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Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley might want to check over his shoulder for Jabari “Naledge” Evans. As one-half of the critically acclaimed rap duo, Kidz in the Hall, and purveyor of culture in the Windy City, Naledge touts himself as “the voice of Chicago.” Rolling out recently caught up with the MC to discuss his new CD, Chicago Picasso, and the South Shore native’s Chi-Town favorites. Out of towners – take note! –gavin philip godfrey
Favorite Chicago Sports Team: “My favorite team to root for in Chicago is the White Sox — hands down. I played baseball in college, I’m a South-sider. Chicago White Sox all the way.”
Favorite Chicago Dish: “If I had to do something that was representative of the city it would be one of two things — it would be either Lou Menalti’s deep dish pizza … [or] maybe I would take somebody to get a hot dog, a Chicago-style hot dog up in Wrigleyville. If you want to get hood, you can’t lose on Harold’s Chicken. My frat brother has a spot called Quench Soul Express [and] the food is stupendous.”
Favorite Chicago Tradition: “The Taste of Chicago — you look forward to it the most. Sometimes you can’t get around to it – at least I can’t because I travel – so sometimes I’ve missed it. … Now that I’m here, the Taste is on!”
Favorite Local Hero Other Than Barack Obama: “Walter Payton or Harold Washington. A lot of people don’t realize Harold Washington precedes Barack Obama as far as I’m concerned. He was the first black mayor and I just remember everybody being so happy when he was in office — not just black people — everybody was supremely happy. He was the gateway to what’s going on right now. When you see your Bobby Rush’s, Jesse Jackson’s, Jesse Jackson Jr. [and] all of the African-Americans who ended up getting into office and doing different things, I feel like it all stems from the Harold Washington era. Now, we’re in the Daley era, but the Harold Washington era is almost legendary, it’s something that is spoken about by older people. You couldn’t not feel that buzz and that excitement about the city.”
Most Overrated Chicago Tourist Attractions: “The Sears Tower is very overrated. … It’s high up, sure. You take the elevator up and your ears pop and [that’s cool]. The Skydeck [restaurant] is really not that dope. Another thing that’s overrated is Gino’s Pizza. It’s not bad food, it’s just for what you’re paying and how long you might be waiting in line — it’s kind of overrated.”
