Since emerging as one of the early voices of the Drill movement, King Louie has grown into a figurehead of the local scene and continued to prove why with the second edition of his Tony series. Released on December 23, a year removed from a shooting that struck him in the side of the head, the project serves as an affirmation of an artist solidifying his stance as a local legend with undeniable staying power.

His recovery and survival are nothing short of incredible. His dedication to the city, to his music, to his fans is no different. Tony was a Chicago classic; it will go down as one of the greatest Chicago hip-hop albums of all time ("To Live And Die In Chicago" is itself a classic track and an all time favorite). Tony 2 is a fantastic and worthy follow up, and you may be surprised to hear, a sunnier, more optimistic project than its predecessor; well, sunny for King Louie. After all, everything's relative. But maybe it's the holiday season, maybe it's just being grateful, but get through the loudness of Tony 2 and you'll hear a happy Tony. On top of that, he's ambitious. There's no doubt that we're listening to a statement from King Louie that above all, he is back. We all couldn't be happier to be listening to him either. Let's wish a very happy birthday to King L, and many, many more.