Juice Mazelee, D2G, OA Zaye
Every set is different from the last one. Juice Mazelee likes to deliver an intimate performance every-time he gets the chance. making everyone in the crowd feel like family. The idea behind it makes new family members not fans. That’s the mission. Chicago Hip-Hop Props Award-Winner Anthony Di’Angelo Ingram, Jr. or “D2G” as he’s called in the Hip-Hop scene, is a laborer in music all around. Growing up on the southeast side of Chicago, 2G would always relate any life situation to a song that would describe his emotion at the time. Inspired by artists like Rakim, KRS-One, and Slick Rick, he began writing at age 11 and would later transform his writings into songs. Graduating from Hyde Park Academy in 2005, he would find himself enrolled into Columbia College Chicago, where he became fascinated by the artistic environment. This atmosphere would later introduce 2G to various artists and producers. A focused emcee , D2G seeks to bring glory back to his hometown of Chicago and earn a rightful place among Hiphop’s elite. Since releasing his first solo project in 2011, The Blood Diamond Tape, and his first album in 2013, July 9th: A Cancer Story, D2G has been performing and promoting his music across the country. In 2015, he released his sophomore effort, Short Summers Long Winters, a project that solidified him as rising royalty in Chicago’s underground scene and helped him win the Props Award for Best Male Emcee. Determined to have another big year, the Chicago storyteller recently released his “audiofilm”, The 1st Hot Day EP and plans on following it up with That One Friday, another EP scheduled for release later this year. Fans of D2G should be excited as 2024 will be a year of greatness for this Chicago Hiphop fixture. OA Zaye makes smooth rap music about real life and relatable experiences that make you dance and listen at the same time. People are always excited when he performs because it’s immersive and authentic, he make everyone feel like they’re part of the show.
Young Wolf, Uncanny Snow, Corebot
Young Wolf is a dynamic and talented hip-hop artist known for his lyrical prowess and captivating stage presence. With a unique sound that blends modern beats with classic hip-hop influences, he quickly gained recognition in the music scene. His breakout single, “In Case You Didn’t,” featuring the legendary Jim Jones, has garnered widespread attention, showcasing his ability to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the industry. Young Wolf continues to make waves with his authentic style and dedication to the craft, solidifying his place as a rising star in hip-hop. Uncanny Snow is a dynamic artist known for his high-energy performances and unique blend of reggae-fusion and hip hop. With a commanding stage presence, he has captivated audiences across various venues, delivering an electrifying experience that blends rhythmic reggae grooves with the pulsating beats of hip hop. His innovative sound and infectious energy have made him a standout performer, earning him acclaim and a loyal following. Uncanny Snow’s music is a testament to his versatility and creativity, pushing the boundaries of genre and leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Corebot mixes everything from early 90s rap/hip-hop up to current trap and rap hits. But he throws an exotic spin on his sets by also including downtempo dub, house music, and glitch. He takes the audience on a journey that usually begins chill and ends with some bangers and setting the mood for the acts to follow or setting up an act with “tweener” sets. He includes original mash-ups and un-released tracks in my sets as well.
MC Homeless with DJ Halo, Coolzey, Mother Fortune
MC Homeless is a punk influenced rapper who is celebrating his new release with Kool Keith, Mushrooms and Acid. Coolzey’s sound encompases golden era hip-hop roots planted in black Iowa dirt and tempered by 90s alternative era rock influence yields a juxtaposition of the dark, horrific nature of life paired with a slapstick and comedic view of the world, allowing for a wide, unpredictable arsenal of material ranging from soul-spilling indie bedroom rock to wise-cracking battle rap and on to radio pop. Mother Fortune (MoFo) is an eclectic five-piece hip hop group based in Chicago whose funk, jazz, and soul influences drive their boisterous live sets, with vibes so good you’ll want to smack your mama–– or invite her to their next show. Made up of Shami and Moira, a dynamic rapper and vocalist duo, guitarist Cesar, bassist Tyler, and drummer Taskin, MoFo delivers everything from romantic lullabies to defiant, lyrical provocations. They promise to keep you on your toes with the quirky sensibilities of The Internet and Funkadelic-worthy breakdowns.
Paris Williams, Don’t Be Kendall, Devin
Gritty raps with the pretty tracks, Kansas City rapper Paris Williams is pioneering a bittersweet sound that is poised to live in headphones and speakers for years to come. Bursting onto the scene with his ambitious and forward thinking mixtape DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Williams immediately established himself as an artist full of creative ideas, and earned comparisons to the sounds of early Odd Future and Kevin Abstract releases from online blogs and forums. From there he pulled back to focus and refine his sound across tight EPs with 2020’s Cocoa and 2023’s Rebel Heart.devin. , a rapper coming from Northport, Alabama, and currently based in Chicago, has been on a journey trying to figure out the complexities of his identity and the world around him through his music. With a curiosity for playing with language, devin’s lyrics serve as a vehicle for introspection and understanding.
World Energy Corporation, tbd, tbd
“Slipknot meets Wu-Tang”
NOLAN THE NINJA, Judy, Paris Ye
Since 2019, NOLAN (also known as Nolan The Ninja) has been on a tear. He released his acclaimed full-length LP SPORTEE on Mello Music Group, including NOLAN’s breakthrough hit “Oranges”. NOLAN gained global recognition after performing Oranges on the popular music performance series COLORSxSTUDIOS. The Cali-born, Detroit-bred artist / producer has collaborated with some of rap’s most creative artists including Chuck Inglish of The Cool Kids, Quelle Chris, Homeboy Sandman, Chris Crack among others. His music has garnered critical praise from Pitchfork, Billboard, Vibe, HipHopDX, OkayPlayer, PassionWeiss & more.
Langston’s Hue – Chris Robbin’ (fka F.A.B.L.E.), Famous Tee, Dai
Blacc Kristoff, Viano and the Wave, CRASHprez, Gordon SKL
Blacc Kristoff (BK) is one of Chicago’s emerging music groups. Formed by rappers Shaun Peace, Super DaKario, and Sean 2g in 2017, BK is known for their genre bending fusion rap, tapping into influences from KAYTRANADA to Wu-Tang.
“Candy Sto”: Baldy Locs, Jovan Landry, and Mia Panic. With sounds by: SKOLi, K!te
The point of this show is to highlight women performers/djs and give it a seamless party/showcase with all high energy fun performers and DJs.
The Palmer Squares, Monopoly Money Tour featuring Fresh Kils, Spenny & Eric Gordon, Roshin
The Palmer Squares are a hip-hop duo from Chicago known for their off-the-wall rhyme patterns and long rap performances on YouTube shot in one take. Their debut album “FINNA” reached #18 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts (#13 in Canada) and they have been featured on notable releases from Umphrey’s McGee, Tropidelic and UBI.