Chicago Rappers are once again, taking over the hip-hop scene. The city has always had a big impact on hip-hop culture. From monumental artists such as Chief Keef, Kanye West, and Twista, to recent greats like Chance the Rapper, Mick Jenkins and G Herbo, Chicago has always had its own sound. These artists are responsible for new waves of hip-hop. Chicago is not stopping, adding a list of artists that are going to take 2020 by storm. Here are my predictions on which artists are going to change the face of hip-hop.
- College Educated: Heavy Steppers-SBG Kemo
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Ke Millie and SBG Kemo’s single Heavy Steppers got so much attention, that they named their group after it. If you play the first 13 seconds (yes, just 13 seconds) of this song in a Chicago party, the crowd will run to the dance floor. I know this from experience. SBG Kemo shows that you can multitask chasing your dream while still in college. He attends Central State University. SBG Kemo has kept himself in the buzz by following up with another hit song, Lit Up (ft. Pronto Spazzout). The heavy steppers choose the quirkiest beats that keeps the attention of millions of viewers on youtube.
- About Business: Calboy
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Calboy got my attention with his Wildboy EP published in 2019. His single Envy me is played constantly on Chicago radio stations. The single is already 2x platinum. My favorite song by Calboy right now is Chariot (Ft. Meek Mill, Lil Durk and Young Thug). Calboy has a very melodic flow that fits perfectly to his beats. He takes pride in all of his lyrics being freestyled. Calboy is the co-owner of his own label Paper Gang and has a management deal with Dream Chasers, Meek Mill’s label. Calboy is exemplifying boss moves early in his career. With the attention that he gives to the business side of music, I’m sure Calboy will be around for a long time.
- Giving back: Polo G
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When you’ve seen the progression of an artist from their early stages, their victories hit harder for you. That is the case for me with Polo G. Coming from the north side of Chicago, Polo G rose to the top of industry expeditiously. When I went from seeing his music on facebook, to my 5 year old niece singing Polo’s 3x platinum hit Pop Out, all within a year, I knew his music was having a huge impact. Signed to Columbia, the reason for Polo G’s success is pure talent and honesty. It’s not too often that we find an artist like Polo G who is not using a gimmick, but just solely relying on experience to tell a story. What I like about Polo G is that his sound is constantly evolving. He has songs that are considered drill rap and also has songs that inspires listeners. Polo G shows his impact on Chicago by giving back in numerous ways, including his Youth Basketball AAU team, The Chicago Grizzlies.
All under 22, these artists are showing that you can accomplish your dreams at any age. They are inspirational in the fact that they are all using the pain they went through in the city of Chicago, as fuel to keep them going. I love to see artists using their influence positively, which is what these young men are doing. I wish all of these artists nothing but success!