On September 29, Chicago rapper Brittney Carter posted a video of herself freestyling with a casual cool, rounding off her crisp verses precisely so that they’d blend with the instrumental’s glassy vibraphone melody and nimble, funky beat. Her synchronicity with the music could make you swear it’s an extension of her voice. The next day, […]
Tag: Missy Elliott
Posted inMusic
Building on the pillars of Blue Groove Lounge
An oral history of DJ Jesse de la Peña’s foundational Blue Groove Lounge hip-hop night, on the occasion of its belated 25th birthday parties
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Mainstream pop is finally here for Lizzo
Lizzo’s single “Truth Hurts” dropped in September 2017, but it didn’t hit number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart until this month. That sleeper-hit narrative fits her: ever since her first album, 2013’s Lizzobangers, the singer and rapper has been slowly but steadily growing her following thanks to her incredible bops, celebratory music videos, and […]
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Talking about God, the air force, and Britney Spears with Chicago rapper KC Ortiz
This weekend Alabama transplant KC Ortiz performs at a showcase hosted by local label Futurehood, which supports gay and trans musicians of color.
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Cardi B and Nicki Minaj are feuding—and these women in Chicago rap don’t see the point
Psalm One, Akenya, Sisi Dior, Chimeka, and Mother Nature talk about sisterhood, mutual support, and the pernicious notion that hip-hop has room for only one female star at a time.
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DJ Jesse de la Peña brings back the Blue Groove Lounge for its 20th birthday
The Blue Groove Lounge returns to celebrate its 20th birthday, scene treasure and sound engineer Bob Popp dies at 49, and more.
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Little Mix continues the 90s-female-R&B revival with “How Ya Doin’?”
If you’ve been missing En Vogue, this should make you happy.
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A chill Portishead remix and a very unchill Skrillex incident
Two important videos to get your day going
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Shows to see: Outside World, Duran Duran, Chives
Sunny pop, 80s brilliance, and a limber young jazz trio
Posted inMusic
Music for Feet
The Chicago dance style footwork already has MTV’s attention. But footwork music may be too weird for mainstream ears.