Friday, October 31, 2014

VIDEO: RAMADA "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE"

Directed by @DGainzBeats
Ramada is back with another worthwhile visual "Too Good To Be True" check it out below.

VIDEO: KEVINN KELLY F/ KING LOUIE "HOW YOU WANT IT"

Kevinn Kelly of Doe Fiend Records links with King Louie for "How You Want It" visual Dir By. Gravitii Films & Prod. By Novacane (@Novacane_Muzik)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

MUSIC: A-VILLA "CARRY ON TRADITION VIDEO LINER NOTES"

Chicago producer A-Villa pens a special letter to all the artists that appear on his new LP, Carry On Tradition. Watch the video to get the complete list of features on A-Villa's 1st and last official LP.

MUSIC NEWS: RAPPER BANDMAN KEVO ARRESTED FOR BANK FRAUD IN "CRACKING CARDS" SCHEME

An aspiring Chicago rapper and five others are named in a federal complaint unsealed Tuesday alleging they participated in a bank fraud scheme stretching from Chicago to Valparaiso.
Kevin Ford, 26, of Chicago, who identifies himself as rapper Bandman Kevo on Facebook; his girlfriend Mercedes Hatcher, 21, of Merrillville; Griffith resident Cortez Stevens, 24; Stephen Garner, 23, who was arrested in Portage in June and is currently an inmate at the Porter County Jail; Garner’s girlfriend Brittany Sims, 24; and Mikcale Smally, 21, are each charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud.
The group is accused of obtaining about $639,745 in a bank fraud scheme called “cracking cards,” according to an affidavit.
check out his interview with Russel Simmons global grind.
http://globalgrind.com/2014/08/20/bandman-kevo-chicago-rapper-interview-exclusive/
(link below)
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/illinois/calumet-city/six-accused-in-k-bank-fraud-scheme-spanning-region/article_3b7b7175-a27d-5758-b231-3838ed46335d.html

Monday, October 27, 2014

EVENT: CHICAGO RED EYE "THE BIG IDEA AWARDS"

So, what’s The Big Idea? RedEye wants to help entrepreneurial-minded Chicagoans in four different areas—Community, Art & Design, Food & Drink and Technology, make their wildest dreams come true. The finalists have been narrrowed down from a pool of super-talented applicants. Now the power is in your hands.
NOV. 14 at Chop Shop (2033 W. North Ave.) meet the finalists, learn about their business ideas and vote for your favorites in each category, and have a drink or two. The winners receive a sweet prize package to help put their Big Idea into motion.
(link below)
http://www.redeyechicago.com/redeye-big-idea-awards-finale-20141026,0,2812252.htmlpage?main=true&int=fullsite

NEWS: CHICAGO TECH COMPANIES LURE ENGINEERS WITH NEW METHODS

“If you’re not that top salary, there has to be another draw,”
The tech-talent debate continues: Some say Chicago and the U.S. suffer a critical shortage of engineers and developers. Others say that’s a myth.
Some experts say the engineers are here, it’s just a matter of attracting them. They say that takes finesse, a balance between wooing job candidates with compelling projects and enticing them with cash, benefits and flexibility.
The average developer salary at a startup in San Francisco is $109,000 versus $85,000 in Chicago, according to AngelList, a platform that connects startups to early-stage investors. Chicago companies say they trumpet the city’s cost of living, lower than in tech hubs on the East and West coasts, and other tangible benefits at their companies.
(link below)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/originals/chi-hiring-engineers-bsi-20141024-story.html

SPORTS: BEARS DEFENSIVE END LAMARR HOUSTON HURT CELEBRATING SACK

Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston will undergo an MRI on Monday after hurting his right knee while celebrating a sack of Jimmy Garoppolo during the fourth quarter of the club's 51-23 loss to the New England Patriots.
(link below)
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11768687/lamarr-houston-chicago-bears-injured-celebrating-sack

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

MUSIC NEWS: "TINK" SIGNS WITH TIMBERLAND'S MOSLEY MUSIC GROUP

Today it was announced that Timbaland has a new label partnership with Epic Records for his Mosley Music Group imprint, with this first artists being Tink and V. Bozeman.
Not much is known about the label other than the partnership with Epic Records, but expect to hear some big things between Tink and Timbaland in the very near future.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

