RAPPER KAYO REDD BROTHER OF RAPPER WAKA FLOCKA FLAME DEAD

This is a trying time in hip hop, a little over a day after it was revealed Doe B was shot and killed, another emcee has met the same fate. If there was ever a time to start praying, the time is now. The latest victim is Kayo Redd, who is the brother of popular Atlanta rapper, Waka Flocka Flame.

Kayo Redd was fresh off the release of his Red Kisses mixtape and was promoting it on his Twitter only hours ago. Musically, Kayo Redd was preparing for his own break into the mainstream hip hop world. The whole BSM camp had a big year planned.

There are conflicting reports about Kayo Redd, with one stating he was shot while visiting his old neighborhood in Atlanta. The other report claims Kayo Redd committed suicide, but either situation is painful, especially so close to Christmas and New Year’s. Debra Antney, Kayo Redd’s mother, confirmed his death on Twitter.

CHICAGO'S BREAKTHROUGH ARTISTS OF 2K13

After the great response from ranking the city's top artists to watch for this summer, we are back with this year's Breakthrough artists of the year. Rather it was an artist right on the edge coming into this year after a great 2k12 with high expectations, or an artist that shocked us all and made a splash onto the scene with a lot of write ups, catchy singles or creative visuals. These 13 acts below aren't the only ones we could have ranked, but they are the ones that made the cut!

13.

Assata Jones

As Chicago hip hop saw a huge emergence these past 2 years, we wondered if the RnB scene would continue to be overlooked. While we cant really determine the entire genre at this moment, this artist most definitely set herself apart from the rest. Rather male or female, she is in the lead. Bursting onto the scene with her single "I Can Love You Better" which saw radio play as well as the visual directed by DGainz that went viral within days of its release. @AssataJoness

12.

Dwolo

Hard work pays off, just ask this next act. Only taking music serious for one year, Dwolo, has done over 50 shows and opened up for some of Chicago's biggest acts of the last year. With his street buzz rising because of the live events, he would see his viral presence take off a few months after with the release of his biggest record yet "I Hate You" which talks about past relationships with ex girlfriends. With his latest project having major features, production and visuals it shouldn't be long before he is a household name. @dwoloccwp

11.

Chella H

Chella was on fire this year! Arguably the hottest artist to start the year before her counter parts snapped out of it and got to work. Catchy singles, radio play, top notch visuals, clothing line, headlining shows, magazine placements, you name it, she was on top of it this year. With so much done this year, the expectations have been met but now start all over again as the new year is upon us. @ChellaChicago

10.

Cap 1

We spoke on the reinvention of Cap 1 on the summer watch list, and he lived up to it. Officially 2Chainz artist and signed with one of the best management companies in the game, taking off was the only thing left. Dropping a few well reviewed projects,visuals, and songs with major artists saw him surpass other acts. Now, back into the limelight which he isn't a stranger to. Featuring on 2Chainz "Where U Been" was the best look for him as that song was the 2nd single from his sophomore album. @RICHIECAP1

9.

Stunt Taylor

A novelty song is a comical or nonsensical song, performed principally for its comical effect. Stunt Taylor did just that with his smash viral single "FeFe On The Block" which took the bopping dance wave to new levels. Not to be confused with other novelty records, this song has the momentum to help carry him to stardom. @StunTTaylor

8.

The Boy Illinois

We've been following this artist for a few years now, and the foundation he has built with hard work and consistency has paid off this year in many ways. Lupe Fiasco calls him the "Next Chicago Great" which he would know since he invited the young rising emcee on his Tetsuo and Youth Preview Tour this year that helped grow his fan base to new levels. Yet to really break mainstream radio, the underground world ate his project "Jean Baptiste" up this summer and has him geared to make a even bigger impact in 2k14. @TheBoyIllinois

7.

RondoNumbaNine

Drill music is still the most popular brand of music coming out of Chicago, just go to youtube. While many are trying to foot the bill as the next big artist of that genre, Rondo without a doubt, took the lead as the next big drill music act. After the death of his music partner and friend "La Capone" Rondo picked up the pace of his work ethic and took off. Lupe even jumped onto his popular viral song "Life Of A Savage" @RondoNumbaNine

6.

