Posted on 11/04/2009
Don’t let the name fool you – Mike Baker does not make bikes. But he does handle bars. The Alameda, CA native and Honor Roll rapper released this super deluxe edition of his sophomore Now Or Never EP in preparation for this winter’s CMJ conference, and the tasty nine-track disc does not disappoint. What’s more important, however, is what Now Or Never does – not what it doesn’t do. It...

Posted on 11/04/2009
Sincerity always wins. This should be the mantra for the music that succeeds, and the lesson for that which fails. Granted, talent is also necessary, but if artists could hold fast to their truths, there is no doubt that they would garner an audience, and even sell a record or two. More importantly, they might even have a career that lasts longer than a high school love affair. This is...

Posted on 11/04/2009
“We trying to create a masterpiece, to show all aspects of Chicago, not just one thing.” These are the respectable words spoken by Chicago emcee, Naledge, best known for being one half of hip-hop duo Kidz In The Hall. His new mixtape, Chicago Picasso, is, as he stated, his attempt to shine light on the versatility that’s often overlooked when it comes to hip-hop in Chicago. The...

Posted on 11/04/2009
Ladies are definitely in the house when it comes to R&B, and anytime someone reaches a level of success, we see a lot of carbon copies, or since we are in the computer age, perhaps digital clones would be a more apt description. Joy Jones, known for her work with Bugz In The Attic, falls into the path of those duplicate singers only to interrupt the cookie cutter approach,...

Posted on 11/04/2009
Inspired in part by the classic Kevin Smith film Clerks, Chicago-bred and Washington Metropolitan area based artists, The Paxtons, aim to paint a picture of a fictional summer involving their exploits on their self-produced latest mixtape, Work. The loose concept unravels early on but it’s hardly a detriment, as what’s left in its wake is mostly enjoyable. Choosing to rhyme over extremely obvious loops and breaks, it all presents itself...

Posted on 11/04/2009
It’s never a good thing to listen to an album with your face tightened, staring aimlessly at your boom box like something smells bad. Unfortunately, that’s just what I endured every time I listened to Ultraviolet, the debut album from Chicago rapper Kid Sister. On one hand, I totally understand the purpose of this recording as a dance heavy project perfectly suited for the club. But on the other hand,...