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NEWS

100 Albums You Probably Missed

03/01/2019:

While many of us are not huge fans of mumble rap, there are some finds you'd be interested in if you did some digging. Here is a list of my favorite 100 hip hop albums released since January 2018. While some are popular in the mainstream, I guarantee you have not heard of many on this list. This year in hip hop we are seeing a promising amount of new talent producing record-breaking numbers, while stars of the 1990s and 2000s decades are moving to the "underground level" of the industry. Stars of the past such as Onyx, Styles P, The Diplomats (Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana) are still producing records, just on another level separate to what the old-heads call "watered down lyrics".

DMX, on the other hand, has been found in a surprise cameo appearance in Bhad Bhabie's - Bestie ft. Kodak Black
This has by far been one of the weirdest things that most people have missed. DMX was recently released from prison for tax evasion and has released news of an album and a biopic. We'd like to wish X and our good friend DJ Non-Stop good luck on their tour for the 20th Anniversary of "It's Dark and Hell Is Hot" album.

So without further ado, here it is. 100 albums you probably missed:

 

  1. J. Cole - KOD

  2. Jay Rock - Redemption

  3. Lupe Fiasco - Drogas Wave

  4. Logic - YSIV

  5. Nipsey Hustle - Victory Lap

  6. Drake - Scorpion

  7. Dave East - Paranoia 2

  8. Dom K - Volume 2

  9. TDE - Black Panther

  10. Wiz Khalifa - Rolling Papers 2

  11. Mac Miller - Swimming

  12. Anderson .Paak - Oxnard

  13. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter V

  14. Joey Purp - Quarterthing

  15. Eminem - Kamikaze

  16. Kami - Very Slight

  17. Towkio - www.

  18. YG - Stay Dangerous

  19. XXXTentacion - ?

  20. Nick Grant - Dreaming’ Out Loud

  21. Royce Da 59 - Book of Ryan

  22. T.I. - Dime Trap

  23. Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy

  24. Freddie Gibbs - Freddie

  25. Travis Scott - Astroworld

  26. Jaden Smith - Syre

  27. Migos - Culture II

  28. Noname - Room 25

  29. Kanye West - Ye

  30. G Herbo - Swervo

  31. Saba - Care For Me

  32. Cozz - Affected

  33. Bas - Milky Way

  34. Meek Mill - Championship

  35. Rich The Kid - The World Is Yours

  36. Gunna - Drip Season 3

  37. Young Dolph - Niggas Get Shotzzzz

  38. Curren$y - The Marina

  39. Pusha T - Daytona

  40. Rich Brian - Amen

  41. Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bent..

