The **Respect The Mic** concert series will have its farewell and 15th show on Friday, Nov 21st at 9pm at Shrine Chicago, located 2109 South Wabash. This farewell will mark 15 successful shows and celebrate a concert series aimed at using respect as a mainstay to highlight new music. The concert series, which began in Chicago in late summer 2011 with the intention of popularizing the concept of ‘Respect’ and creating paid performance opportunities for local artists in Chicago, is Chicago’s longest running event series dedicated to the advancement of local hip-hop artistry. Per their Facebook page, Respect the Mic has cash-flowed over $140,000.00, sold over 8,700 tickets, and provided 180 opportunities for artist in Chicago to perform and be paid.
For each show, all artists on the billing were issued 50+ tickets at a wholesale rate to sell and keep the profit. Artist were also aggressively promoted, cleverly marketed, and given a space and place to rehearse for the show. Prior to Respect the Mic, also know as RTM, promoters would book local talent as fillers, encourage them to bring all of their fans, and then charge each person at the door accordingly. Only a few artists would be allowed to share in the profit, which made RTM’s practice of sharing profits with EVERY performer something that revolutionized the game in terms of artists showcases. RTM made strides with its groundbreaking format, while earning a name for itself around the city.
“There’s nothing more to do once the goal of greatness has been reached . . . Chicago deserves and new Hip Hop philosophy and its time to turn the page”, says Carter of Respect Chicago.
“We are far from sad to say farewell, because we high-handedly reshaped the way Chicago defines respect”, says Ralph Mcconnell of Respect Chicago. He added “At every show, on every flyer, from the stage to the crowd, respect was the guiding-light. It was shown throughout the entire concert series all 15 shows.”
All 15 Respect the Mic shows were owned and curated by Respect Chicago (RC). Produced by Vallinda Goldsmith, Ralph Mcconnell and Phalair Carter, these founding members have made sure that the brand and its mission stayed congruent with its title. . .Respect the Mic. The RTM finale has a few returning artist and several new comers, including Prafase, Hanibl Phee, Y Millie, Walter J Liveharder, Johnny Awwsome, Notrydo.Sincere and the Survivalists, as well as new artists RNR, Miracle, Saint the Good Boy and the homeless rapper sensation SoLow Redline.
Slots are still available. Interested artists should text Phee at 312 810 0806. Check the video to see some how RTM’s hosts and artists are preparing for the show.
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