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 inference here, is that though a superstar like Kanye West has given Chicago a VIP seat at the hip-hop show, his style has unfairly become what people expect from the Chi. And even though Common, Twister, and a host of others that repped Chicago before Mr. West, have been consistent, West’s influence on pop culture has paled these veteran emcees (as well as the less known ones). So the point of Chicago Picasso, is to introduce and/or reintroduce Chicago, who’s roots in hip-hop run as deep as its pizza.

Naledge, who refers to himself as “Mr Brain,” gives quite an array of different flavors on this project. From the proud, reminiscent “Southside Sh-t,” a gritty, anthemic tale that allows everyone into the world of the most famous sector of Chicago, the Southside, to the smooth, and musically soothing “Cool Relax,” produced by Jay Electronica, which happens to be my personal favorite. Naledge delivers tidbits of his home, in several different ways, with a plethora of different Chicago emcees, including: GLC, Rhymefest, Mickey Factz and Chip Tha Ripper.

With a colorful cast like that, it’s no wonder Chicago Picasso is a success. Not only is the music and featured artists dope, but the mission behind the mixtape was fulfilled. Naledge definitely delivered a taste of the splendor that is Chicago. But I must admit, that though everyone held their own, and the project is a winner, I’m guilty of hoping to hear Kanye or Common on a track, for no other reason than I feel like it would have just been an awesome and unlikely collaboration. And I don’t think that they would’ve necessarily made Chicago Picasso better, it’s just unfortunate that they missed out on a true and collaborative representation of their home.

-Jason Reynolds