  42. Nas - Nasir

  43. Tory Lane - Memories Don’t Die

  44. Kids See Ghosts - Kids See Ghosts

  45. Nicki Minaj - Queen

  46. Carters - Everything is Love

  47. Denzel Curry - Ta13oo

  48. Maxo Kream - Punken

  49. Lil Baby - Street Gossip

  50. Roc Marciano - RosebudRevenge 2

  51. Vic Mensa - Hooligans

  52. Dizzy Wright - Don’t Tell Me..

  53. Pouya - Five Five

  54. Gucci Mane - Evil Genius

  55. Russ - Zoo

  56. G Herbo - Still Swervin

  57. Sheck Wes - Mudboy

  58. Kap G - No Kap

  59. Dreezy - Big Dreez

  60. Kevin Gates - Luca Brasi 3

  61. Flatbush Zombies - Vacation In Hell

  62. Vince Staples - FM!

  63. City Girls - Period

  64. JID - Dicaprio 2

  65. Kyle - Light of Mine

  66. Nav - Reckless

  67. Smino - Noir

  68. ASAP Rocky - Testing

  69. Lil Yachty - Lil Boat 2

  70. Shy Glizzy - Fully Loaded

  71. XXXTentasion - Skins

  72. Saint Jhn - Collection One

  73. Mozzy - Spiritual Conversations

  74. uGod - Venom

  75. 6ix9ine - Dummy Boy

  76. MGK. - Binge

  77. Wiz Khalifa & Currency - 2009

  78. Valee - GOOD Job, You Found Me

  79. Belly - Immigrant

  80. Princess Nokia - A Girl Cried Red

  81. Tee Grizzley - Still My Moment

  82. Young Xav - After Dark

  83. Boogie - Everything For Sale

  84. Juice WRLD - Goodbye & Good..

  85. Jacques - 4275

  86. Jazz Cartier - Fleurever

  87. Brockhampton - Iridescence

  88. NBA Young Boy - Until Death Call..

  89. Amine - OnePointFive

  90. Lil Xan - Total Xanarchy

  91. Styles P - Nickel Bag

  92. Mistah FAB - Thug Tears

  93. Trippie Redd - Life’s A Trip

  94. A Boogie - Hoodie SZN

  95. 6lack - East Atlanta Love Letter

  96. Daz Dilinger - Dazamataz

  97. Tyga - Kyoto

  98. ASAP Ant - The Prelude

  99. SOB x RBE - Gangin

  100. Westside Gunn - Supreme Blientele

  101. Jim Jones - Wasted Talent

Honorable Mentions:
People Under The Stairs - Sincerely the P
Offset - Father of 4
Wale - Self Promotion
Playboi Carti - Die Lit
Montana of 300 - Pray for the Devil
Binary Star - Lightly
Preme - Light of Day
Too Short - The Pimp Tape
The Diplomats - Diplomatic Ties
Lil Tracy - Designer Talk
Kodak Black - Dying To Live
Cdot Honcho - H4
Chief Keef - Ottopsy
Tech N9ne - Planet
YNW Melly - We All Shine

Make sure to tune in to Thumpin Thursdays on UIC Radio (Thurs 4-6PM) for the best in hip hop news, from Chicago to the world. Follow me on all platforms: @CeaseDays

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#LongLiveTheWings

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Aside from having the best Pizza, hot dogs and burgers, Chicago is definitely on the map for having some of the best chicken wings in the country. Although the chain restaurants are known to have good wings, step out of your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised to find what real chicken wings are (sorry wingstop). Every summer we set adventures or something different we want to do. This year I compiled a list of awesome bars, grills, restaurants and lounges all across the city of Chicago that I’ve heard good things from as far as their wings.

The list contains 30 different locations of places with wing specials sorted from Monday to Sunday. The goal is to randomly go to every spot on the list, have their wing special and rate them (0-100%) based off flavor, wing quality, service, sauce and price + size (yes, size matters). Those that score an average of at least 70 of 100 I will return, while those that score below 60/100 will never see me or my #RealFriends again. The letters next to the score is a letter grade, because…well, just because. The (J) next to the price indicates that the wings are jumbo.

Below is the table of the list I’m talking about, including the neighborhoods they are located in, the date I went to visit them, and any rules or times included in the deal. Feel free to add any suggestions, corrections and connections to the list on the comments below, and let me know if you’re interested in coming to any of these places with me! #LongLiveTheWings Follow us on Instagram for more adventures and shenanigans: @CeaseDays 
 

DAY: PRICE / NAME / NEIGHBORHOOD / RULES / DATE ATTENDED / RATE

MON.

25c: Wild Goose Bar & Grill (Ravenswood)

25c:  F. O’Mahony’s (Wrigleyville)

25c: Jack & Gingers (Logan Square)

25c: The Rail (Ravenswood) *J

35c: Output Lounge (West Town)-92% (A)

35c: Hawkeye’s (University Village) – After 3pm [May 16, 2016]-38% (F)

 

TUE.

25c: Racine Plumbing (Lincoln Park)

35c: Vintage Lounge (University Village) (L) [Feburary 13, 2017]-86% (B)

35c: Irish Oak (Wrigleyville)

35c: Sully’s House (Old Town) (J) – After 4pm [May 24, 2016]-74% (C)

40c: Reggie’s Rock Club (South Loop) (J) – After 2pm, with a drink [May 17, 2016]-86% (B)

 

WED.
10c: Select Ultra Lounge (West Ridge) – At least 15

25c: Five Star Bar (Wicker Park) – After 4pm

50c: McFadden’s (Gold Coast ) – Until 7pm

50c: Kelly’s Pub (Lincoln Park)

50c: Bar 10 Doors (University Village) (J) [July 14, 2015]-74% (C)

 

THU.

