To independent hip-hop artists living in Chicago, the city’s music scene can often feel overcrowded and underfunded. Vanishing DIY venues reveal an even colder game, but a few champions of homespun talent are still standing.
Renaissance of the Culture overflows with some of the city’s hungriest acts in a showcase aimed at educating Chicagoans about Chicago hip-hop—a subject whose territory is effectively infinite, given that the city never stops producing viable talent. “This show is about Chicago’s artists reclaiming their power and combining resources to shine light on those who’ve been overlooked,” says WateRR, the shape-shifting south-side MC who curated the event. “Renaissance of the Culture will be the best show of the first quarter.”
The lineup has an almost absurd amount of underground representation. You might recognize some of the performers because they’re always working, but the ones you haven’t heard of are no less captivating. Among the highlights are Rufus Sims (formerly known as Weasel Sims), who’s released tons of hard-nosed rap over the past few years; Evergreen Park veteran Ju Jilla; pragmatic spitter A.M. Early Morning; Sweet Juices, who at times reminds me of Da Brat in her prime; hip-hop collective TheGr8Thinkaz; and widely celebrated, razor-sharp rapper Defcee. The show is hosted by Shabazza and ThoughtPoet (the latter is also a Reader contributor), and DJs Shon Roka and Ves 120 hold down the turntables. Anyone curious about the diverse buffet of Chicago rap should plan a visit to Subterranean for this bona fide hip-hop seminar.
Renaissance of the Culture Open session with Rufus Sims, TheGr8Thinkaz, Freddie Old Soul & Stepchild, Defcee, IAMGAWD, Vic Spencer, A.M. Early Morning, Sweet Juices, Panamera P, Ju Jilla, and WateRR. Beats by Rashid Hadee, Doc da Mindbenda, and iLL Brown. Hosted by Shabazza and ThoughtPoet with DJs Shon Roka and Ves 120. Sat 2/10, 9 PM, Subterranean (downstairs), 2011 W. North, $5, all ages