ZMoney

Zmoney could have easily been anywhere from where he is to number 1 on this list if some of his peers weren't as seasoned. Nevertheless, he is on their heels. With a viral & street buzz unmatched compared to any other west side artist, Zmoney saw his self rise to fame with a few acclaimed projects and tons of videos shot by the best directors in the city. Among that, this write up could be one of the 100's he's reciveid this year as every major publication has their eyes on his next move or instagram post.@ZmoneyWorld

5.

King L aka King Louie

Epic records knew exactly what they were doing when they signed King Louie this past year. With eyes on him to live up to the deal that was reported to be pretty hefty he kept his buzz up with well reviewed projects, videos, and spitting the "louie lingo" which is his clever delivery. Easily the most featured artist on new songs or from artist looking to get a buzz this year from the city, it wasn't a feature he wasn't on that didn't become popular or catchy to listeners. Not only carrying the torch for himself, Louie proved he could make other artists better by jumping on their records, including Kanye West. @KingL

4.

Lil Bibby

Bursting onto the scene with rap partner Lil Herb, both were featured on the summer watch list, actually number 1. As speculation all year of record deals came & went Bibby and his handlers finally just focused on his debut mixtape "Free Crack" the most anticipated project out of Chicago, depending on who you ask. @LilBibby_

3.

Vic Mensa

Former lead emcee for Kids These Days, when the group went their separate ways it was no question that Vic would rise to the occasion on his own. Rumored to already be in a bidding war with labels the young artist is bound to continue on a upward spiral to success. Both his projects and collab projects with his Save Money Crew have been some of the best work of any act coming out of the windy city, not just this year but the last couple years. Look for big news, more top of the line visuals and headlining wall to wall packed shows this upcoming year as his buzz nationally increases. @VicMensa

2.

Katie Got Bandz

If Chief Keef's "I Dont Like" was Chicago's biggest record last year, Katie's "Pop Out' with King Louie on the assist was hands down the biggest record coming out of Chicago this year. Dont think so... well it landed her a record deal with EOne Music formerly Koch Records, the biggest indie label of the last decade. Is she a part of a trend or is she setting one? That will be the biggest question for this lady hitter coming into 2k14. @KatieGotBandz

1.

Chance The Rapper

Chance had no problem proving us wrong for ranking him number 2 on the summer watch list, And we can admit we got it wrong! Covering the complex magazine, Spin Magazine's rapper of the year, a feature in XXL, as well as headlining his own world tour without a record deal. Chance saw his second mixtape "Acid Rain" place on billboard and it was FREE. The 20 year old is on a roll coming into the new year and has one of the biggest bidding wars between labels we've seen in quite a few years. @chancetherapper

TY MONEY "PSA" DJ KOOL ANT EXCLUSIVE

Ty Money ends 2k13 strong setting the record clear with this new record. Look for him to make a strong impact on the local and national music scene for 2k14. Check his new material out below.

TI'S HUSTLE GANG RECORDING ARTIST DOE B DEAD AT 22

Rising star Doe B was shot dead in his native Montgomery, Alabama last night.

According to reports, the rapper, born Glenn Thomas, was killed in a fatal shooting at Centennial Hill Bar and Grill. He was just 22-years-old. Doe B's death has been confirmed via tweets from those closest to him in Hip-Hop, including manager DJ Frank White, who simply tweeted "Rip my brother @CBMDOEB." His former boss T.I. also had an emotional message. "RIP to my lil brother Doe B. We gon miss u my nigga. U'll never be forgotten & U WILL NOT DIE IN VAIN. We Love U champ. Always. Just rest now my nigga….WE GOT IT From here," the Kang wrote via Twitter. Other MCs like Drake, Meek Mill, Trae Tha Truth and more also paid their respects to the rising star. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in power Doe B.

SERIAL CARJACKER ROCKIE DOUGLAS ARRESTED

Rockie Douglas, alleged serial carjacker and suspect in the death of 11-year-old Donovan Turnage, was arrested in a McDonald's drive thru in Milwaukee. He is in U.S. Marshal custody.