NEWS: CHIEF KEEF REPORTEDLY HAS BEEN DROPPED BY INTERSCOPE RECORDS (EXCLUSIVE INFO)

Earlier this year, matters began to sour with Chief Keef, his camp and the bosses at Interscope. Our source maintains Interscope began to “subtly disassociate” itself from the 19-year-old rapper after he had a series of legal cases sprout up in 2013 and 2014, ranging from lawsuits to drug offenses. He also went into rehab for an addiction to lean, an illegal drink that mixes promethazine and codeine. A March 2014 shoot out in Chicago, which authorities linked Keef to, allegedly further damaged the relationship with Interscope.
After that, the Chicago rapper relocated to Los Angeles in a new mansion this past summer in an effort to change the energy surrounding his life. The move not only got him away from his troubled roots in Chicago, but much closer to his label. This is where sources say the tension intensified.
“Keef and his people tried to keep the label accountable (once Keef moved to Los Angeles) but Interscope didn’t seem interested in dropping a new album. Keef’s team tried to have formal meetings but nothing moved,” an anonymouse source told AllHipHop. Additionally, there was some left over bad blood stemming from how Chief Keef’s first album was marketed and promoted.
Insiders say friction intensified until there were arguments with higher-ups in Interscope over how Keef’s career was being handled. Shortly thereafter, Keef was quietly released from his contract, sources said.

SPORTS: DERRICK ROSE SCORES 30 POINT IN 24 MINUTES (HIGHLIGHTS)

The return of Derrick Rose has been a slow process thus far, but the Chicago Bulls point guard looked like his old self in the first half of a preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. Rose scored 30 points on the night including 20 in the first half. That included 4-of-5 shooting from three-point range.

POLITICS: ILLINOIS GUBERNATORIAL DEBATE IN 60 SECONDS

Miss the last debate last night between Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican challenger Bruce Rauner?
We'll catch you up in a minute with this video.

CHICAGO UNSIGNED HYPE INTERVIEW W/ NOD OF 8TMG

Chicago Est.1837 Recently Caught Up With Indie Artist "NOD"
1. Introduce yourself & what you stand for as an artist.
NOD YOUNG CHOP RECORDING ARTIST OF 8TMG/CHOPSQUAD & I AM ALSO C.E.O OF ALPHASQUAD. I stand for being honest with my Music and real with myself & Others, Creativity and over All Shine For my City.
2. What part of the city are you from & how has it influenced your music?
SouthSide of Chicago Auburn Gresham/Englewood Community a Rough Community for those that Don't know. I Speak To My life events in my music.
3. How do you deal with writers block?
I dont know how to deal with writers block cause I Don't write.. Every thing from my Hooks to my verses are original freestyles that I never use a pin or pad on..wat helps me keep up with wat i create so i wont forget is the beat patterns I store my thoughts around the beat so once I have created the song in my head I remember it again once I hear the beat... so no Writers block.
4. Name your favorite Hip Hop album of all time & how it influenced your music grind.
Kriss Kross-KrossOut , The Notorious B.I.G-Ready To Die, YoungJeezy-Thug Motivation 101 & up, lil wayne - Da Carter 1 & DaCarter 2, JayZ-Black Album & 8tmg album. Kriss Kross is wat made me want to be a Rapper.. but lil wayne & young jeezy influenced Me on the Scale Where I Seen u can be Real An A Hot Artist at the Same Time With Swag
5. How did the situation with 8tmg/Chopsquad come about?
Well I knew Most of 8tmg members Most of they Life's like King Rell , Loui Baggs , YB johnny may cash & Young Chop all of them are younger then me & from the Same neighborhood But Rampage of 8tmg is my Blood Brother same mother same Father we Grow up under the Same Roof an he is also A Co Founder of 8tmg an Young Chops First Artist so in 2013 of October Rampage ASKED Me To Join The Crew As it's Newest Member An That's How it Happened My loyalty is To my brother.
6. Tell us what we can expect from you these next few years.
To be more known Then I am now in so many words I'm Shooting For The Star's.
Follow His Progress...
Instagram: Nod8tmg
Twitter: Nod8tmg
Facebook: Nod8tmg

