Chicago Albums of the Year 2024
In yet another year that was heavy as a whole, music again serves as a silver living and saving grace for many of us here in the city. Chicago's musicians of all sizes and sounds really showed up in 2024, delivering statement albums and songs worth repeating. Our staff closes out our year by sharing a selection of the releases that impacted us the most.
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ATRIXXX
Adam Atrixx
Have you ever been to the start of a really good party? Listening to ATRIXXX, a 15-track, sexy beast of a project, feels just like it—there's this hunger for what's to come and a promise to make the current moment memorable. And just like a really good party, ATRIXXX gives you a good time. The tantalizing "Nasty" sets the tone for the whirlwind of freaky fun you'll get into. Detail and rules don't matter; moving your body becomes paramount. Elsewhere, Adam's kittenish demeanor plays up the fun, especially on tracks like "RELOAD." If you're like me and consumed a little too much freak-forward music during a brain-shaping phase, the project's wonderfully outrageous lyrics against body-bouncing beats will resonate with you. ATRIXXX feeds you this on a blindingly bright platter.
But it's not all in high gear all the time. "Casino Edge," "Tease," and "Spoiled" are all mesmerizing respites from hot and fast dance parties. They feel like a cigarette break on a night out, knowing what's waiting for you when you're ready to go back in or a bathroom break with your girls with the quiet yet present reminder that the party will end eventually. "Tears," the closing track, pulls this feeling to the forefront and, with distorted vocals and hypnotizing drums, puts an end to the party. You're left with a racing heartbeat, the memory of movement that made you happy, and the promise of doing it all again.
- Iman Music
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One Million Love Songs
Bnny
One Million Love Songs by Bnny, the project led by singer-songwriter Jessica Viscius, explores the many forms love can take and the ways it shapes us. At its heart, it contends with the feeling that love can destroy us, but rather as a force that transforms. The group’s indie rock sound strikes a balance between melancholic dream sequences and the nostalgia of unlocked memories. The songs unfold at their own pace, building slowly and deliberately, often building slowly to a crescendo with thumping drums and swelling guitars adding depth while Jessica’s voice maintains a soft, introspective tone. The writing is relatable, offering moments that listeners can connect with, capturing love's complexity and humans’ ability to persist.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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MOGUL MUZIK
BOSSFTR
BOSSFTR (short for BOSSFromTheRaq and formerly known as CP) has always been a big favorite around these parts for his deep voice, pull toward sinister trap production and methodical approach to recording. But MOGUL MUZIK saw him take an even bigger leap forward. Slightly inspired by the movie Scarface, there’s a cinematic feeling to this record, and he’s taken on a more mafioso personality. He thoroughly enjoys belittling his foes, flexing his money off rap and throwing the occasional hilarious line. BOSSFTR operates in an interesting space; he's not a household name, but his loyal fanbase includes some of the internet’s biggest personalities, who you usually see around in marquee events and parties.