50c: Kincade’s (Lincoln Park) (J) – With a drink

35c: Birds Nest (Lincoln Park) [Nov 20, 2016]-92% (A)

50c: Small Bar Avondale

50c: Weather Mark Tavern (South Loop) [Jan 04, 2017]-81% (B)

 

FRI.

25c: Lion Head Pub Lincoln Park – 4-7pm w/ Drink

25c: Black Rock Pub (Lakeview) (J)

50c: Lottie’s Pub (Wicker Park) (J)

50c: Guide’s Sports Bar (Garfield Ridge) – 4-6pm [Nov 05, 2017]-79% (C)

 

SAT.
25c: Third Rail Tavern (West Loop)

25c: Polk Street Pub (+M/W) (West Loop) – After 3pm [Jul 13, 2016]-82% (B)

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SUN.

15c: Bar Celona (Wrigleyville)

30c: Kendall’s (+T) (Lincoln Park) – After 2pm

50c: Birds Nest (Lincoln Park) [Oct 02, 2016]-92% *J

50c: The Beer Bistro (West Loop) [May 22, 2016]-78% (C)

50c: Brisku’s Bistro (North Center) *J

05/09/2016:
05/09/2016:

It’s obvious. Chicago HAS talent. DJs, producers, hip hop artists, bands, singers, painters, graffiti artists, dancers and more across the north, south, east and west side. But ever since unsigned artists like Chance The Rapper (10 Day, Acid Rap, Chance 3) started gathering national attention and headlining national events, the more motivated and unified these artists have become.

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It’s created an inspiring movement in which kids as young as 12 start making music and art in a positive way. We’ve seen it for ourselves and heard it as well. Artists in Chicago on the rise have created a new, original voice to their own music, and aren’t afraid to show it.

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Some of the artists I’ve seen recently have showed that they have what it takes to lead the city in one way or another, and I seriously recommend you check them out if you haven’t yet. We’ve been focusing on this talent for a while; not only are they amazing artists and performers, but they are amazing people that you’d want to hang around with. We’ve had the pleasure to talk to them, ask them questions and even have them on Thumpin’ Thursdays. With that being said.. this summer is about to be “LIT”.

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Let us know what you think about their music below, and tell us what YOU wanna hear on the show by following us on Instragram: @CeaseDays – @TheHomeboyTyler – @KeepItFlashy

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1) Chris Crack and Vic Spencer, both nominated for the 2016 XXL list, go as Chris $pencer. They’re newly released project: “Who The F*** Is Chris Spencer” includes gems like “Zebra Ave” & “Wanna See A Dead Body”. It was a rated as an 8.1 by Pitchfork (higher than Rihanna’s “ANTI & Future’s “EVOL”) and is just the tip of the iceberg for the duo. Chris Crack recently dropped “Last of the Lean”, with popular tracks such as “Coke Donuts”. Their versatile stile speaks for itself, and their performances leave audiences at a loss of words.


https://soundcloud.com/newdealcrew/chris-crack-coke-donuts?in=newdealcrew/sets/last-of-the-lean-1

2) We met Erik Write about a year ago downtown at an end of the year festival at Columbia. The young, experienced artist (Like a real artist) is hungry for the craft and puts 140% in everything he makes. We’re lucky to call him our friend, and all we can say is that this is barely the beginning for Erik. He’s been working with @DJ Serdna on a few tracks (you can listen to them here) and works till perfection. This spring, he released “Complex American”(Prod. by Quality), one of the most inspiring, eye-opening projects I’ve ever listened to in my entire life (alongside “Section 80” by Kendrick Lamar and  “The Revolutionary” by Immortal Technique). This is what Chicago should listen to in 2016.
https://soundcloud.com/erikwrite/sets/complex-american

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3) Moecyrus X Jinerik X Aglox
These 3 really took me by surprise. I’ve had conversations with them separately and have listened to their tracks individually, but never interviewed them at once. The 3 are as real as it gets. Moecyrus talks about everything he does and acts (seriously!). Pay attention to the lyrics and you might laugh every once in a while, but it´s true, he is thirsty and chases the tail! Jinerik is a new artist we´ve been working with. The fact that he plays in a rock band and is a hip hop artist is definitely something different. He recently dropped ¨Beligerence Is Bliss¨, a project that features a story with vocals of him having conversations with staff at a bar through the night. Their buddy Aglox is one of the cleanest, fastest hip hop artists I´ve seen live. Representing the south side of Chicago, the 3 are the definition of ¨having no chill¨ when they´re all together. Their recent track titled ¨White Russians¨ is a prime example.. so ¨Wuz Good¨?
https://soundcloud.com/moecyrus/agloxxjinerikxmoecyrus-white

