Each week the These Days staff comes across great music from Chicago artists that we could not provide individual features for. In an effort to keep our readers up to date with more of our recent favorites, the Round Up segment provides quick summaries and additional noteworthy content. Check out our latest picks below and feel free to submit a comment if you feel we missed something. 

Cassius Tae • "Fifth Night on the Block"

Cassius Tae is one of These Days' favorite lyricists, a rapper that needs to be heard for anyone in search of bars. "Fifth Night On The Block" is a track that provides more of what you're looking for, a hard hitting yet introspective track that sees Cassius Tae breaking down his life for all the listeners to take in. It's a slow one, but you'll find that Cassius Tae's energy keeps the fire burning even for the slower, colder tracks.

Lil Bibby (Ft. 21 Savage) • "Squad"

Not much explanation needed here, just know that this is a track that lives up to and maybe even exceeds expectations. No doubt that 21 Savage, while an Atlanta rapper, shares some style with movements out of Chicago, so cross city collaborations make more than enough sense. But Bibby was the absolute perfect artist to grab a 21 feature, two artists with two of the most distinct voices you'll hear in hip-hop, peanut butter and jelly in song. That song is "Squad", and you can listen below.

Lucki • "Options"

Lucki has been closing out 2016 with some serious motivation. On top of a string of well-received recent releases, he played a $1 concert in Wicker Park with Warhol.SS and is generally impressing in a big way. Now we've got his new track "Options", from him and producer F1lthy.  It's a surprisingly sunny track from the devilish Chicago rapper, relatively speaking at least. Not quite upbeat, not quite feelgood, but definitely optimistic. Find Lucki's "Options" below.

Quotes • Suburban Kid McFly

One half of Chicago duo Retrospect, Quotes goes solo for the release of Suburban Kid McFly. Don't worry Retrospect fans, the solo outing is only temporary, but the sidebar is a perfect way to get to know the suburbanite. Featuring his Retrospect brother Def Poet, theWHOevers, Brand Knew and other longtime friends and frequent collaborators, this 7 track EP should not be missed. 

Vic Mensa • "Heathens Freestyle"

Vic Mensa has been a busy guy and in the news often recently, but more so for taking part in the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock than his music career. Getting back to what he does best, Vic takes a stab at the Twenty One Pilots single "Heathens" from the Suicide Squad soundtrack. While the backdrop would be odd for many rappers, Vic's punk image and versatility on the mic make it seem like an intentional match up.  

Walter J. Liveharder & Tony Baines • We Buy Gold

In a Chicago that's birthed huge artists recently, it's often easy to gloss over those that paved the way in a much different time for aspiring musicians. Once thought of as a fly over city, the thought of creating and sustaining a music career in Chicago was a fantasy almost none actually accomplished. Surviving those times and continuing to pursue the craft they love, Walter J Liveharder and producer Tony Baines step out with a new album called We Buy Gold, showing the world that this rap game isn't just for the kiddies. With plenty of experience and experiences under there belt, these two offer up an entertaining listen. Check it out below. 

Wil Akogu (Ft. Mayowa) • "Days of Our Lives"

Wil Akogu and Mayowa bring together a heck of a track titled "Days Of Our Lives", the perfect song for those searching out the unconventional. The chorus has a chanting affect, and the verse from Wil Akogu strikes forward with heart and passion. But maybe most impressive to me is the beat, that just straight up different, featuring hollow drums that fill the track with energy. It's hard to put into words so you may as well quit reading and listen yourself, guarantee you won't regret it.