Top Chicago Rappers of 2013
Chicago hip-hop has enjoyed a certain popularity increase over the past couple of years. Where 2012 saw the rise of Chief Keef and "Drill", 2013 brought about a new flavor as listeners from across the country, initially hooked by the drill sound, began to explore the vibrantly eclectic different sides of the city and variety of sounds that make up what is the flourishing Chicago scene today. With seemingly everyone's eyes on the Midwest and so many talented artist rising from the area, we decided to compile a list of the top hip-hop artists from Chicago that had the biggest years in 2013. We based our decisions off of releases, co-signs, shows/tours and general influence throughout to put together who we thought had the best top to bottom 12 month cycles since this time last year. You may not agree with all of our decisions, so let us know in the comments. Without further ado, I give you the Chicago's hip-hop artists that elevated their game the most in 2013.
R. Kelly: "My Story Remix" (feat. Katie Got Bandz & Rockie Fresh)
So, R. Kelly spent his weekend similarly to how you would expect R. Kelly to spend a weekend; casually dry humping Lady Gaga on national television in front of a shocked Saturday Night Live audience. He also dropped a song with South American graffiti-king Justin Bieber. Clearly getting back into the spotlight, the Pied Piper made sure to brings things back to that "Chi-Town dirt" with his remix of the Summer Chi anthem featuring fellow locals Rockie Fresh and Katie Got Bandz. Its an impressive cosign for the city's vibrant hip-hop scene that Kellz dropped the original 2 Chainz feature in favor of Katie and Rockie. Check out the song below and cop that Black Panties release on December 10.
[Video] Rockie Fresh & Casey Veggies Announce Joint Mixtape
Casey Veggies and Rockie Fresh took to MTV yesterday to announce a collaborative mixtape between the two artists, dropping towards the end of the year. Fans are probably already aware of the fact that the Chicago and L.A. natives have been working together for years and their chemistry is one of the best in the industry, so this announcement is very promising of dope music being made! The 'tape is tentatively entitled Fresh Veggies and will be presented by Puma.
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Lili K: "Something Special"
Who's your something special? Sultry soul songstress Lili K shares with us a song about her personal "Something Special." Taking Rockie Fresh's "Something Special" off of his Electric Highway, Lili leaves her own stamp on the song's instrumental with production and mixing help from The Upper Classmen and Elton Cheung at Classick Studios. Burn "Something Special" on to a CD, walk over to your loved one's house, and hold a boombox over your head to show them they're your own something special.
[Video] Rockie Fresh Premieres New Song In London
In support of MMG's Self Made 3 release, Rockie Fresh has been touring as an opening act for Mac Miller in Europe. Last Thursday he took to London to premiere a brand new track that will most likely end up in his forthcoming project. The track was produced by his DJ, Lpeezy and Lozza Music was on the scene to capture the moment. Check it out below.
http://youtu.be/ct-B6BtE8LM
[Video] Rockie Fresh: "Panera Bread" (Feat. Rick Ross & Lunice)
Photo by Virgil Solis
Rockie Fresh released the visual for "Panera Bread" off his Birthday Tape EP featuring Rick Ross and Lunice. Ross' Self Made 3 drops tomorrow, so it's appropriate that the video find its way to fans when it did now that Rockie is on Rozay's Maybach Music Group. Check out the video below and keep it posted for more from Rockie soon.
Directed by Dre Films & animated by Chicago's own Bono Nikolic.
http://youtu.be/SpEWZrREFYA
Vic Mensa: "Time Is Money" (feat. Rockie Fresh & Beldina)
Vic Mensa keeps his hot-streak of great releases going with "Time Is Money", the latest single from the highly-anticipated INNANETAPE. Featuring Rockie Fresh & Beldina, you can jot down another W for the SaveMoney team. Production by Boi-1da and The Maven Boys.
Giftz: "Fuck Em All" (feat. King Louie & Rockie Fresh)
Three of Chicago's finest get together for an unapolagetic middle-finger anthem, which you can stream below. Giftz, King Louie & Rockie Fresh really mean it when they say "Fuck Em All" over production by the talented C-Sick, who might be the most versatile producer in Chicago at the moment. This is the first official drop from Giftz' upcoming Position Of Power project, stay tuned for that!