On tracks like "ONGAME," he speaks with a calm, almost casual arrogance about rocking shows, pulling any girl he wants, or speeding down 290 with the same nonchalant swagger you'd expect from someone grabbing a quick grocery run. The production, full of spaced-out 808s, is a perfect fit for his vibe, with “DTM (UFO)” standing out for its otherworldly synths. MOGUL MUZIK showcases BOSSFTR’s evolution into a unique figure in trap, blending humor, bravado, and cinematic flair into a sound all his own.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Almighty So 2
Chief Keef
Chief Keef’s Almighty So 2 is the victory lap of an auteur who has weathered hurdles, some self-imposed obstacles and a decade-plus career full of twists. Through it all, he remained true to his idiosyncratic vision. From the cover artwork to the production, the drill legend and mad genius sets a gothic atmosphere across the whole album, amplifying the sense of grandeur around his persona. Almost entirely self-produced, the beats are enveloped in a feeling of bigness as he revels in the journey that brought him to his point . What's particularly cool about Almighty So 2 is the way it pulls in collaborators—when you're on a Keef track, you can't help but go hard. Sexyy Red, Tierra Whack, and G Herbo each deliver standout verses, matching Keef's energy with their own distinctive flair. It’s a rare album that feels like both a celebration of past triumphs and an unapologetic flex for the future.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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The Hunger Era
D2x
After two impressive albums and a mini-tour across North America, D2x’s hard-earned early achievements —and the even bigger ambitions still on his bucket list—fueled the creation of The Hunger Era. The Chicago rapper has a knack for turning his albums into fully realized universes, always staying true to a central theme, and on this project, he raps with raw ferocity and an unrelenting drive to succeed—an energy you can feel in your chest. For fans of that vintage College Dropout-era Kanye vibe, it’s all here, with production from GoldHaze and echoes of Kanye’s influence throughout tracks like “WOW,” featuring Christ Patrick. Superhero movie samples segue into high-energy anthems like “FIRE,” which kicks off with a Tony Stark soundbite before exploding into a stadium-sized guitar riff and live drums. From there, D2x steps in, fueling listeners with powerful declarations of success and the relentless pursuit of greatness. This is the type of music that soundtracks your practice or pre-game ritual—charging you up for whatever challenges lie ahead.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here
Friko
Chicago’s got sides. And just like the city itself, its music reflects that range. Friko’s debut album, Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here, is a reminder that Chicago’s rock scene deserves its flowers. We’ve been following Friko closely for years—they even landed on our Spring/Summer 2023 Chicago Artists to Watch list—and this album delivers on every bit of the promise they’ve shown.
The rollout for this record felt like a journey. It began last November with two singles arriving in 2023, building anticipation before the album’s official February release. What started as a tight, 9-song, 36-minute statement has since evolved into an “Expanded Edition” that doubles the tracklist and runtime. With the added demos and live recordings, you can feel the energy of hometown crowds shouting every lyric back to lead singer Niko Kapetan. Friko’s music doesn’t just fill a room; it lights it up. From the visceral punch of “Chemical” to the powerful build of “Where We’ve Been,” this album hits every mark. No posturing—just raw emotion, sharp melodies, and lyrics that remind you of how powerful music can be. Bravo, Friko. Thank you for this record. We can’t wait to see where you go from here.
- Eric Montanez
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forgive Me, indefinitely
Fingy
FINGY’s playful energy has made her one of the most recognizable figures in Chicago’s dance scene, but there’s a serious, more methodical side to her music that pulls everything together. Forgive Me, indefinitely is an EP full of moments that feel like snapshots of a day, each one capturing a different mood or feeling. “sound Bath” opens the project with a calming, meditative vibe—perfect for easing into the morning, whereas “i ADORE you” captures the rush of dancing late into the night. The EP flows seamlessly through these timestamps and emotional shifts, giving you a chance to reflect, fall in love, and lose yourself in the music. FINGY’s ability to build this world creates a project that’s both introspective and thrilling.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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SUMMER SCHOOL
Jay Wood
Listening to Jay Wood rap is effortlessly entertaining. Clever yet candid bars over boom-bap beats that lean either moody or inspirational marvelously emit the Chicago rapper’s approachable and voguish charisma. In his 2024 EP SUMMER SCHOOL, Jay showcases his sharpened ability to connect to listeners through lyricism that reveals his authentic persona.
Just as quickly as you're met with a feel-good confidence on the standout track “PETRO,”, Jay recedes to a moment of inward vulnerability at the song’s halfway mark –setting the theme for the rest of the project. The heaviness of balancing relationships while dream chasing sinks in on “PRACTICE,” especially with theMIND’s musing guest verse. By the time the roughly 10-minute EP comes to an end, you can’t help but admire this short yet impactful offering that clearly attests to Jay doing what he does best, but even better by opening up about the hardships faced on the path of reaching your goals.
