@__babyskeet is ready to Spin.

@__babyskeet is ready to Spin.

@__babyskeet is ready to Spin.

STL native, Baby Skeet is ready to "Spin" until the wheels fall off. The catchy single and accompanying Vickmont Films directed video are burning up the streets and internet. Skeet has been plying his trade in cities across the Midwest to bring awareness to his latest drop. Check out the video below and make sure to follow @__babyskeet on all your favorite social media platforms.

 

7:11 PM 0

@misterzone4 knows how to show some Passionate Love

@misterzone4 knows how to show some Passionate Love

@misterzone4 knows how to show some Passionate Love

 

@misterozone4 a.k.a Sensai Doog is one of the game's hardest working rappers. Dropping not one, but two full length projects on the same day, Doog puts his versatility on full display with Passionate Love. Taking a different approach and with a clear aim toward music for the ladies the Sensai uses this album to show off seldom seen vulnerabilities. Passionate Love serves as the blueprint to a Zoo Cru members heart. 

Check out the entire Passionate Love album below, plus a preview to Off The Scale. 

11:11 AM 0

@Jay2AintShit delivers his new video "February".

@Jay2AintShit delivers his new video "February".

@Jay2AintShit delivers his new video "February".

 

After a short break from the music game, Chicago native, Jay2 delivers his new single and video, February. The single can be found on Jay's recently released Send Heartss project. The song serves as a time capsule capturing a specific day, time and the emotional state of Jay2's love interest. Catch the video below and make sure to stay up to date with Jay2 across all your favorite social media platforms. 

2:58 PM 0

@Cornbread217 knows how to get "Fly".

@Cornbread217 knows how to get "Fly".

@Cornbread217 knows how to get "Fly".

 

Midwest rapper/prodcuer/musician @cornbread217 has been honing his craft for well over 15 years. With a multitude of project releases, stage performances, and collaborations the Illinois stalwart already has a lengthy resumé. The ever-evolving artist continues his growth with the release of Negro's and Jazz the full length LP that spawned the single"Fly". "Fly" at it's essence is a song about marijuana but the r&b vibe and trippie video make it more of an experience. Check out the video here and get your head right with one of the Midwest's most well known smokers, @cornbread217. 

11:44 AM 0

Knuck and DZY know exactly when to "Come and Go".

Knuck and DZY know exactly when to "Come and Go".

Knuck and DZY know exactly when to "Come and Go".

 

Illinois rappers and frequent collaborators, Knuck and DZY deliver another new single and video with Come and Go. Trusting people is never easy and this duo lays out their reasons for keeping their respective circles small. Elijah Settles handles the camera work for Come and Go.

6:13 PM 0

@misterzone4 knows his name holds weight.

@misterzone4 knows his name holds weight.

@misterzone4 knows his name holds weight.

 

@misterzone4 aka Sensai Doog delivers his latest offering My Name Holds Weight. The Illinois native is known for weaving intricate tales of street life and a life on the grind. Having established himself as a force on the music scene with singles like,"Mula is My Bride" (The El Chapo Ztory) and "College Drip" with Benji Vinze (Zlatt Season). The new project continues in the same vein with standout singles "Memory Lane" and "Krankin' Fiend" proving that Doogie is only getting better with each project. With upcoming shows and releases from the camp planned the Zu Cru Zillionaires are setting the tone for a major push in 2021. 

Check out My Name Holds Weight on all major streaming platforms. The El Chapo Ztory  is also live everywhere! 

5:08 AM 0

@JaccBreeze is "So Numb".

@JaccBreeze is "So Numb".

@JaccBreeze is "So Numb".

 

Midwestern rapper/crooner Jacc Breeze continues his heavy 2020 release schedule. Jacc delivers his heartfelt single So Numb. Bringing his singing voice to the forefront while giving a glimpse into the troubles he faces Jacc, enlists Twenty One Seven Studios to bring his vision to life. 

5:44 AM 0

@the_kid_wicked delivers his latest offering "Let It Ride".

@the_kid_wicked delivers his latest offering "Let It Ride".

@the_kid_wicked delivers his latest offering "Let It Ride".

Wicked Sweet has been taking his time crafting his sound. The Jacksonville, IL native is ready to set the world ablaze with his latest offering Let It Ride. Sporting 6 tracks and clocking in a a tidy 20 minutes, makes this an easy ride to get into. The project is available on all streaming platforms. Follow @the_kid_wicked for updates on new releases and performances.

Click Here to listen to Let It Ride.