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4) He´s performed all across the city with acts like Alex Wiley, Hurt Everybody, Taylor Bennett, and most recently Lil Uzi Vert. The energetic 21 year old has jaw dropping performances and his lyrics are relatable to anyone´s experiences. Logan began the 1636 Feo Mob movement for his fallen friend ¨Feo¨ back in 2013 and has not looked back since. Tracks like ¨24/7¨ talk about how he works nonstop to get to where he wants to be, while tracks like ¨All Real¨ talk about his life and different aspects of it. Last week he was in a music video with our friend known as Emmtee, titled ¨Day N´Night¨. Both are also from the Southside of Chicago, living through similar experiences and conditions. A more positive light for Chicago, artist Logan Cage talks about the good in life instead of the usual violence in the streets. Checkout ¨vibes¨, and let us know what you think about it below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m9Pxc-QxZ4

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5) Freddy 2 Wox
I met Freddy at ALAS Fest 2016 at Jones College Prep last week. This kid not only has a love for real hip hop (Its rare now), but also speaks on life as a Latino in Chicago. While switching between Spanish and English, his raps consist of bringing more of his culture to hip hop. His performance at ALAS Fest showed how excited he was to perform for a big audience, and although he was unable to perform, I pulled him to the side and decided to checkout his bars (insert flame emoji’s). I´m not too into conscious rap but this kid blew me away with his fast paced style and verses on an ancient Aztec warrior. He constantly makes music with Manasseh Doso Champion, a current UIC student as well. Definitely an artist to look out for, let us know what you think below!
https://soundcloud.com/dosandfreddy/doso-freddy-2wox-ok

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The newest House Music festival of the summer:
07/16/2014:

 

I’m not quite sure if it’s a natural thing for Chicago to host hundreds of festivals every summer, or if this is a new phenomenon. I’m sure I have been oblivious to the cool events and fests going on in Chicago in the past. In the months of June and July alone there were more than 60 festivals programmed (Chicagonow).

Last year UIC Radio launched July with the highly anticipated Wavefront Music Festival. This year we had the opportunity to check out the Riverwest Music Festival. 

While Riverwest Music Festival didn’t have crazy tech filled light shows with laser beams and obnoxious cake flying through the crowds, it definitely had a cultured atmosphere which catered to true electronic music lovers. With three stages hosting different styles of music, we were able to capture a diverse array of DJ’s. While the Martinez Brothers did not perform on Friday, as had been scheduled on the festival’s promotion, I did enjoy catching the Bob Moses set. I was excited to see live vocals and guitars being meshed and mixed in with deep house. 
 

We had one our premier House DJ’s, DJ Cease Days cover Saturday, and this is what he had to say:
“House has been a popular genre within the electronic music community. This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to experience one of Chicago’s newest events: River West Music Festival. One of the hottest DJs was Heidi, coming from Ontario, Canada. Although she is a female, she still crowded the stage and kept the patrons dancing with her Jackin’ and Progressive House. She was one of my favorite DJ’s for the second day because not only did she mix unique tracks, but also played songs that the crowd knew, such as “The Martinez Brothers” and “Hot Since ’82”. One of the DJs that I was lucky enough to meet was Steve Lawler, a producer and DJ hailing from England. As I was on stage taking photos next to him, he turned around, introduced himself to me, and shook my hand. With almost 25 years of DJing experience, the dance floor reflected just that. Many fans sang along with the songs he played and almost everyone danced. Not only was he interacting with the crowd, but was also very exciting to watch. Among Steve Lawler and Heidi, I had access backstage an talked to many other people in the industry. Some notable people whom I talked to and are popular in the House scene: Ricky Bisharat, Danny Daze, Jimmy Edgar, Mia Wallace, and Dixon.”

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