- Carlos Castillo
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Yvette
Kaicrewsade
Kaicrewsade’s debut project, Yvette, feels like a love letter to the Chicago music scene—both a dedication and a celebration, sure, but Kai isn’t just honoring it; he’s actively shaping it. Drawing directly from the source code of the city’s sound, Yvette wears its influences proudly as Kai builds on those foundations with the confidence of someone ready to carry the torch. While features from Chicago luminaries Nico Segal, theMIND, Femdot. & Frsh Waters anchor one side of the project’s cross-generational bridge, tracks like “#baby boy!” and “#Dawg!” show us that the new faces of Chicago's scene are as talented as they’ve ever been. While hip-hop to its core, Yvette is jazz energy through and through, allowing it to weave together multiple generations of musical past and present with precision and pride. 2024 was certainly an exciting year for anyone watching Kaicrewsade’s ascent, but we have a feeling it’s all up from here.
- Eric Montanez
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DOMINO.
Kayo
One of the most alluring aspects of Kayo’s music is how each track reveals more about him. Earlier this year, we described DOMINO. as a mix of "get your mind right" grind anthems and heartfelt reflections, and that still rings true today. Drawing from The Blueprint-era Jay-Z and early 2010s blog rap, Kayo takes pride in being an emcee without sacrificing emotional depth for complex rhymes.
The album greatly benefits from Kayo’s collaboration with Galaxy Francis, who produced half of it, who co-mixed it with Ro Moore and is featured twice. This teamwork gives the album the polished feel of a major label-backed release. On “Gone,” with its chopped-up soul sample, Kayo shares game with bravado while calling out the scene’s capital sins. On “First Order of Business,” he talks his shit but also mourns the passing of his grandmother with remarkable tact. Meanwhile, “Trials” stands out with its stomping production that softens just enough for Kayo and Nuworld Bel-Air to provide lights out verses that express gratitude for their friends, faith, and journey. In not so many words, DOMINO. is a project you can grow with.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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WHAT’S MY NAME?
Khaliyah X
Khaliyah X’s mixtape WHAT’S MY NAME? is a journey of self-discovery, wrapped in balmy R&B and new-soul sounds. Built around the title track—a 2023 local hit that samples Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name”—the project blends heartfelt lyrics with lush harmonies. Khaliyah reflects on universal experiences of 20-somethings while also diving into her own personal growth with vocals that float over smooth instrumentals, giving the mixtape a deeply intimate and reflective vibe. The project flows seamlessly, with moments that keep the listener engaged. "PSA," featuring Kayo’s standout rap verse, adds an energetic punch early on, while "IN YOUR ORBIT" offers a poignant ballad about feeling lost in love and seeking freedom. The ‘tape culminates in "GOOD A$$ DAY," where Khaliyah celebrates her growth and newfound clarity. WHAT’S MY NAME? is a testament to the singer’s musical maturity, vulnerability, and ability to connect with listeners through honest, resonant storytelling.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Samurai
Lupe Fiasco
Lupe Fiasco has long been championed for his penmanship and the way he’s able to compose songs in a cinematic way, but nine albums deep into his career, he continues to surprise us with the concepts he comes up with and how he stays creatively sharp. The latest example, Samurai, draws inspiration from a quote in an Amy Winehouse documentary, where she describes herself as a “lyrical Samurai” after practicing battle rap. With the late artist as his muse, Lupe embraces the concept from a looser perspective, imagining what her life—or a character inspired by her—would be like if she were a battle rapper. Produced by long-time collaborator Soundtrakk, this concept gives Lupe a chance to tap into the hunger of an up-and-coming artist while taking a fresh approach to his writing. At just 30 minutes, it’s one of his least dense projects to date. Yet, the intricate rhythmic patterns and ever-changing rhyme schemes remind us that we’re still dealing with a master at work.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Love Letter to the West
Mike DFG
Love can be complicated—bringing both pain and strength, often revealing the best and worst versions of yourself. For Mike DFG, who is from Chicago’s West Side, this duality is specifically present in his music and his love for his stumping grounds. Love Letter to the West (LLTTW) is an unflinching tribute to the side that raised him.