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

NEWS: CITY TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR AFTER SCHOOL JOBS FOR YOUTH

There will be more summer job and after-school options for Chicago youth next year. The city plans increasing funding to those programs by $2 million. The money will allow the city to offer 24,000 jobs and nearly 17,000 after-school programs to children and young adults this summer, the mayor's office said. When Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office in 2011, there were only 14,000 jobs and nearly 13,000 after-school opportunities available.
(link below)
http://abc7chicago.com/news/city-to-increase-summer-job-after-school-options-for-youth/348559/

POLITICS: KAREN LEWIS WILL NOT RUN FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO

Karen Lewis, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union, has decided not to run for mayor of Chicago against Rahm Emanuel, her campaign announced Monday afternoon.
Lewis fell ill and was hospitalized last week with a yet-to-be-disclosed illness. She had been contemplating a challenge to Mayor Rahm Emanuel, with whom she has sparred for his entire first term, including the 2012 teachers' strike.
Yet her sudden ailment — referred to only as a "serious illness" requiring surgery by her top union staffer — immediately cast doubt on her entering the race. The election is in February.
(link below)
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141013/loop/karen-lewis-will-not-for-mayor-against-rahm-emanuel

SPORTS: ADIDAS D ROSE 5 BOOST "THE LAKE" EDITION

Inspired by Lake Michigan and its prominence as a major Chicago landmark, “The Lake” D Rose 5 Boost features a metallic teal synthetic tumbled leather upper for premium feel and durability. The metallic teal upper, tonally accented vivid mint Fit Cage and D Rose logo capture the essence of Lake Michigan.
The D Rose 5 Boost is the ultimate signature shoe to outfit Derrick Rose on and off the court.

FEATURE: "SICK EMPIRE" THE MAN BEHIND THE ARTWORK.

The 22 year old mixtape cover designing phenom began designing when he was just 16, as a way to pass time. By 2011 he had turned himself into not just a graphic designer but as one of the most sought out creative mines in the mixtape circuit.
After many re branding attempts and settling in on names like "Sick GFX" & others, the talented cover designer narrowed in on "Sick Empire" aka The Almighty. Receiving his big break and steady client base on Myspace originally designing layouts, banners, & profile pics, Sick began to make the proper connections in the music industry. To date his brand is the face of mixtapes on popular viral sites with MILLIONS of views & downloads. Projects that include work with DJ Young JD, DJ Young Shawn, DJ Ben Frank, DJ Grady, Muzikfene, 3RDY Baby, & many others.
BUT! The young entrepreneur doesnt just want to design mixtape covers his whole life, he plans on developing a clothing brand, video production team, a music group and become a household name.
Follow his progress...
www.thesickestinthegame.com
Twitter.com/TheSickEmpire

Monday, October 13, 2014

VIDEO: MZKING F/ JDR- "READY"

MzKing the new rising indie artist out of Chicago offers up a new single & visual. JDR co stars alongside her in this hot & sexy video.

Friday, October 10, 2014

NEWS: CHICAGO RED LIGHT OPERATION RULED "FUNDAMENTALLY DEFICIENT"

A new report finds the city's management of the red light camera program in Chicago was "fundamentally deficient."
The report from the Office of the Inspector General follows a 10-month investigation by the Chicago Tribune. The probe looked into dramatic spikes in tickets at a dozen corners monitored by red light cameras.
The report only identified likely causes for three cases and put the blame on faulty equipment and inaccurate camera settings.
Inspector General Joseph Ferguson said his office was unable to find reasons for any of the other anomalies, citing missing or destroyed records and his office's desire to quickly respond to public concerns.
(link below)
http://abc7chicago.com/news/ig-report-red-light-camera-management-in-chicago-fundamentally-deficient/345245/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

EVENT: POPULAR BOY GROUP "VIXX" TO PERFORM IN CHICAGO

They will be at the Star Plaza Theatre in Chicago on November 22 before heading to New York's Terminal 5 on November 23 for another concert performance.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

VIDEO: SPRKS- "MADE MAN DREAMS"

Shot By @HyBasem3nt
New Chicago indie artist Sprks provides "Made Man Dreams" as the lead visual from upcoming EP entitled "Transition" For updates log on to www.darealsparks.com.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

MUSIC: JILLA- "DOUBT THAT'

Emerging unsigned artist "Jilla" from Rockford offers up this new catchy single "Doubt That" Support & check it out below.

