Providing the backbone to everything he touches, Mulatto Beats has proven himself time and time again as more than a capable producer, but a great one. Devon "Mulatto Beats" Smith laid the groundwork during his time with Supreme Regime and Hurt Everybody, but ironically stepped out on his own with the release of ".22 Summers", a collaboration with some very talented friends. Calling on Qari, Lucki, King Louie, Mick Jenkins and others, Mulatto delivered his ten track opus filled with thick bouncy vibes throughout. Like any producer driven project, .22 Summers is filled with guest features. The selections here are smart and reflective of Mulatto's overall preference, not a slouch among them, however, Mulatto's production would have earned a spot on this list in an of itself. Mulatto may have spent twenty-two summers in Chicago, but he's got more life to live and more music to make. I hope I can find a reason to put Mulatto on this list every year. 

—Brent Butcher

To say 2017 was a big year for Lucki would be an understatement, as he released an array of EP’s, singles, and his full-length album Watch My Back. The 18-track, 38 minute album moves fast, often feeling like one long song thanks to the perfect transitions from track to track. Lucki is known for having a great ear for instrumentals and he proves it again electing standout beats from Plu20 Nash, Mayhem Meech, DZY, Clams Casino, F1lthy, and more. What makes this album unique is Lucki's his ability to express his inner-darkness and destructive thought patterns through his concise freestyle raps across the project. Watch My Back showcases everything Lucki has embodied over the years from dropping clever bars, boasting one of the best flows in the game, and floating over any beat put in front of him. Press play and be prepared for this to be in your rotation into 2018.

—Luis Hernandez

The JuJu Exchange gave us one of the coolest projects of 2017. A surprise announcement coupled with one of the most talked about Chicago shows of 2017 cements The Exchange’s spot as one of Chicago’s great projects this year. It’s a sophisticated recording, sounding beautiful on any speakers but truly rewarding a lovely sound system. The perfect album for a night drive, this record is a consistently rewarding listen that is both challenging and pleasant, hinting at the genuine energy between the members as well as their musical talent. Spearheaded by The Social Experiment’s Nico Segal, The Exchange was everything we’ve come to expect from Chicago projects: cool, collected, intricate, and made by a wonderful group of talented friends. Here’s to hoping we get more in the near future.  

—Benjamin Levine

In a year full of hot releases left and right, Joseph Chilliams’ Henry Church  stands out in more ways than one. Aside from being Joseph’s debut body of work, the 13 track project challenges nearly any stereotype one can associate with a typical rap album. Songs like “Shake My Ass” are a prime example of Joseph's attack on the convention of rap. On the song, Mr. Chilliams not only drags the misogynoir of hip hop to the light, he does so from the perspective of a woman. With Jamila Woods as the male counterpart, “Shake My Ass” is a style of satire damn near unheard of in the hip hop community. A befitting image for Joseph as his lyricism tends to push the boundaries of songwriting with every listen. All in all, Joseph wanted Henry Church to act as a sharp but warm welcome to the future of rap music. A big ass “Hello!”, from a rapper who isn’t afraid to speak his mind, make you laugh, or make you think when you hear him.

—Franky Dono

Nnamdi was a staple of Chicago’s underground music scene for years. Then he released Drool. Drool skyrocketed his profile across the country, jumping from local to national almost instantaneously and making all sorts of song and album year end lists right around now. Drool is a manic journey through the mind of Nnamdi. It’s an exploration of the loss of initiative, but imbued with frenetic energy that is incomparable. Nnamdi’s honest and relatable personality, shine through every track via his thoughtful writing. His roots as a drummer are everywhere on this project, from the scattering, bizarre beats to his unpredictable flow. Unpredictability is one of the best ways to describe this project. We sure didn’t see Drool coming.

—Ray Mestad

KAMI, formerly known a Kami de Chukwu, was someone I thought I had figured out prior to 2017. Between his peppering of solo releases or his work alongside Joey Purp as one half of Leather Corduroys, I regretfully put KAMI in a creative box before he was even able make a proper solo debut. In steps Just Like The Movies, the first of two projects KAMI released this past year along with his Superstar EP, a monster of a project in its own right. Just Like The Movies destroyed expectations and ushered KAMI into a whole new world of creative expression, taking great care in quality and presentation. I honestly don't think the city and the world were ready for it. Ahead of its time perhaps, something that improves with age and capable of enjoying true longevity. Just Like The Movies will surely continue to gain appreciation for years to come. Number 4 on our list overall, this album earns its spot by offering a sonically robust production and the story of a man that refuses to be boxed up. KAMI broke out in a big way this year and is poised for an even bigger 2018.  

—Brent Butcher

G Herbo, formally known as Lil Herb, has been a Chicago living legend since bursting onto the scene with the viral hit track "Kill Shit". He followed that up with notable projects Welcome To Fazoland and Ballin’ Like Kobe that each contained tracks that racked up millions of streams. With eyes of the city upon him, 2017 was the year G Herbo finally delivered his first studio album Humble Beast. Through the 15 track album G Herbo takes the listener on a journey, starting with the hard-hitting intro produced by fellow Chicagoan Thelonious Martin, notorious drill type bangers with long time friend Lil Bibby and even his standout track “Crown” alongside the famous Bump J. The album also holds one of the best story-telling tracks of G Herbo's career on the song "Malcolm", where he depicts the trials and tribulations of a young black man growing up on the southside of Chicago. Most importantly, the album showcases G Herbo's rapping skills and delivery in peak form on tracks like "Red Snow" and "Bi Polar". Bar for Bar, Humble Beast shines as one of the best pure rap albums across the country.

—Luis Hernandez

Knox Fortune's debut album Paradise was an excellent beginning to a much anticipated solo career. Somehow sonically intertwining nostalgia with enjoyment and celebration of the present, Knox's work on Paradise has maintained its listenability and lovability since its release. With songwriting that displays timelessness and versatility and Knox's accompanying undeniable melodies, the project remains a charming, thoughtful, and individual statement—a true standout in 2017. While Knox may have been more known for his production up until Paradise, Knox has officially announced himself as a force to be reckoned with on all fronts with a first project that will be remembered for years to come.

—Rachel Blackman

The Glo-up has been too real for St. Louis, Missouri’s leadman Smino as far as 2017 is concerned. Even before the release of his full-length debut blkswn, Zero Fatigue’s Smino had positioned himself as one of the midwest’s most flourishing new acts. After dropping the project on the cusp of an annual hometown celebration earlier this year on March 14th. Smino has not only solidified himself at the forefront of the next wave of midwest creatives, but the pride and joy of his hometown in North St. Louis. The album has since generated a healthy slew of tour dates, guest appearances, and collaborations as well. Between the remix of his single “Anita” with T-Pain, or his more recent song “Pecans” with Terrence Martin for the Adidas X Yours Truly’s #SongsFromScratch sessions; everyone seems to be asking for more Smino. No matter where Smino may find himself down the line, blkswn will forever be a classic piece of art. A proud showcase of work representing his progression as a musician and the very foundation from which he came.

—Franky Dono  

Ne-Hi

Offers

Chief Keef

Thot Breaker

MfNMelo

Melodramatics

Ravyn Lenae

Midnight Moonlight

Kiara Lanier

Tongues & Teaspoons 

Rich Jones

Vegas