The album’s raw energy comes across in tracks like “MADHOUSE ON MADISON” with its hard-hitting drums; and the chopped-and-screwed sample on “Golden Child,” blending youthful exuberance and a student-like dedication to craftmanship. Cuts like “POLK & LAWNDALE FREESTYLE” and “MISTA WEST$IDE” further situates the album in his neighborhood, but the production feels big —ready for it to be toured across the world. This is music meant to energize, to celebrate, to elevate a hometown hero. Mike DFG has crafted an album that feels like a homecoming—intimate yet anthemic. Love Letter to the West is Mike’s declaration of arrival.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Above All
Myquale
Myquale’s Above All deserves a spot on end of year lists for its ability to transport listeners through the journey of his own inner life experiences, probing them to address the challenges, desires and revelations they have previously faced (or currently need to confront) themselves. His adept storytelling ability seeps through emotively rapt soundscapes, making each track feel as vivid as watching a critically-acclaimed biopic.
While songs throughout this project address forthright topics that can feel weighty or even burdensome, they manage to amplify moments of optimism and motivation. “Goin’ through a lot of changes, you know that tragedy and loss language,” he raps on “Duppy,” the first transitional moment of the album where Myquale progresses from nostalgia to mulling over the harsher realities we face and observe as humans. He even manages to pinpoint the distinct feeling of momentarily escaping these truths through shifting one’s thoughts to those more reminiscent and aspirational in the final minute of “Fin.” By the time you reach one of the last tracks, “Above All,” Myquale offers a spur of inspiration that will leave you appreciative of both his and your own ability to prevail against any doubts or obstacles. Above All will undoubtedly resonate with listeners for the gripping plot Myquale has crafted, and be appreciated most by those of us who have overcome life’s transitional periods and the rougher realities we face in adulthood.
- Carlos Castillo
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DON'T GROW UP TOO SOON
Nascent
DON’T GROW UP TOO SOON finds Nascent reflecting on the sacrifices of success, balancing the rewards of hard work following his Grammy win with the acknowledgment of the loss of youthful innocence. “Take Your Time” features Ab-Soul speaking from Nascent’s perspective over a jazzy beat, reminding himself to “live slow, die old.” But, overall, guest artists add their own experiences to the album to complement the reflective and grounded tone of the album. Blending his love for hip hop storytelling with soft, melodic elements he crafts a world that feels authentic and lived-in even with stars from the genre.
“Still Spinnin’ These Blocks,” brings together Paul Wall, Maxo Kream, and BJ The Chicago Kid for an ode to cars. On “Run Me Back My Bread,” Childish Major and SAILORR capture a tense argument between a struggling artist and their partner who’s carrying the financial load, akin to Issa and Lawrence’s dynamic in Insecure Season 1. Chicago’s soulful influence threads through the album, with soulful production and lyrics that move between introspection and self-assurance.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Switch My Mood
Pretty Liyah
2022 saw Pretty Liyah break out onto the scene with her juke-rap party anthem, “It’s A Throw.” With her undeniable charisma and Chicagoness on full display, the single spread like wildfire across the city, earning her a spot on our Artists to Watch list that year. A pregnancy and personal issues temporarily slowed her momentum, but she’s been steadily building it back up. By 2024, it was clear she was back and locked in. Switch My Mood is a collection of the songs that brought her back into her groove—fun and high-energy with an infectious vibe that makes you want to act up. The title track's lyric—"and when they try to count me out, I come back to let them know"—perfectly embodies the spirit of the album. From start to finish, Switch My Mood delivers on its promise, packed with the kind of bangers that will keep the party going long into the night. Pretty Liyah is back on her grind, and this album is the proof.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Bird’s Eye
Ravyn Lenae
Ravyn Lenae has been captivating listeners with her velvety vocals ever since she dropped her debut EP as a teenager. Since then, her critically acclaimed music has taken her around the world and back. In Bird’s Eye, her highly anticipated sophomore album, we find Lenae reflecting on her journey—looking back at her roots while embracing her evolution as an artist. As she shared in an Instagram post, the album represents her "returning to a place of self-trust and unbending intuition," while acknowledging the roads she’s taken to get here.
