J. Cole Announced to Headline Common's Aahh Fest!

After an all too long hiatus, Common is FINALLY (The Rock voice) bringing Aahh Fest back to Chicago! I was lucky enough to be in attendance for the inaugural event, and I am STILL reeling from all the emotions it opened up for me as a hip-hop stan fan.

September 14th: Gin Wigmore Provides Hope in Chicago

Gin Wigmore reignited my love affair with music with her sold-out show at Schubas Tavern in Chicago on September 14th. It was a Monday, so I'm starting a new hash tag (those are still cool right?) #MCM - Music Crush Monday.

Spring Awakening 2015 Preview: 3 "Don't Miss" Sets

Summertime in Chicago is just about here, so you know what that means, right? MUSIC FESTIVAL SEASON! Is it just me, or does Chicago host more music festivals than any other city in the world? Seeing that I rarely go outside the city limits, I'm going to go ahead and say the answer to that question is YES!

The gateway to the summer festival season in Chicago for the past few years has been the EDM extravaganza, Spring Awakening, held at Soldier Field, and this year is no different. Spring Awakening is back and bigger than ever. The line-up features a "who's who" of the EDM world. Diplo, Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, Afrojack...you name it, Spring Awakening's got it!

Spring Awakening 2015 is a three-day smorgasbord of electronica,from June 12-14, with different headliners closing the show each night. Even the newbiest (word?) of EDM fans know to stick around for the Midwest debut of Jack U (Diplo and Skrillex's super group), but what deeper sets should an EDM virgin check out? That's where the mighty QB comes in to help.

Here are 3 non-headlining sets, 1 from each day, that if you truly call yourself an EDM fan, you'll stick around for. You're welcome.

AAHH Fest 2014: Set-By-Set Review

Last night, Chicago hip-hop legend Common treated his hometown to one hell of a show, and I was lucky enough to bare witness to it all (well most of it). The name: AAHH Fest. The venue: Union Park. Let's just say I got to cross a few things off my musical bucket list last night.

Here's my rundown of possibly the greatest homegrown hip-hop concert in the Windy City's history.

(Sidebar: Much love goes out to DJs Jermaine, Vince Adams, Timbuk2, and Wayne Williams who all spun masterful sets with nothing but grown folks house and hip-hop jams.)

#Quickblurb: The Sterling Affair

By now everyone has heard black belt racist and Los Angeles Clippers' owner, Donald Sterling's recorded racist tirade that made Mel Gibson say "c'mon man!" You may have also heard that as a result of said tirade, Mr. Sterling has been banned for life from all NBA functions, and rightfully so.

Who would of thought an 80 year old white American male would have harsh feelings for minorities? Rumor has it that the man tried to sue Fox Searchlight Studios for copyright infringement because 12 Years a Slave was what he named all the contracts he had his players sign (I kid, I kid).

Let's look beyond Skeletor...I mean, Sterling, and come to terms with another villain in this story. I'm talking about the NAACP (yeah, I said it!). Not only do they refuse to take the term "colored people" out of their name, but they were ready to award Sterling with a second (yes, second) lifetime achievement award days before this incident made news! Not only is it ass-backwards to give someone 2 LIFETIME achievement awards, but Sterling had a long documented history of racist behavior way before TMZ put him on blast. I mean a looong history. Here's a list courtesy of Business Insider, because I don't feel like writing that much right now.

Now, according to Yahoo! News, Roslyn M. Brock, the chairperson of the NAACP National Board of Directors, wants to meet with NBA commissioner Adam Silver to talk about...ahem..."the influence and impact of racism" in the league. Come the eff on. Al Sharpton is somewhere calling her a drama queen. How am I, or anybody else for that matter, supposed to take this attempt to piggy-back a hot topic seriously? With the disturbing amount of Black-on-Black violence going in Chicago, they haven't spoken out once as an organization, yet this is an issue of importance they want to jump on

Let's look past the fact that they have spent the last 20 years supplying Sterling with justification for his horrific views by showering him with multiple lifetime achievement awards. That's not even the real crime here. They still have "colored people" in their name, how racist is that? The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. I mean, who was their founding father, Archie Bunker? Its bad for the Redskins to call themselves the Redskins, but no one has issue with this?

All I'm saying is, if someone called me colored, I'd be pissed, bottom line. I have issue with your priorities, Ms Brock. Forget racism in the NBA, the NAACP's next order of business should be a name update (colored people...seriously?).