NEWS: HEROIN EPIDEMIC RAGING CHICAGO SUBURBS

A heroin epidemic is raging in the suburbs. Since 2012, at least 390 people have died from heroin overdoses in Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Will and Kane counties.
Naperville has had a significant problem with heroin the last few years and a number of high school students have died from overdoses; such as Louie Miceli, a high school athlete who overdosed two years ago. His mother started a foundation in his name.
Police and community groups on Monday night teamed up to educate and empower parents to make a difference in the lives of their children.
(link below)
http://www.myfoxchicago.com/story/26718866/heroin-epidemic-plagues-suburbs-of-chicago

NEWS: BOLINGBROOK MAN ARRESTED AT AIRPORT TRYING TO JOIN ISIS

Khan, 19, a U.S. citizen, was arrested at O’Hare International Airport Saturday afternoon as he tried to board a flight to Vienna with plans to connect to Turkey, authorities said. A criminal complaint alleged that he was carrying round-trip tickets but had no intention of returning here.
During more than three hours of questioning at the airport, Khan told agents he planned to meet in Istanbul with a contact who would take him to Islamic State locations in either Iraq or Syria, the charges alleged. Khan also said he expected his role there would be “some type of public service, a police force, humanitarian work or a combat role,” the complaint said.
In an interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday, FBI Director James Comey, who has said about a dozen Americans were believed to be fighting in Syria, described such homegrown terrorists as “troubled souls” who “engage in jihad after emerging from their basement.”
In the letter found in a bedroom that he shared with a younger brother, Khan warned his parents not to contact authorities, saying it would “jeopardize” the family’s safety, according to the charges.
(link below)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/bolingbrook/chi-feds-bolingbrook-man-facing-terrorism-charges-20141006-story.html

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

THE SOURCE DIGITAL & RADIO POWER 30 FOR 2014

Digital 30 isn’t just based on who has the coolest blog or website. It’s a combination of numbers–or hits–impact, versatility, and of course, how dope the content is. The Radio 30 is also based on a complex rubric that doesn’t just involve how popular one’s show is. While that plays a role, it’s also important how many markets a show reaches, the impact a particular personality has in the grand scheme of Hip-Hop radio and culture, and of course, the moments. The moments that will be talked about for years to come–a lot of them still happen on the country’s most prolific and prominent radio shows.
(link below)
http://thesource.com/2014/09/17/the-source-presents-the-2014-digital-radio-power-30/

EVENT: JOEY BADA$$ LIVE @ METRO

All Ages. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Also appearing: Nyck Caution, Kirk Knight and CJ Fly.
Metro- Chicago, IL.
October 2, 2014 7:00 PM

CHICAGO UNSIGNED HYPE INTERVIEW W/ CHAD LONDON

Chicago Est.1837 Recently Caught Up With Indie Artist "Chad London"
1. Introduce yourself and how long you've been making music.
Chad London from the south side of Chicago.
2. What made you want to become a music artist?
I became a artists because I grew up during the 90s when the hip hop culture was everywhere from the fashion to music. Influenced by B.I.G. and tupac I just wanted to tell my story and make money while doing so.
3. Who would you like to work with? Dream feature.
My dream feature would be tupac he was one of the greatest to ever do it.
4. Have you performed live? If so what has been your most memorable show?
The most memorable live performance was in 2005 when I was a college freshman performing in the freshmen talent show I froze up and forgot all my lyrics to my song.
5. What other endeavors besides music are u currently working on?
Besides the music I have a clothing company "Takers" True Artist Keep Everything Real Soulful got some dope apparel. I wouldn't mind getting into acting either.
6. Where do you see yourself the next 3-5 years within the industry?
In 3 to 5 years I will be one of the most successful people in the industry both fashion and music.
Follow His Progress...
FACEBOOK.com/chadlondonfive
Instagram.com/chadlondon5
twitter.com/chadlondon