On "One Wish," featuring Childish Gambino, Lenae poignantly channels her 10-year-old self, grappling with the heartbreak of her father not showing up for her birthday. "Love Me Not" explores the complexities of a tumultuous relationship, blending an indie rock vibe with Lenae’s soulful delivery as she wrestles with self-reflection and emotional distance. Meanwhile, "Candy" offers a surprising reggae-inspired production. The result is a dynamic, genre-defying collection of 11 tracks where Lenae is free to experiment, showcase her growth, and speak to different phases in her life from a broad, 50,000-foot view.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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‘Til Death Do We Ball
SONNY
‘Til Death Do We Ball is a strikingly produced, equally well-written, and well-performed album that is, in many ways, a memoir of sorts. SONNY’s gritty yet spellbinding vocals against grainy, dreamy, and sometimes grim soundscapes reflect the city and its landscape, which have been so influential in shaping who he’s grown into.The opening track, “PRODUCT,” confirms SONNY’s assurance in himself and everything that’s contributed to making him who he is today. Follow-up tracks, “BACKWOODS & HOUSE SHOWS” and “LOGS,” amp the energy up even more and showcase the levity SONNY harnesses, both lyrically and in how he maneuvers through the sounds. “PICK UP THE PACE” features longtime collaborator nombreKARI and utilizes deep bass and fast-paced raps to showcase the effortless wordplay they can engage in.
Bandhunta KT, Brooklyn Skye, Dreamer Isioma, DrewIsABoss, Senite, and In’ea J add dimension to the story SONNY is painting, whether they're adding impressive raps, vocals, or strings. ‘Til Death Do We Ball is a promising work of lyrical, sound, and visual storytelling that shines a bright light on SONNY and the in-depth experiences that have shaped his character, the lessons he’s had to learn, and the peace he’s earned. The closing track, “SAINT,” wraps together everything we know about SONNY. That Chicago confidence and the undying motivation to outdo oneself complement the sample-blessed beat and deep drums to close out a memorable, statement album.
- Iman Music
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Estrella
Star Bandz
Star Bandz’ breakout year truly began in the second quarter when her single "Yea Yea" went viral, especially among high schoolers and TikTok users. The track combines a strutting jazz piano sample, sped-up on a beat produced by CYRUSXO, and an off-kilter flow from Star to match. It indirectly connects the dots between two musical eras that challenge the status quo yet were also seen as accessible. Her lyrics may seem simple at first, but she delivers them in pockets that feel fresh and new.
With her songs consistently racking millions of streams, the 16 year-old Star is certainly seen as a rapstar in the making for her generation. That, along with her undeniable star power, shines throughout her debut project Estrella. The 13-track tape solidifies her place as the Queen of the teens and hints at just how high her ceiling is. Even in clunkers like the M.I.A.-sampling “How The Game Go” gets a lot more juice than it has any right to be. Veeze shows up here for the “Yea Yea,” but the best collabs are when she’s joined by fellow youths like Sugarhill Dot, who collaborated on the now huge record “My Baby.”
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Lasting Reprise
Tee Vera
Since the beginning of time, artists have taken up the challenge of translating love to sound. Turn on the radio and you’ll be instantly serenaded by an acoustic ballad about missing your ex or a power pop anthem about finding love in a hopeless place. But what is out there for those of us who’ve found love in breakbeats and bass? Labeled “a love story” on her Bandcamp, Tee Vera’s Lasting Reprise takes the abstract feeling of love and materializes it by way of synthesized noise. Experience the fluttering heartbeats of her drum breaks or the time-stretched samples that long for a lover of their own. The quieter moments feel like a snapshot of reaching comfortability in silence with a partner while the latter, more frenetic half is candy for junglist romantics.
