storytelling

Bad Boy records vs. Death Row Records, the era, the rivalry, that brought us Lil Kim, Biggie, Tupac, Puff Daddy, Salt-n-Papa, Doug E Fresh, Run-DMC just to name a few. The evolution of Hip-hop at the time was massive. For me being only three I cannot imagine the excitement and feelings people had at the time. Early on New York and LA made their mark in the music industry. Atlanta rising through the ranks, artists like T.I. and, recently Migos showing love to Atlanta it brings me to the question of, Where does Chicago fall into the mix? Chicago is rising through the ranks in the music industry introducing us to Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, Tink G Herbo, and Lil Durk are some of the known artists but what about the ones trying to establish their spots in the music industry.

Mikey

Originating from the Southside of Chicago he is inspired by Asap Mob and Currensy he finds being an Artist from Chicago is fun but at times challenging. “It is so many greats from the city, and it is so much undiscovered talent here so competing against that is what makes it challenging, yet fun” His genre is straight-up hip-hop, the feel-good kind of music with lyrical kicks here and there. “S..t that makes you wanna have a good time” The feedback keeps him going; the support of people seeing the potential in his records. Mikey says his motivations are ultimately being able to perform. “Being on stage gets me on another level that I do not want to leave, so I constantly work on my craft to make sure I stay on these stages.”

Samkul
Leading the cultural movement “AfroTrap” music he does not want to be put in a specific genre just yet because he is still evolving as an artist, although he is known to have Afrobeat and dancehall genres of music. His motivation comes from a vast range of producers and whatever mood he is in when he writes. He likes to one day collaborate with the likes of Justin Bieber and Kanye West. His motivation comes from the support and successes of the music he already has released. “ My song “Juice” is one of the songs at the beginning of my career to really get a huge following”. His music is now being played in Nigeria on their music video channel.

Tiara Déshane

Acoustic Soul, jazz funky, hip-hop inspired artist from Chicago Tiara believes, ”Being an artist overall involves a lot of dedication, wherever you are.” His inspiration comes from the need to find ways to express herself. She never had to think about being an artist he was second nature to her; it came naturally. Her musical influences are Aaliyah Prince, Jill Scott, and so many others the list goes on and on. “I am motivated most by knowing there has been a purpose for me, and knowing that the more I strive to be that, I accept myself and my flaws,” she says. She also feels that although Chicago is dense with a lot of dense artists it is pretty cool to watch from the outside, but also being able to find her own space within. Chicago is full of talented rising and established artists. They are showing the world that you do not have to be from New York or LA to succeed or even Atlanta. Many people can be inspired by just realizing you can come from anywhere; with the drive and talent, there is no telling how far you can go.