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. 

Calez (Ft. Kembe X) • "Mortified"

This week Calez delivered a visual for “Mortified”, a track from his latest project, BABY. Long time collaborator Kembe X makes an appearance on the track, featuring production from Calez as well as Dee Lily. Released six months ago, the album features a plethora of well known Chicago artists, including names like Alex Wiley, Mick Jenkins, and Donnie Trumpet. While taking on the bulk of production himself, Calez received help from others like Sani and Rollie. Check out the new video here.

Chai Tulani (Ft. E The Storyteller) • "Love Drank"

Sonic soul artist Chai Tulani grabs E The Storyteller for an Afro Soul fusion titled “Love Drank." For the better part of four years Chai Tulani has released a solid playlist of versatility, songs toting a diverse profusion of Hip Hop, Soul, World, and R&B. His Latest project Pocket Juice debuted last year, a rich contrast to his more Worldly music. Take a look at his single from three months ago, “All The Way” featuring Christian Jalon and Ali; he’s really good at playing with his sound. While the stream of new  music doesn't seem to be drying up anytime soon, take a moment to really enjoy his dancehall love song, “Love Drank”.

Drea The Vibe Dealer "Sun (Stripped Down)"

Her first solo release of the year, Drea The Vibe Dealer has an emotionally submersive practice session titled, “Sun (Stripped Down)”. The song comes in the form of a voice memo, a collaboration with Ora formerly of Highness . From the jump, Drea spills with an inquiring sentiment, “Tell me your brave, I know you better than that. Don’t tell me you’re fake, I know you better than that…” One can only hope for a studio session, however, the track’s vintage vinyl atmosphere works pretty well for now. Take a listen for yourself.

L.A. VanGogh • "2004 (Interlude)"

Private Stock’s L.A. VanGogh takes it back to the good ole’ days with his “2004 (Interlude)”. Produced by TGUT and IKON, the new track is featured on Audiomack’s self titled compilation. In addition to L.A. the album finds names like Curren$y, Slim Thug, Riff Raff, WifisFuneral, Levi Carter, and none other than the legendary Ray Lewis. In "2004 (Interlude)" L.A. digs in with the punchlines, carving out a nice place for a kid from Chicago alongside good company.

Lucki • Watch My Back

Back with more filthy production and dark corners to explore, LUCKI’s latest project is an 18 track roll through the MCs bizarre nihilism. LUCKI’s immense popularity is driven by the booming, washed out sounds that are behind the youthful fascination with artists like Lil’ Uzi Vert and Xxxtentacion. He lands somewhere between lo-fi and highly produced, with a rockstar element of nonchalance at his exciting, mysterious lifestyle. His croaks and boasts are subtle and muted in a 21 Savage kind of fashion, but with more attention paid to melody. There’s a stable of impressive production on the album, allowing you to put it on and simply enjoy the full sound of the record as it plays out. Whether you appreciate it or not, the style resonates, gaining a ton of plays and further raising the stock of the young and the reckless. 

Plug • "Gracias"

Plug’s latest music video is a groovy, low-key track that is a deceptively head-nodding anthem about gratitude. The video directed by DADAcreative looks great, a gritty cruise through a Mexican neighborhood that shines a light on the people and places that inspire Plug. The wonderful close ups on people's faces coupled with shots of stores and items paint an intriguing picture of his stomping grounds and have a refreshing authenticity about them. Plug's vocals sound laid back on the beat, giving thanks frequently in the chorus and showing an artist that is both humble and ready to put himself on the map.

Renz Young • "Pop Off"

Coming in with a self-produced track is Renz Young with “Pop Off." A Milwaukee transplant by way of Chicago, multi-talented Renz Young has been off to the races with four self-produced bangers this year. I can’t imagine he gets much sleep, he’s been putting in crazy work. Before dropping his ten track, It Was Nice Knowing You album last year, Renz was sitting on twenty plus quality releases; most notably 2015's “Congratulations II”. An eclectic beatsmith, Renz Young’s depth of production skill shines in every song he touches. Check out his latest material below.

Yakub • For Fun EP

Yakub is sprawling throughout the Chicago music scene. A person you’ve undoubtedly seen at a concert or whose videos you’ve likely come across, he works tirelessly to produce quality video work for a multitude of artists around the city. What many don’t know about him is that his passion for music stems from experience making it. A guitar player for over 16 years, Yakub has impressive proficiency, allowing him to make beautiful instrumental music that is imbued with feeling. Billing the project as an, “adult lullaby,” it lives up to this in a fulfilling way. Subtle and beautiful, expressing a soft joy and quiet contemplation, this unmixed and unmastered EP sounds wonderful.