Chicago Police said Douglas began a series of carjackings Chicago on Friday morning, when he allegedly stole a green Dodge Caravan on the North Side. Police said they tried to pull him over in that van Saturday, but he fled and crashed into an SUV occupied by members of the Turnage family. The crash in Englewood killed 11-year-old Donovan Turnage and injured his father.

(link below)

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/24579943-418/alleged-serial-carjacker-captured-in-wisconsin.html

QAWANE WILSON ARRESTED FOR INVOLVEMENT IN HIS MOTHERS MURDER

A West Side man arranged the murder of his mother, a well-known owner of a beauty salon in Uptown, to gain access to more than $90,000 from her bank accounts and the proceeds from two of her life insurance policies, authorities said today. Qawmane Wilson, 24, of the 0-100 block of North Mayfield Avenue in the North Austin neighborhood, has been charged with murder and home invasion in the death of his mother, Yolanda Holmes, 45, in September of 2012, authorities said. Charged with Wilson are Eugene Spencer, 22, of the 6100 block of South Rockwell Street, who prosecutors said killed Holmes, and Loriana Johnson, 23, of the 300 block of East 131st Place, who served as Spencer's driver.

(link below)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-chicago-crime-uptown-murder-arrests-20131224,0,1253048.story

DJ MOONDAWG'S TOP 5 MIXTAPES OF 2K13

DJ MoonDawg is an on-air personality and mixer for Chicago’s 107.5 radio station and was recently named the 2013 Global Spin Awards Midwest Mixtape DJ of the Year. Along with that MoonDawg is responsible for breaking Chief Keef and Lil Durk to the world all while dropping numerous classic Chicago mixtapes alongside Twista, Lupe Fiasco, Bump J and more. With the surge of Chicago hip-hop only growing larger it is only right we get one of the top DJ’s in the game to chime in with his top five tapes of the year.

(link below)

http://www.rapswag.com/2013/12/23/dj-moondawgs-top-5-mixtapes-of-2013/

CPS SAYS NO TO CHARTER SCHOOLS

When Concept Schools Inc. wanted to open two charter schools in Chicago last year, it sought permission from Chicago Public Schools officials. The answer was no.

CPS officials have allowed the rapid expansion of charters. But they turned down Concept. They said the charter operator, headquartered in Des Plaines, didn’t merit being allowed to expand based on test scores at its one city school, the Chicago Math and Science Academy in Rogers Park.

Concept Schools appealed to a higher authority: the little-known Illinois State Charter School Commission. The state agency was created in 2011 by lawmakers including House Speaker Michael Madigan, the South Side Democrat who’s a powerful advocate of Concept and the faith-based Gulen movement to which the schools are connected.

This time, the answer was yes.

(link below)

http://www.suntimes.com/24480273-761/cps-says-no-to-charter-schools-but-michael-madigan-says-yes.html

KANYE WEST INTERVIEWS WITH DJ PHARRIS

While back home in Chicago, Kanye West dropped by Power 92 to chop it up with his old friend DJ Pharris.

They spoke on his music, Adidas fashion line, some of his Chicago memories, and more!

BEARS DEFENSIVE TACKLE HENRY MELTON ARRESTED

While the Chicago Bears were facing a potentially big game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, one of their players was making headlines for all the wrong reasons off the field.

"Melton became belligerent with some of the staff members of the restaurant," Sgt. Robert Eberling of the Grapevine Police Department told the Chicago Tribune. "He was asked to leave. When he was in the process of being escorted from the restaurant, he struck one of the staff members. He was restrained at that point." Eberling confirmed that Melton was arrested at approximately 1:45am on charges of assault and public intoxication following an incident involving staff members at The Chill Restaurant & Bar in Grapevine. According to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.

(link below)

http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/grizzly-detail/Bears-DT-Henry-Melton-Arrested-in-Texas-Sunday-Morning-236942561.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_CHBrand

ALEX WILEY "SUCK IT" (REVOLUTION)

Alex Wiley has a sound we see lasting for a long time to come. Here he offers another visual from his project Club Wiley That Dropped a few months back. Another creative visual from the kid, check it out.

CHIEF KEEF & YOUNG CHOP REUNITE

Keef and Chop are back working together and have been putting together records for Bang 3 and Keef’s Gloyalty LP, which is due out some time next year.

