Adamn Killa • "Commas"

Teaming up with electronic producer and DJ Ryan Hemsworth of Nova Scotia, Adamn Killa continues a long string of strong content with a crossover smash to kick off 2016. Adamn's go to director Will Hoopes is behind the lens for the visuals, taking Adamn and Hemsworth's new single to great heights. Adamn spent 2016 really finding himself musically and establishing a cult fanbase who can't get enough of his work. Looking forward to seeing more of what he has in store for listeners this year.

Chief Keef • Two Zero One Seven

Well, it's been a while since we've actually gotten an official mixtape from Chief Keef. Over a year in fact. Taking all of 2016 off, the former Chicago resident has vowed to end his hiatus with a slew of new mixtapes this year starting with this one. The features on Two Zero One Seven are limited to Tadoe with Keef handling most of the production along with Lex Luger and quick appearances from Young Chop and Leekeleek. Although he's been off the map for a while, Keef's still got it and if you're not convinced yet, you'll have plenty more music to convince you throughout the year.

Christian JaLon • "Lover's Row"

Local singer/songwriter Christian JaLon and her music are still fairly new to the These Days team, but she's quickly proven to be someone we want to keep an eye and ear on in the new year. Teaming up with the Burns Twins for her latest release, Christian starts the year off on "Lover's Row", a song about the good times. Short and sweet at just two minutes, "Lover's Row" is the perfect introduction for someone who's not yet familiar with Christian's music. One listen here will most certainly have you digging into the SoundCloud archives to further investigate all of her great creations of the last year.

dinnerwithjohn (Ft. Smack) • "Make It Save"

Once again, Dinnerwithjohn has made an incredibly smooth track that you won't be able to stop listening to. The track is called "Make It Save", and it's definitely one to save in your library. Dinnerwithjohn is as usual a hook destroyer, and a feature from Smack feels right at home as well. Finally, throw in some excellent production from producer k-iLL beats and you've got a killer song at every level.

J.R. Donato • "Can't Tell Me Nothin"

Taylor Gang's J.R. Donato doesn't often come up in Chicago music conversations because his rise seemed to have skipped the local scene and immediately jump into the big leagues alongside Wiz Khalifa and friends. The North Pole native isn't doesn't find himself lost when it comes to those buzzing in and around the city though, in fact he's called on Cole Bennett for his latest set of visuals. Watch "Can't Tell Me Nothin" from Donato's Why So Serious mixtape come to life in this very purple performance.

Kiraly Payne • "You Don't Know Me"

"You Don't Know Me" from Kiraly Payne is very cool. The track features inspired rapping from Kiraly, who sounds like he's on a roll, and a beat that's as entertaining as it is heavy. The name may be intense, but "You Don't Know Me" is a really fun song that's perfect for those turn up moments, something that you'll find yourself playing on repeat.