Tol’ya! Chicago’s what’s up

LIKE I SAID! Chicago has some mouthy musicians. According to Urb Magazine, it’s the spot for everything, including that rap game I was talking about:

THERE’S ROOM FORUPFRONT RAP, TOO
With all the unmitigated fun going on in Chicago, it might be tempting to assume the swagger of traditional hip-hop has lost its place in this young and colorful scene. But along with pop remixes and nu-rave bangers, real hip-hop has an equal place at this inclusive table.

“It’s lightening up a bit now, and that’s what you’re seeing,” says Shala Esquire, frontman of Universal Recording foursome Qualo, which hit big this year with sexified stripper spoof “Pockets.” “We still have that aggression, but we’re using it in a different way. That attitude isn’t gone; it’s just redirected more positively. And that attitude wants to make sure it opens for the VMAs next year.”

A child of Nigerian immigrants living in Chicago, the CNN appointed spokesperson for Chicago hip-hop is often perceived as one of the scene’s leaders and is one of few in the new Chicago scene that brings a tougher edge.

Read the whole article here. You know, Chico (Synthesis’ hometown) is just an “a” and a “g” away.

Tags: Chi-town, Chicago, Chico, CA, Pockets, Qualo, rap scene, Shala, Urb