CHANCE THE RAPPER ON THE ARESNIO HALL SHOW

Chance The Rapper continues the best year of any Hip Hop artist and made his late night debut on an episode of The Arsenio Hall Show.

Chance and Arsenio talk about Chicago’s rich music scene, his lyrics on “Paranoia” and putting together a rapper’s union. Chance also had some wise words for the youth in the city about keeping things positive, and left on good note after a great performance.

MORGAN PARK HANDS SIMEON 1ST HOME LOSS SINCE 2010

Morgan Park scored a key Red-South road win on Thursday with a 58-55 win over Simeon behind Josh Cunningham and Kain Harris.

Morgan Park led 30-24 at halftime and pushed their lead to 46-36 before Simeon amped up the pressure and clawed their way back into the game.

(link below)

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-12-19/sports/ct-spt-1220-prep-bkb-morgan-park-simeon-20131219_1_morgan-park-donte-ingram-kain-harris

FORMER BEARS HEAD COACH LOVIE SMITH INTERVIEWS WITH TEXANS

Former Bears coach Lovie Smith became the first candidate to interview this week for the vacant Houston Texans job.

Smith, a native Texan, is on a list of possible candidates that could include Penn State coach Bill O’Brien, San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and Texans interim coach Wade PhillipS.

(link below)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-lovie-smith-first-to-interview-for-texans-job-20131219,0,79756.story

PHIL ROBERTSON HAD SOME CHOICE WORDS ABOUT CHICAGO

Reality TV star Phil Robertson, who was yanked from the popular A&E program "Duck Dynasty" this week after making disparaging remarks about homosexuality, has previously had some unkind things to say about Chicago.

"If I'm lost at three o'clock in a major metropolitan area...I ask myself: Where would I rather be trying to walk with my wife and children?" he said in explaining why he voted for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in 2012. "One of the guys who's running for president is out of Chicago, Illinois, and the other one is from Salt Lake City, Utah. Where would I rather be turned around at three o'clock in the morning? I opted for Salt Lake City. I think it would be safer."

(link below)

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/phil-robertson-duck-dynasty-chicago-236618811.html

TAYLOR BENNETT "HEARTBREAKER"

Taylor’s new project, Mainstream Music, is due out next spring. Premiered this single a few weeks back, now the visual brings it to life.

R.KELLY INTERVIEWS WITH RAP RADAR'S ELLIOT WILSON

The Pied Piper was the most recent guest on Elliott Wilson’s #CRWN live audience interview series, which happens every few months in NYC. Elliott scored a rather candid interview with Kells, where they discuss everything from his Black Panties album, to Lady Gaga, to throat surgery and his old group Public Announcement.

CRWN x R. Kelly, Ep. 1: Black Panties, McDonald's and Lady Gaga from CRWN on Myspace.

JEREMIH & SHLOHMO ANNOUNCE JOINT EP TOGETHER

After seeing success with their collaboration “Bo Peep,” Jeremih and producer Shlohmo are coming together to record a full EP. The EP is slated to drop at some point in February via WEDIDIT and Def Jam Recordings.

TINK "WINTER'S DIARY 2" COVER ART

Presented by Lyrical Eyes Management On January 10, 2014, Tink will release the follow up to 2012′s Winter’s Diary. The aptly titled Winter’s Diary 2: Forever Yours.

CUBS CASTRO HAS 3.6 MILLION SEIZED IN LEGAL DISPUTE

Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro had $3.6 million seized from his bank accounts Wednesday for refusing to pay 3 percent of his contract to a baseball school in the Dominican Republic, according to published reports.

Castro’s father, Diogenis Castros, reportedly signed the agreement with the school Mi Futuro Biliguer (My Future Big Leaguer) when Starlin was 15, agreeing to pay the school during his active career in the majors.

(link below)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-cubs-starlin-castro-legal-dispute-20131219,0,1717542.story

FORMER MEMBERS OF KIDS THESE DAYS FORM NEW GROUP "MARROW"

If there's one thing we can say for certain about Chicago's music scene its that there's a close sense of community. So you can imagine the collective sigh of disappointment musicians and fans alike breathed earlier this year when local favorites Kids These Days announced they were parting ways.