Upcoming Show: Future @ Concord Music Hall 5/25/2014 - Presented by React Presents

So, this past December I was invited to the Chicago leg of Drake's Would You Like a Tour tour (hey, if 2 Chainz can get paid to rhyme foreign with foreign, then I can say tour back-to-back for free...sue me), which, along with Drizzy, featured PARTYNEXTDOOR, Miguel, and Future. Due to my work schedule, I was only able to catch both Miguel's and Drake's sets.

I had no regrets about missing Future's set until he joined Drake on stage and injected some unadulterated energy into Aubrey Graham's show. The rapper/R&B singer from Atlanta definitely brought it. I told myself that I would check him out if he ever came back to Chicago anytime in the near future.

Well low and behold, the fine folks at React Presents have persuaded Future a.k.a. Mr. Freebandz a.k.a. Future Hendrix a.k.a. Ciara's fiance to make his way to the Concord Music Hall on May 25th and hit his fans with some new music off of his recently released sophomore album, Honest.

Future will be accompanied by another rapper/singer, Rico Love, and fellow ATLien Que, who is riding a strong wave of popularity from his current hit OG Bobby Johnson. This show should provide its audience with a good mixture of sounds from the urban music spectrum, and with as many people as Future has collaborated with, there could even be a few surprise appearances in store.

I'm just looking forward to hearing my guilty pleasure song of the moment, Move That Dope. For tickets, click here and pick your package. Until May 25th, enjoy some Dope. You're welcome.

Classixx @ Double Door Chicago on March 7, 2014

One of the many perks of blogging, besides my annual salary of $0, is the fact that I am constantly discovering new and exciting music outside of the realms on mainstream. One group that has slowly created a buzz on my iTunes playlists is the California nu-disco/electro duo known as Classixx.

Classixx is made up of childhood friends Tyler Blake and Michael David. That's right guys, 2 men...4 first names. For the last 4 years, Classixx has been blessing followers of the electronic music genre with a very energetic sound. Their tracks display influences from all over the music map from old school hip-hop to 60s folk music. Classixx has offered up production and remixes for a wide range of artists, including Mayer Hawthorne, Major Lazer, and Lana Del Rey.



Classixx released their debut album, Hanging Gardens, in May of 2013, and are now embarking on their first major tour in support of the album. Guess what people...they are making a stop in Chicago! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Tyler and Michael will be at Double Door on March 7th. Take a listen to some of their music posted, and if you like click here to buy tickets to the show. Have I ever steered you wrong? Don't answer that. Just listen to the music, buy some tickets, and we'll talk about it at the show next month. You're welcome.

New Music: Halsted - Salmon Crouquettes (Prod. by No I.D.)

He's back and he dropped the Mikkey. The emcee formally known as Mikkey Halsted has recruited legendary producer, No I.D.. for this mellow rock of heat. Halsted's lyrics blend beautifully with No I.D.'s hypnotic beat. It looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I hope to hear more from these two in 2014. Damn, it feels good to hear some actual GOOD music come out of Chicago, and I'm happy to support it. You're welcome.

Neighbors Insurance Crusade

The beginning of 2013 saw the city of Chicago author several stories of pain and mindless violence. This year, it seems there are many citizens out there that want to help co-write an alternate, more positive ending for the Windy City.

Let me introduce you to DeMario Trent and the Neighbors Insurance Crusade. DeMario is on a mission to help make sure 10,000 children and young adults in Chicago (particularly in African-American communities) are covered under life insurance policies by the end of 2014. His ultimate goal is to see this number reach 100,000 by 2020

5th Annual Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest

You don't have to wait until summer in order to enjoy a good ol' fashioned Chicago music festival. The fest season starts next week when the 5th Annual Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest kicks off at the Concord Music Hall.

I know what you're thinking, "what the hell do you know about bluegrass music!?!?" Not much, but I'm sure many of you reading don't either, so this is the perfect opportunity for all of us to get familiar with this forever evolving genre.

Many people associate the term "bluegrass" as being a younger sibling to country and western music, and while that statement might hold some merit to it, country is only a small fraction of what influences can be heard in today's bluegrass. If you listen closely you will hear traditional sounds from many European countries (Ireland, England, and Scotland to name a few), a sprinkle of of folk music, and even a splash of jazz.

Live From The Tent: My Lollapalooza 2013 Wrap-Up

So, I did some pretty cool shit this weekend and helped film tape video (my old television production professor would kill me if she read that, sorry Liz) artist interviews at Lollapalooza for the iHeart Radio website. I've been feeling pretty fancy for the past 24 hours since the festival ended, but reality is gradually settling in. I figured before all the fairy dust wears off, I should hit you guys with a rundown of my 2 day experience. The euphoric juice of being a legit member of the media for 48 hours is draining fast, so I'm doing it rapid fire style.  Ready...set...go!