9:49 AM 0

New Mixtape - Dunk "Trappa Talk" hosted by @DjJuiceOrtiz

New Mixtape - Dunk "Trappa Talk" hosted by @DjJuiceOrtiz

New Mixtape - Dunk "Trappa Talk" hosted by @DjJuiceOrtiz

Coming from very humble beginnings, Dunk has transitioned into one of the premier artists in his region. Determined to make his way out of troubled situations, he put his mind to his grind and began releasing tracks. Wanting to make his way out of the streets, Dunk released his debut full length mixtape, Trappa Talk hosted by Midwest Connectz own Dj Juice Ortiz. Dunk delivers the details of his life in audio form. With tracks like "11hunnit Facts", "Sleepless Nights", and his hit single "Trappa Talk" he describes very vividly his experiences and what he’s willing to do to take his career and his life to the next level. This project is sure to be one that will stand the test of time, due to its authenticity and naturally organic feel. Check out the tape below!

 

1:42 PM 0

New Chicago Music Blog Re-Launch!

New Chicago Music Blog Re-Launch!

New Chicago Music Blog Re-Launch!

Chi Bangerz

Midwest - Chicago Hiphop Blog

ChicagoBangerz.com

9:27 PM 0

@Cornbread217's "Blowin' Trees" gets the visual treatment.

@Cornbread217's "Blowin' Trees" gets the visual treatment.

@Cornbread217's "Blowin' Trees" gets the visual treatment.

Cornbread217 is making 2019 his year. After the release of new singles in the first two months of the new year he's back again with a brand new video. Linking with Jayy Wills Ent for the visuals, the artist known as the Trash Panda brings his super lyrical weed ode to life.

7:21 AM 0

@XtortionThaDon get's the world ready with a little "Pregasm".

@XtortionThaDon get's the world ready with a little "Pregasm".

@XtortionThaDon get's the world ready with a little "Pregasm".

Xtortion The Don is known as one of the most exciting lyricists to step in the booth. The Indiana native's rapid fire, punchline heavy style has always translated well no matter the backdrop. Crafting classic material has always been the intent, and the "Pregasm" mixtape is a prime of example of that dedication. 

The "Pregasm" serves as the appetizer to the main course that is the "Eargasm" which is slated for a 2019 release date. Taking on some of Hip Hop's biggest singles including "Bad and Bougee" (Differences), "Gin and Juice" ( I Getz Busy) and "Controlla" featuring his AMG/Blackhood label mate Dre Madison allow X to flex his creativity over some of music's most unique productions. With a style rich in both substance and wordplay X deftly crafts rhymes that will easily stand the test of time. The project is almost a year old and holds it's own against any new releases. 

If wetting the appetite was the plan, Xtortion delivered on all fronts. Clocking in at ten tracks allows for a full listen while still leaving room to digest the next release. Whether taking it light and speaking to the ladies like "Playing Games" with Dre Madison or putting rappers in their place like "BARS", Xtotion let's it be known that not only is he here for the long haul but everyone should be eagerly awaiting their chance for an "Eargasm".

1:16 PM 0

@DeezyDaPaperboy is "The Midwest Miracle".

@DeezyDaPaperboy is "The Midwest Miracle".

@DeezyDaPaperboy is "The Midwest Miracle".

Creating timeless music, putting on amazing live shows, and providing a platform for other artists to shine are only part of what makes Deezy Da Paperboy  "The Midwest Miracle." Making the transition from full time recording artist to executive is a move not everyone is equipped for. Deezy not only made the move, but has excelled in his new position. Da Paperboy has become a known commodity in the world of Midwest Hip Hop with his brand of high energy, potent rhymes and his affinity for banging beats. His latest release The Midwest Miracle serves as a reminder that even in his new position as a label head, music is the number 1 priority. Keeping it short and sweet with only 5 tracks, the energy remains high with singles like "Trap" and "Blessed Up". "Quick Notes" serves as a road map through the thought process of the talented emcee and "Light The Sky" featuring Alexa Redd showcases both his songwriting ability and the talent that brought Alexa into the Paperboy Entertainment fold. With plans to tour in the first quarter of 2019 and new singles and releases planned for the rest of 2019 it's only a matter of time before one the Midwest's best delivers yet another miracle. 

The Midwest Miracle is now available on all major digital retailers. 

4:20 AM 0

@2.20mobcityent wants you to catch up "Before It's Too Late".

@2.20mobcityent wants you to catch up "Before It's Too Late".

@2.20mobcityent wants you to catch up "Before It's Too Late".