Considering the fact that most of the band members were just barely out of there teens when the R&B and indie rock crossover act broke up, it was only a matter of time before we began hearing about new beginnings from various members.

Marrow's relative newness on the scene still didn't stop them from selling the show out. "I'm really pleased and happy with the support from Kids These Days fans" Marrow's guitarist and vocalist Liam Cunningham told Chicagoist. "It's totally different music so it's really cool to us that the same people still dig it."

(link below)

http://chicagoist.com/2013/12/18/meet_marrow_the_newest_project_from.php

KING LOUIE "DRILLUMINATI 2" MIXTAPE

King Louie has dropped his highly anticipated and long-awaited mixtape, Drilluminati 2. Last December, Louie dropped the first installment of his Drilluminati series, and it’s since looked upon as one of the finest pieces of work in his catalog.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

JAHLIL OKAFOR A FUTURE NBA DRAFT NUMBER ONE PICK

In 18 months, if all goes as expected, Jahlil Okafor will hear his name called as the first pick in the 2015 NBA draft. He will walk across a stage in New York City, shake hands with the commissioner, and don the cap of a team counting on him to be the cornerstone of its future. For this he will be paid handsomely, though not obscenely, not at first: something like $20 million over his first four years, limited only by the rookie salary scale.

(link below)

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/January-2014/jahlil-okafor-duke/

GLC X MR LIVE "ISM CHURCHILL" MIXTAPE

Ism Churchill is the GLC's latest gospel. Along with Producer/Engineer Mr Live & some anointed players he continues his Mack Crusade. Freeing you from the direction of the simps & lames.

JAY CUTLER RETURNS AND LEADS BEARS TO WIN

Cutler, who missed Chicago's previous four games with a sprained left ankle reclaimed his starting job from Josh McCown earlier this week. Jay Cutler felt the pressure and knew he had to perform well. There was no other option.

Shaking off two first-half interceptions, Cutler threw three touchdown passes in his first start since Nov. 10, leading the Bears to a 38-31 win on Sunday over the Cleveland Browns.

Trestman had promised Cutler would keep his job once he was healthy. And after Cutler was cleared earlier this week to practice, Trestman kept his word and started the not-always-popular veteran, a decision that had some Bears fans questioning whether it might be better to stick with the hot McCown, who has thrown 13 TD passes and just one interception this season.

Trestman said there was no doubt the Bears believed in Cutler.

DOMINICK'S OFFERING 30 PERCENT OFF LIQUOR

Time to stock up?

Beginning Monday, some Dominick's stores will be selling liquor for 30 percent off, ahead of planned closures of the grocery chain in the area. A call to the Dominick's at Sheffield and Fullerton and Lincoln Park confirmed the sale, which began when city liquor sales started at 7 a.m.

If last week's sales--which offered 50 percent off many items in the store--were any indication, lines will be long.

(link below)

http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/local/redeye-dominicks-30-percent-off-liquor-sale-monday-20131216,0,4686100.story

HARPER COLLEGE STUDENT CHARGED WITH VIDEOTAPING WOMEN'S BATHROOM

An Elk Grove Village man was arrested Wednesday for using a mobile phone camera to videotape women in a restroom at Harper College in Palatine, authorities said.

Authorities have charged Christopher Byers, 21, of the 1000 block of Florida Lane in Elk Grove Village, with unauthorized videotaping, a Class 4 felony carrying a penalty of up to three years in prison or probation.

(link below)

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20111027/news/710279813/

CHANCE THE RAPPER "SOCIAL EXPERIMENT" VIDEO BLOG

This video represents positivity, love, friendship, musicianship, support and a whole lot of hard work. With little budget, experience or time for preparation, Chance & his team put together this #SocialExperiment Tour 2013. My first Tour. 43 shows. 18 person crew. 4 piece band. 1 Tour bus. 1 raw ass RV.

CHICAGO SUN TIMES COVERS THE LEADERS OF THE NEW CHICAGO HIP HOP SCHOOL

The biggest names on the Chicago music scene!

(link below)

http://www.suntimes.com/news/24319954-418/leaders-of-chicagos-new-school-hip-hop.html

U.S. REP. BOBBY RUSH UNDER HEAT

F or the past dozen years, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., hasn’t reported paying any rent for his campaign office, records show, in what experts say could be a violation of federal election law or House ethics rules.

