First off, a huge shout out to @Gawdemcee and Clyptobeats for putting out an incredible track. Next, Shabazza and APJ Films lost their minds on this one, an eleven minute movie featuring some of the illest Chicago artists, including:
When we started Beats, Beds & Browns, we needed to talk to people. It was the height of Covid and as an extrovert, I was dying… I needed to get out and work on something fun amidst all the stress.
Season 1 got under way and we interviewed @amearlymorning, little did we know the momentum he was manifesting in the Chicago Hip Hop scene. Concerts at Magoo’s, Bourbon on Division, Exit Saloon and more… We connected beyond the interview and I returned the support he showed in participating with the show from the jump. He’s one of the hardest working artists in the business.
Another Season 1 All Star, Julian Love @jloveraps recommended his guy Ju Jilla who was an amazing interview in Season 2. Mind you, we were still doing live tapings in Indiana at this point. These guys were all supporting me before Beats, Beds & Browns knew what we were. Season 4, we were able to interview Rufus Sims and also attend many of his shows. The New Chicago Wave is more than just a talent surge in the city, but a positive momentum that can mean nothing short of a complete takeover of the national rap scene. These artists are grinding, collaborating and polishing their craft together, realizing the potential in each of them and uniting in some serious come together, Voltron type vibes. Regardless of what my character in the video says, this community of artists cannot be stopped.
We’ll never forget the support of these artists. I tell everyone we interview, you’re part of the family now. If there’s anything I can do for you, don’t hesitate to ask.
Meanwhile, we were learning about IAmGawd, Vic Spencer, and Panamera P through shows around the city. The power of live shows and Spotify to advance local artists is really an integral part of how we identify future candidates to interview, we can learn about them, listen to their polished studio releases and stay on top of their live performances. What a great time to be a fan of underground Chicago Hip hop.
So, fast forward to just wrapping Season 4, we weren’t able to make it work with Pano, Vic and Gawd for this season, but I get a request to help out with a video (The Bloodstained Suede II Remix). A few texts back and forth about vests and airsoft pistols, and I was in. Arriving on shoot day amidst a grey, lazy rain. We got going and it was one man and a camera, run and gun video capture. APJ was behind the cam and Shabazza was assisting in directing and providing a pro’s eye in framing some of the incredible shots featured in the video. They were really a great team and I hope to see more of their work.
In an abandoned warehouse, each artist claimed their background, from the gated and walled room Pano raps in to the Game of Thrones style chair Ju Jilla selected, everyone got a unique backdrop personally suited to their style.
DannyOnionz and I were the Feds and I assumed we’d be relegated to the chopping block outside of a few brief clips. I can’t believe how we are included in the video, a real cool thing that definitely wasn’t on my bucket list.
With a listening party at Renaissance Chicago to preview the video, we got to hear the backstory and artists inspiration for the entire album. I feel like Chicago was in the building between the performers, fans and other media professionals. This release is being done right and the whole team should be proud of the drop.
Bottom line, we couldn’t be more energized to have been included in the video and promotion and look forward to continuing to interview your favorite emerging hip hop artists, from Chicago, The New Wave, and beyond.
Tap in and let us know your thoughts on the album. You can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/album/3ckZEC7SoXYJLW71QJzR69?si=tyHyUSsaR2qmHLtTMzp8Rw&nd=1&dlsi=1cc0e82e6a4a4cfd