- Ellie Naughton
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Trust The Stars
The O’My’s
Soulful and steeped in Chicago’s blue-collar aesthetic, The O’My’s have been a staple in our rotation for nearly 15 years. Their willingness to experiment with classic sounds and write honeyed lyrics has kept them vital in our scene. Their 2024 album, Trust The Stars, pollinated soul, hip-hop, and R&B with a touch of psychedelia, offering a heartfelt exploration of what sustains us through turmoil—faith and love. The duo’s chemistry is the secret to their longevity and their ability to collaborate seamlessly with others. Whether it’s their stirring cut with Jamila Woods, jazzy instrumentals for Konny Kon, Pink Siifu, and Mother Nature to wax poetics, The O’My’s continue to expand their creative reach. Trust The Stars is a testament to their evolution, proving that they’re as timeless as the themes they explore.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere
theMIND
A pioneer of the alt-R&B scene that emerged in the early 2010s, theMIND would often reckon with personal struggles and unresolved traumas through the very public medium that is music. As listeners, it made us feel closer to the artist, yet it came at the cost of self-preservation for the artist. In Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere, he finds a delicate balance—sharing personal stories that listeners can connect with while also staying present in the moment. His evocative voice guides the album with raw emotion and depth. The lead single, “Gina,” exemplifies this balance, blending vulnerability with resilience. Dancing While Crying in the Middle of Nowhere charts theMIND’s journey to express himself authentically while being able to be present to enjoy it himself.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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#TurntUpNotBurntUp
Vonoff1700
Vonoff1700 cut through the noise with his distinctive style and appearance (one which spurred countless memes) but also by a full-throttle, industrial-like delivery matched with threats and boasts of violence— traits that somehow have become more extreme in Chicago street rap. By reimagining classic rap beats in songs like “On Deck” and “Free Brick Freestyle,” Von became a leader of the new wave of drill. This cohort has blurred the lines even further between art and the harsh realities they depict —realities that have, in turn, been commodified by major music conglomerates. Yet, his music undeniably resonates with the youth, tapping into their attachment to rebellion and anarchy.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Pressing My Luck
Woes
With a sardonic rapping style and razor-sharp delivery, Woes lays his life bare, offering an account of the choices he’s made and the lessons they’ve taught him. Pressing My Luck channels a punk ethos, rejecting the safety net in favor of chasing art in its purest form and embracing the growth that comes from flirting with danger. His voice, with its strained, almost serrated tone, gives his music a distinctive edge—perfectly suited to dissing mainstream rappers, defying authority figures, and unearthing his own vulnerabilities, all delivered with a wry smile and a knowing wink. Across 15 tracks, Woes balances fearless bravado with heartfelt confessions, punctuated by biting, acerbic skits. The result is an album that flits seamlessly between irreverence and introspection. Nothing is too serious—until it is—and Woes threads that needle with a charm and wit that make Pressing My Luck as engaging as it is enjoyable.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Chiraq Mogul 2
Z Money
There’s as much grit as there is suaveness in Z Money’s Chiraq Mogul 2, which probably best exemplifies Chicago’s West Side. The rapper doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, but he sounds reinvigorated and when he’s on, few compare to his charisma and the way he’s able to ride pockets of songs. He surrounds himself with fellow genre innovators like 03 Greedo and Valee, but the highlight is definitely the collaboration with Chicago legend Jeremih, “Ain’t My Fault,” which sounds like the perfect street rap record for radio; authentic, fun and not forced. Don’t get it twisted though, this is an album that doesn't sugarcoat anything and keeps building on the mythos of Z Money.
- Pedro Gonzalez
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Our 100 Favorite Chicago Songs of 2024
Coming Soon