2.20, pronounced Two point Twenty holds it down for the Mob City Ent. fam on Before It's Too Late. Sporting 14 tracks and only a single feature 2.20 shows his versatility as the project builds. Taking on some popular beats as well as original productions allows for the emcee to show he belongs alongside the biggest names in the game. Looking to make 2019 his year, the Illinois rapper is already booking 1st quarter tour dates and prepping a new release. Make sure to catch up with 2.20 Before It's Too Late.  

7:46 AM 0

@compositioncmusic dives the depths of fatherhood on "The Moon".

@compositioncmusic dives the depths of fatherhood on "The Moon".

@compositioncmusic dives the depths of fatherhood on "The Moon".

Fatherhood is one of the deepest and most complex relationships a man can have. Composition C takes the subject head on in his brand new single, "The Moon". Shedding light on the emotional toll being responsible for another life can take on a person and the effects it has on the spirit, C does his best to be open. With over a decade of crafting music Composition C is ready to bring his brand of creativity to the masses. Catch up with C on all of your favorite social media networks and check out "The Moon" right here.

youtube.com/compositionc

twitter.com/composition_c

soundcloud.com/compositionc
instagram.com/compositioncmusic

10:56 AM 0

Prince Cash takes on "Quiet Storm".

Prince Cash takes on "Quiet Storm".

Prince Cash takes on "Quiet Storm".

Jacksonville, Illinois isn't the place you think of when you think of hardcore rap but Prince Cash is aiming to change that. Taking on the Mobb Deep classic "Quiet Storm" the young emcee barely takes a breath as he threatens opp after opp, while painting the picture of what it's like growing up in the streets. Catch Cash performing as part of the upcoming Midwest Industry Insiders promotional tour hitting Wooster Ohio, Springfield, Il, and St. Louis, MO.

1:15 PM 0

@Official_Plug drops his latest single "Bel- Air".

@Official_Plug drops his latest single "Bel- Air".

@Official_Plug drops his latest single "Bel- Air".

All Good Plug wasn't always all good. The talented emcee takes us on a walk through some of his darker days. Losing loved ones, never being financially stable, and living in a hotel room can have a serious effect on one's psyche, but Plug kept his head up and found a way to make it all good. 

7:22 PM 0

FEATURE ARTICLE>> The D in GOOD Music | A Midwest Mindset by Omega McBride

FEATURE ARTICLE>> The D in GOOD Music | A Midwest Mindset by Omega McBride

FEATURE ARTICLE>> The D in GOOD Music | A Midwest Mindset by Omega McBride

The D in GOOD Music
A Midwest Mindset by @OmegaMcBride

“Collecting everything overdue, for all the work that I overdid, D -Town but Chi-Town they love me like I’m Oprah kid. 

Tryna make it to the top so I can let my dogs know it exist ‘Cause when you come from the bottom man it’s so hard to just get a glimpse”

-Big Sean (Higher)

Had a hunch, a few months back. Something was coming. There’d be a bit of a rumble in the industry or something. A Tupac sighting would pan out to be legit and he’d drop the most fire mixtape, ever, with zero features but a bonus track with Eminem would appear and the world would go nuts! Not really exactly sure what was expected to act as inspiration to be compelling and write but the initial intention was to cover an artist from the Midwest whose impact has been notable, someone the people would want to read about, gain a clear insight on what’s being said about a dope artist here on USA Music Review, in 2018.



Big Sean - Detroit

Looking at the time past, as Spring has transitioned its way into what we hope will blossom into a beautiful Summer for us all, this article was at first hoped to have been written, edited and shared with readers months ago. However, as fate would have it, we meet again at this precisely appointed time in history, Hip Hop and GOOD music culture for GOOD reason. However, with all due respect to the powers that be, it’s not about what’s occurring in the music industry right now for example: the 7 song Classic - laced albums being released in the month of June produced by GOOD Music imprint Founder Kanye West (35 tracks, 5 artists - Teyona Taylor, Nas, Pusha T, Kid Cudi & Mr. West himself), that really jumps out or raises eyebrows of amazement but rather more so what and who isn’t in music news, yet plays an intricate part in the make-up of this legendary Empire of a collective that is GOOD Music. That what and who specifically refers to the once in a lifetime wordsmith of a gift that is most definitely The D in GOOD Music, Big Sean.

photo by Rebloggy

With the recent successes of his label mates & GOOD Music associates, to dismiss or take for granted the most recent major music accomplishments of Detroit’s Mr. Sean Michael Leonard Anderson would be a super disrespectful. Yes, indeed, it’s forever dope to be alive to see Nasty Nasir actually have his album done/out, or half done (7 songs, lol), while witnessing the iconic Kid Cudi who met Kanye by no coincidence in a record store actually come back to join forces with the idol or mentor he left to pursue his own path. Nevertheless, it’s also extremely difficult to ignore The D’s Flagship – Key to the City holding QB who has held it down for the GOOD Music imprint, his City & Hip Hop during a time where not only Hip hop but music in general has been in a very transitional space. In the midst of mass conformity, monotone creativity & more cuts than usual selling us similar subject references, Big Sean somehow found a way to strengthen his strategy, spitting real shit while not losing his audience in the method or message of his delivery. Genius?