The 11-term congressman and former Chicago City Council member said through an aide he “tries to comply with all applicable House ethics, codes of conduct and campaign rules and regulations.”

(link below)

http://www.suntimes.com/24190987-761/no-sign-rep-bobby-rush-paid-rent-for-south-side-office-contributions-helped-bankroll-his.html

DRAKE SUED BY CHICAGO PROMOTERS

Drake has been sued for allegedly backing out of two Chicago concerts after being paid over $200,000 to perform, TMZ reports. The lawsuit was brought by promoters Status Entertainment, and as SPIN reports, they allege that the rapper refused to perform unless he received "more money due to Drake's newfound fame".

The first concert was scheduled for March 2012. Status claimed they sent Drake's camp $100,000, but the concert was cancelled. OVO reportedly promised Status that they'd return the money, but allegedly never did. Status claims they were later informed by another member of Drake's camp that the money had already been spent. That June, Drake threw a concert in Chicago with a different promoter. According to the lawsuit, he "profited handsomely ... to the detriment" of Status. The promoter allegedly planned another concert with Drake for October 2012 at Allstate Arena and sent over another $100,000.

According to SPIN, OVO eventually wrote back, saying, "We changed the price because our value went up." Status decided to call off the concert and asked for their $200,000 back. Drake's camp reportedly promised they'd send it all back, but never did. Status is suing for $202,800, court costs, interest, and "disgorgement of profits" (the money the promoter would've made had Drake actually performed those concerts).

(link below)

http://pitchfork.com/news/53346-drake-sued-for-backing-out-of-chicago-shows/

MICHAEL WILBON SEGMENT W/ CHICAGO IDEAS WEEK

Which legendary NFL quarterback has the distinction of being the one to give Grant Hill his name? What would Grant do differently if he could go back in time? And what's next in the career for this 19 year NBA veteran? Get the answers to these question and many more in this intimate conversation with Michael Wilbon from the Edison Talks stage.

BELO ZERO (OF DO OR DIE) F/ KD YOUNG COCKY "ROLLIN"

The 1st visual from his recent release bring's Belo linking with the top director in Chicago DGainz.

GENERAL MOTORS NAMES FIRST FEMALE LEADER

Barra, 51, who's currently General Motors' head of global product development, will be the company's first female CEO.

Never before has a woman held the top job at a major automaker. The car business traditionally is as overreliant on testosterone as it is on fossil fuels. For that matter, fewer than two dozen Fortune 500 corporations are led by women. That list is topped by Meg Whitman, of Hewlett-Packard Co., No. 15 in Fortune's rankings. GM checks in at No. 7.

(link below)

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-biz-1211-phil-20131211,0,1197956.column

TWISTA "BACK TO THE BASICS" EP

Twista doesn't disappoint fans with his new EP offering which recently dropped. Check out the 7 track project on itunes as well as a new visual below.

(itunes ep link below)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-to-the-basics/id766974035

FEROCIOUS, produced by The legendary Traxster. Visual directed by Azae Production

SPENZO "ANYTIME"

This young artist continues to see success from his summer single "Wife Er" as shows and appearances pile in weekly. New visual from his latest project featuring Camron this time around for viewers.

R.KELLY "COOKIE"

Kells’ new album, Black Panties, is available online and in stores now!

EBONE HOODRICH & HARDKNOCK "BRICKS & 30 CLIPS" MIXTAPE

The cover art for this project dropped a few months back. Rising Chicago rap artists Ebone Hoodrich & Hardknock put together some old collabs and a fresh new batch of material to put this mixtape together for listeners.

THE CHICAGO BEARS THREE HEADED MONSTER

The Chicago Bears’ three headed monster: Alshon Jeffrey, Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte.

Those three names terrify opposing defenses, and, quite frankly, I get it. In a year in which the Bears have had a change at quarterback again, with a defense that can’t hold a division three running back in check, these three have shined above all others in terms of stats and playmaking ability.

