It is so refreshing for Chicago to finally be getting some positive media coverage, isn’t it?
Today the Windy City welcomed home Little Leaguers, Jackie Robinson West with a parade leading to Millennium Park. Last weekend, the city welcomed another showcase of rising hip-hop talent positioned to take the music industry by storm.
Music industry veteran, Hustle Simmons presented another installment of, “Hustlepalooza: Hip-Hop Edition” at Reggie’s Rock Club. The event was hosted by Windy City Underground’s, JR Bang (congrats on the baby) and DJ Vic Lloyd provided the soundtrack for the evening. Before Nex2Kin and ScottyATL took the stage, dynamic performances were presented by Tony Stanza, Chris Crack and femcee K. Valentine, holding it down for the ladies.
The “I Ain’t Wit It” duo, Nex2Kin, whose video has been in heavy rotation on MTV, sat down for an interview explaining that particular single was a direct result of their frustration of the acquittal charges of Trayvon Martin last year. Interestingly, the song is still relevant more than a year later as the country continues to shake their head at the Mike Brown slaying in Ferguson, Missouri.
In case you’ve been under a rock for the last 100 years (or more), there seems to be a pattern of criminalizing young black men in this country.
Atlanta-bred rapper ScottyATL also got a chance to share how he’d like to make a difference in the world through his music. His faith has played a major role in his life and career and he hopes to continue making industry connections with veterans like Simmons.
Though the artists at the showcase were all diverse, they all had at least two things in common: a passion for hip-hop and much respect for Hustle Simmons. Simmons consistently laments he simply wants to amplify the already present talent of young, hungry artists and put on for the city of Chicago.
Check the interviews out here:
[jwplatform qPMXqUgY]
[jwplatform MJsBlEBw]
