Smino is simultaneously experimental and intentional—it’s a trip. His music feels better with each listen. The midwest breeds multitalented artists, including rappers who love to sing, but Smino (born in Saint Louis with roots in Chicago) is more than a rapper who sings or a singer who raps. With his endearing falsetto, undeniable charm, and […]
Tag: Noir
Posted inMusic
Jay2 strengthens the Zero Fatigue collective’s grip on Chicago hip-hop with 4 Tha Wait
Saint Louis-born rapper-singer Smino taps two MCs from his Chicago-based Zero Fatigue collective, Bari and Jay2, for “Z4L,” the best song on his 2018 album, Noir. Jay2 appears at the end, caressing the track’s minimal, sexually suggestive instrumental with his firm flow and supple voice. He needs all of his well-earned self-assurance to handle the […]
Posted inMusic
Saint Louis-born rapper Smino continues his smooth rise to stardom with Noir
When Chicago-based rapper Smino was on tour for his breakout 2017 album, Blkswn, he appeared on a billboard in his native Saint Louis, advertising his homecoming show headlining Delmar Hall (capacity 750). And with his ultrasmooth voice and even smoother personality, Smino’s been rising further upward without even seeming to try, achieving a slow and […]
Posted inBlogs
Chicago-based Saint Louis rapper Smino gets ‘a lot more ass shaking’ on the new Noir
On his sophomore album, Noir, Smino highlights his rap skills without abandoning the soulful singing of Blkswn.
Posted inBlogs
Meg and Joe Piercy of MegMade give new life to old furniture
The husband-and-wife team have opened a new brick-and-mortal location in Bucktown.
Posted inMusic
Blueswoman Mary Lane is still looking for the respect she deserves at age 82
No-nonsense west-side veteran Mary Lane, who’s shared stages with the likes of Howlin’ Wolf and Buddy Guy, is raising money to finish her long-awaited second album.
Posted inArts & Culture
Sex-positive burlesque The Fly Honey Show VII and five more new reviews
The Inconvenience’s celebration of the body is back.
Posted inBlogs
15 Chicago-set stories explore the darker side of humanity in Chicago Noir
Local author Joe Meno’s Chicago Noir: The Classics compiles stories from the likes of Stuart Dybek, Patricia Highsmith, and Nelson Algren—some more hard boiled than others.
Posted inFilm
Our guide to the Chicago African Diaspora Film Festival 2015
Eleven new features explore the black experience worldwide at the Chicago African Diaspora Film Festval.
Posted inBlogs
Reader’s Agenda Sun 12/29: Whiskey, Frankincake & Myrrh, Blast of Silence, and Christmas Bingo
What’s on the Reader‘s Agenda for Sunday, December 29
Posted inBlogs
Borderline
Fred MacMurray, Claire Trevor and Raymond Burr star in the 1950 noir “Borderline,” screening Wednesday 2/17 at the Portage Theater.
Posted inBlogs
Ministry of Fear
Released mental patient Ray Milland uncovers a Nazi spy ring in Fritz Lang’s 1944 noir “Ministry of Fear,” screening Sunday 1/3 at Delilah’s.