and neat project.
If you're not familiar with The Palmer Squares, Finna serves as the perfect primer for any curious listeners. Their songs are far away from the popular Chicago drill sound for a sound that harkens back to 90s hip hop that focused more on lyrical abilities than party anthems. Of course, that's not to say there aren't some party bangers on Finna. Joining the two are other local rappers Kembe X, Saba, and ProbCause.
Check Finna out below. If you want to learn more, you can check out the official Palmers Square website. The Palmer Squares' next Chicago show will be at Cafe Mustache this Saturday with Black Matt (LOD!), Lamon Manuel, Ill Legit + EST85, Jams Dean, and a DJ set from Fess Grandiose. They also have a show at Lincoln Hall on November 14th with Taylor Bennett, ProbCause, Caleb James, DGainz, and more.
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[Mixtape] Been Trill Presents..."In The Field" (Vol. 1-3)
The Been Trill conglomerate compiled over 88 songs from a wide range of sounds and vibes for a refreshing new mix that will surely get any party bumping. Most of the tracks featured In The Field are previously released records that have proven themselves in clubs, events and house parties, but there are also a few exclusive gems such as Chief Keef & Wiz Khalifa's collaboration, "Rider". If you trying to get through this cold Monday, In The Field should do the trick.