In 2015 and 2017, Big Sean “kept it a hunid and never changed”, releasing back to back Number 1 Platinum selling albums Dark Sky Paradise and I Decided, respectively. To have accomplished this in a streaming age where album sells are said to be steadily declining along with active creative inspiration in Hip Hop Music, one might be pretty intrigued to realize that Big Sean has been able to stay ferociously relevant 10 years in. The fact is, once Finally Famous, the “Blessed” artist told us almost immediately afterward that his Hall of Fame induction to be one of the best “wasn’t luck, it was destined”. Having already shown extreme excellence in character as well as his craft early on, Sean has always seemed to have had his sights on building something bigger, being someone greater than simply Number 1 on the Charts, since walking while freestyling for Mr. West at a popular radio station in The D.

Conversely, back in Big Sean’s hometown, the City of Detroit has been categorized by consensus as between Number 1 & 3 on the list of Top 10 Cities in violence & murders. Helping to combat this with maintaining more options in the city, Big Sean’s Charity “The Sean Anderson Foundation” has begun to host an Annual event called “Detroit’s On Now”. As the City begins to reestablish itself and grow, this year’s events put on by the Sean Anderson Foundation were to raise proceeds that would help the Hitsville Motown Museum expand along with City and not be forgotten overtime, having been the launching pad for so many artists whom influenced Big Sean such as: Marvin Gaye. The Temptations. Big Sean is also serving on the board amongst the Motown Museum's National Legacy council.

Photo by wikiwand

Salute to Big Sean. Shoot him a tweet with an encouraging word. Hit him on IG with an emoji. Quote a lyric or few lines of his on Facebook. He’s one of the best doing it, on and off the court, i.e. in and out of the booth. After battling with a semi severe case of personal anxiety and depression, Big Sean has been quoted as saying that he canceled his latest Tour back in February as a way to get away, taking to care of himself. Although no official music titles nor cover art has surface, he is currently working on the “best sounding music of his career” he said in a recent interview with FOX News, will record portions of it at Motown Studios and is also making a lot of positive noise back home, in The D.

With GOOD Music’s First Lady Teyana Taylor grabbing hearts and ears around the world with her 7 – song KTSE album release to end out the month of June, appreciating the moment these brilliant minds are creating for the music game, this year, is a must. At the same time, its dope to know that although pretty quiet right now while his GOOD Music family unites to take the Industry by storm as he did last year, a multi-platinum artist is somewhere patiently stirring up the pot and is next to drop. We’re ready when you are, sir. Take your time, though. You’ve earned it.

@Omega McBride

#follow

 

10:47 AM 0

FRN Jawni presents "Da Bag Way".

FRN Jawni presents "Da Bag Way".

FRN Jawni presents "Da Bag Way".

Up and coming artist, FRN Jawni drops his debut project, "Da Bag Way". Hosted by one half of the Midwest's dynamic mixtape Dj duo, DA Midwest Connectz, DJ Juice Ortiz, Jawni has put together a combination of 12 of his hottest tracks pulling from his street appealing yet soulful catalog. Jawni looks to make waves and solidify his spot as the next big artist to pop out of Illinois. With street anthems such as "Finessin" and "Bandz" this mixtape will become an instant hood classic as he displays his love for his city and region with his  "2-17" slogan being a recurring theme on the mixtape .

https://www.facebook.com/jawni.frn.3

11:25 AM 0

New Mixtape - IAMYSELF "Yesterday Was Twenty7"

New Mixtape - IAMYSELF "Yesterday Was Twenty7"

New Mixtape - IAMYSELF "Yesterday Was Twenty7"

IAMYSELF brings his vision to life on "Yesterday Was Twenty7". Using a sing song flow over soulful production the Illinois native is making his mark in today's world of Hip Hop. Flashing the potential of a future star, IAMYSELF uses his creativity to keep the listeners engaged throughout the 11 tracks that make up this release. With this type of introduction IAMYSELF has set the bar pretty high for his next project.

1:21 PM 0