Articles
Clear Filters
Loading...
45 results
- Music, Music Feature Jul 23, 2020
-
-
Thirty-five moments that brought Chicago music to the world
The Year of Chicago Music has had less music in it than anybody anticipated, but we still have plenty to celebrate.
- Music, Music Feature Jun 2, 2020
-
-
Rhymefest’s greatest moment in Chicago music history
The veteran rapper and activist remembers an all-star festival by and for the community.
- Music, Music Feature May 12, 2020
-
-
Naledge brings his rapper’s brain back to academia
Jabari “Naledge” Evans of Kidz in the Hall talks about his doctoral dissertation, incorporating hip-hop into education, the drill scene hacking the industry, and more.
- Music, Music Feature Feb 5, 2020
-
-
Building on the pillars of Blue Groove Lounge
The history of DJ Jesse de la Peña’s foundational Chicago hip-hop series, in the words of the people who made it work
- News & Politics, Feature Feb 14, 2019
-
-
Hip-hop taught Andre Vasquez about community—and he wants to take those lessons to City Hall
In the 90s he rapped as Prime and joined underground collective the Molemen. Now he’s a socialist candidate for 40th Ward alderman, hoping to unseat entrenched incumbent Patrick O’Connor.
- Music, Music Feature Jun 7, 2017
-
-
The Reader’s guide to the 2017 Chicago Blues Festival
The fest refreshes itself with a move to Millennium Park and an adventurous bill that includes Rhymefest, Rhiannon Giddens, and Ronnie Baker Brooks.
- Music, Music Feature Jun 7, 2017
-
-
Rhymefest works the links between hip-hop and the blues
The veteran rapper’s devotion to Chicago’s black cultural legacy finds a new outlet in a Billy Branch remix.
- Music, Concert Preview Jun 5, 2017
-
-
The complete schedule for the 2017 Blues Festival
Every set on all five stages in Millennium Park, from Friday morning through Sunday night
- Music, Music Feature Feb 8, 2017
-
-
Chicago musicians speak up about the Affordable Care Act
Before the ACA, musicians were uninsured at more than twice the average rate—and with Trump pushing a repeal, they’re already suffering.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 30, 2017
-
-
A Langston Hughes birthday celebration, Chicago Voices, and more things to do in Chicago this week
Rhino Poetry, Drive-By Truckers, and more happenings from January 30-February 2.
- News & Politics, Feature Jan 19, 2017
-
-
Chicago responds to President Trump
Artists, writers, musicians, academics, activists, and politicians—even Rahm!—weigh in on the new administration: the threats, the fears, the absurdity.
- Blogs, Bleader Dec 2, 2016
-
-
Diverse artists and activists come together at weekly Hyde Park series the Corner
Every Monday at the Promontory, Sam Brown and Sasha Tycko nurture a democratic, welcoming creative community.
- Blogs, Bleader Nov 28, 2016
-
-
CPD top cop takes strongest possible action against officer who fatally shot Kajuan Raye, and other Chicago news
Also, Rhymefest has bought Kanye West's childhood home with plans to turn it into an arts incubator.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 31, 2016
-
-
Rhymefest uses recordings of his ridiculous treatment by Chicago police on ‘Cops N Robbers’
After Rhymefest was robbed last weekend, the police responded to his report of the crime with apathy—and it's all in his new song.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 30, 2016
-
-
Rapper Rhymefest invites Trump to walk a Chicago block with him, and other news
Also, August is already the most violent month since 1996.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 29, 2016
-
-
Trump stirs controversy with tweet about fatal shooting of Dwyane Wade's cousin, and other Chicago news
Also, Rahm shuts down rumors that he will be the next ambassador to Israel.
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 25, 2016
-
-
The Crosstown Classic, Grave Robbing 101, and more things to do in Chicago this week
Lollapalooza, Sake 101, and more happenings from July 25-28.
- Blogs, Bleader Feb 16, 2016
-
-
Jackie Robinson West parents say their children were exploited, Ford looks beyond cars with the help of Chicago design firm, and other Chicago news
Also, Kanye's longtime local cowriter says the rapper needs spiritual and mental help, and a major step in the redevelopment of Children's Memorial Hospital site in Lincoln Park.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 27, 2016
-
-
Brother Ali shares a bill with Mick Jenkins and Rhymefest at the Harold Washington Cultural Center on Saturday
That makes today a good time to revisit the Minneapolis rapper's 2012 album, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color.
- Blogs, Bleader Sep 21, 2014
-
-
Reader's Agenda Sun 9/21: Aahh! Fest, Design Harvest, and Wand
What's on the Reader's Agenda for Sunday, September 21
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 20, 2014
-
-
Taking on The Field: A Gchat conversation about World Star Hip Hop's new Chicago documentary
Two Reader writers talk about a new documentary on Chicago violence and the city's rap scene.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 13, 2014
-
-
Listen to Kid Millions's latest Chicago rap mix
One of the guys behind rap reissue label Dope Folks Records drops another Soundcloud mix filled with throwback Chicago rap tracks.
- Blogs, Bleader Dec 25, 2013
-
-
My five favorite Chicago rap details of 2013
It's been a fantastic year for Chicago hip-hop, and there are more ways to remember it than simply listing great albums; these are five details that, in some small way, helped make 2013 such an outstanding year in local rap.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 15, 2013
-
-
Reader's Agenda Sat 6/15: Taste of Randolph Street, Mods vs. Rockers, and Takin' It to the Streets
What's on the Reader's Agenda for Saturday, June 15
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 13, 2013
-
-
Best shows to see: Jack Oblivian, Man or Astro-Man?, Vieux Farka Toure, Buika
Between now and Sunday, your live-music options include the Spring Awakening fest, the Taste of Randolph Street, Jack Oblivian, Black Star, the Mountain Goats, and Man or Astro-Man?