All three players have already eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark; Forte in rushing, and Jeffrey and Marshall in receiving. Let’s put this in perspective: before 2012, when Marshall had his breakout season with the Bears (118 receptions, 1,508 receiving yards), Chicago hadn’t seen a wide receiver go over the 1,000 yard mark since 2001.

The Bears now have three games left in the 2013 season, and two receivers have managed to make it over the 1,000 yard mark. Both Jeffrey and Marshall are on pace for 100 receptions each in 2013. The production from these two has already surpassed anything the Bears have seen at the wide receiver position.

The pair needs just a combined 65 yards to surpass the franchises single season receiving record for a duo, a record they’re on track to obliterate by likely 500 yards or so.

(link below)

http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2013/12/the-chicago-bears-three-headed-monster/

HUNDREDS PROTEST IN CHICAGO FOR NATIONAL FAST FOOD STRIKE

Hundreds of protesters marched through the Loop as part of a nationwide one day strike in more than 100 cities calling for higher wages for fast food and other retail workers.

(link below)

http://chicagoist.com/2013/12/06/hundreds_protest_in_chicago_as_part.php

THE 10 HOTTEST RESTAURANTS IN CHICAGO RIGHT NOW

Dusek’s, Tanta, and more places everyone in Chicago wants to try in December.

(full list & gallery below)

http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/December-2013/The-Hot-List-10-places-everyones-talking-about-and-dining-at-in-December/

KATIE GOT BANDZ INKS RECORDING CONTRACT WITH EONE MUSIC (FORMERLY KOCH RECORDS)

Having a hit single does wonders for an up n coming artist. Katie Got Bandz has just inked a deal with NYC-based label, eOne Music. The deal is part of a joint venture with Chicago’s Lawless Inc. (who also have a venture with Epic Records for King Louie), who plan to release Katie’s debut album on the label in 2014.

BELO (OF DO OR DIE) "I PLEAD THE 5TH" MIXTAPE

One of Chicago's music pioneers releases his 1st offering in some years. Legal concerns may have stalled this return in the years passed but the wait is finally over, and the project speaks for itself. Take a listen below.

CHICAGO WOLVES NAMED BEST TEAM INTRODUCTION IN SPORTS

The Chicago Wolves’ pregame show has been named the Best Team Introduction in professional sports, beating out a number of teams in all areas of athletics. The title was bestowed upon the team by GameOps.com, an Ohio-based website that connects teams and event producers, allowing them to network and generate ideas to “enhance the entertainment value of their events,” according to the company’s website.

(link below)

http://www.redeyechicago.com/sports/redeye-chicago-wolves-named-best-team-introduction-in-professional-sports-20131205,0,352903.story

SWAY RESPONDS TO KANYE WEST INTERVIEW

Get More: Kanye West, RapFix Live, Full Episodes

While the esteemed MTV News correspondent and radio host initially remained mum on his afterthoughts regarding West’s now famous “You Ain’t Got The Answers” outburst, he broke his silence during Wednesday's episode of MTV’s “RapFix Live.”

“For the record, I love Kanye West. That’s my little brother. And if you got a chance to see the interview, it got really intense, I will admit to that,” Calloway recalled. “But everything Kanye said, I think is true. In fact, I believe in everything that he’s trying to do, and I think we all should listen to the message that’s in everything he said in that interview.”

CHELLA H "NO FILTER" COVER ART

Female artist Chella h plans to end the year how she started it, on top! New project expected to be ready for release at the end of this month rumors to be her best work yet.

AL KOLEON FT/ COUNT OF LEP "TROUBLE CHILD"

Unsigned hype Chicago artist Al Koleon liks with Interscope recording artist and LEP member count for this visual and single. Keep checking for both artist as 2k14 plans to be a big year for both camps.

ILLINOIS PENSION LAW SIGNED

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed landmark legislation Thursday to reform Illinois' massively-underfunded pension system, though the new law is certain to face threatened lawsuits by labor unions.

The overhaul, approved by the General Assembly this week after years of delay and inaction, cuts benefits for most employees and retirees. It has a June 1 effective date, but could be delayed by the legal challenges.

Quinn, who often signs new laws in celebratory public events, signed the pension bill Thursday afternoon in a private ceremony.

(link below)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/illinois-pension-law-sign_n_4393614.html