Hawks Line-Up

No, I'm not talking about Hossa and the crew.  I'm talking about getting the Hawks' feathers lined up in your hair. 

My friend and barber, Josh Burrell, works out of Lee's Barber Shop in Naperville, and specializes cutting graphic designs in your hair-do.  Right now, everyone is going Blackhawks crazy,  so getting some aspect of the hockey team's logo shaved in your head is the latest craze. Since my man Josh is so dope with the blade, FOX 32 Chicago News featured him this morning on their show. 

Kanye West Debuts "New Slaves" Song In Grand Fashion

Say what you want about Mr. West, but the man knows how to make an entrance. Who else would think to debut their new song by projecting a video on 66 building fronts throughout 10 different cities worldwide (Chicago, Toronto, Sydney, Paris, Berlin, London, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, & San Francisco)? The Louis Vuitton Don, that's who.

I'm speechless.  How are people supposed to top that?  Bringing a new track for Funkmaster Flex to drop a bomb on Hot 97 is no longer enough.  I now fear for my safety, rappers are going to be pulling crazy stunts to try and top 'Ye.  Jay-Z will have to debut on the moon next time.  He got in trouble for going to Cuba, what are they going to say when he goes to the moon?

Attention all rappers all music artist, fire your street teams...immediately.  Your promotional plan already sucks. From what I hear of the song, it seems politically charged and socially driven.  It sounds like Kanye is continuing his metamorphosis into Miles Davis and this album might be his Bitches' Brew. Below is a video of one of the New Slaves debuts that took place in Brooklyn. There are a few more presentations of the video tonight in Chicago. If you're interested, you can go to the official Kanye West website and get the locations and times.  You're welcome.

New Music: Twista ft. R.Kelly - Throwin' My Money

I'm not a fan of this song at all, but I feel it is my duty to feature music from Chicago artists, and especially Chicago icons like Twista and R. Kelly. What we have here is another example of older artists forcing themselves to create music in the mold in what is perceived as popular today.

These two are getting up there in age, isn't it about time that they diversify their subject matter. Something about 40 year-olds crooning about making it rain on strippers' booties seems so passe.  They both probably have grandchildren they don't know about somewhere. As young as Robert seems to like them, he might have some great-grandchildren floating around.  Well here it is, a song that sounds like everything else, but worse and more contrived.  You're welcome.

Week Sauce (4/14 - 4/20)

Good evening (Hitchcock voice).  We all know what went down this week, so instead of pretending that there were more newsworthy events, I decided to provide some candid commentary on the Boston Marathon bombing.

First and foremost, the tragic events that occurred on Monday and carried on throughout the week should not be downplayed.  That disgusting act was committed by an equally disgusting individual or group of individuals.

This event solidified many opinions I hold about the media, the government, and our society as a whole.  Rather than rehash what happened in Boston, let me just get to the source of my opinions.

Week Sauce (3/31 - 4/6)

Welcome back to the poor man's written version of Best Week Ever, and when I say poor man's, I'm talking destitute.  I'm talking that golden voiced homeless guy on YouTube last year poor.  I'm talking declined LINK Card broke.  I'm talking...well I think you get it.  It's getting late, so let's get to it shall we.

Kings of the Mic Tour

This tour kicks off on May 23rd in Tucson, AZ (Chuck and the crew better break into By The Time I Get to Arizona!). Nice way to start the summer, but sadly the Windy City does not have a tour date.  Stuff like this never hits Chicago for some reason.  Like we're not the 3rd largest metropolitan area in the country.  I guess if you want to see legendary acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Ice Cube, and De La Soul, you'll have to go somewhere else, like Simpsonville, South Carolina.  Simpsonville, South Carolina?  Really? Rahm is messin' up!

Lupe Fiasco – Jonylah Forever

With all the well publicized gun violence taking place in Chicago during the still very young 2013, the story of 6 month old Jonylah Watkins has gone without its due attention.  Maybe the Windy City gun play is old news in the national eye, or maybe its because she didn't have to privilege of singing for the president...who knows.  Lupe Fiasco decided he could stay silent no longer and formulate a tribute to the infant who was shot 5 times while her father changed her diaper.  You're wel...nope, thank you, Lupe.

Week Sauce (3/3 - 3/9)

A little late this week, was busy making donuts yesterday.  No, not actual donuts, I was making that guap.  It was a slow week, or maybe I was just too busy to pay attention. Whatever it may be, here's what I got.

Double Door...May 9th...Anyone?

'Nuff said...