The Lee England Jr. Experience

Lee England Jr. “The Soul Violinist”, has made a name for himself in the states and overseas. A millennial renaissance man, being multifaceted and gifted with many talents. And from here on out, the world will get more of what England has to offer, beyond being a powerhouse behind the strings.

England has performed both, nationally and internationally. Gaining an endorsement by Jordan Brand, making him the first non athlete to do so. He headlined his own “One Man Show” presented by Quincy Jones, courtesy of Greffen Playhouse. England has opened for  greats such as Rihanna, Jay Z and Beyonce. And has performed on the same stage as Lady Gaga, and has worked with P.Diddy. Though he currently resides on the west coast, his heart is midwest bound, hometown Waukegan. He carries the love and support of family and friends along with him, in his journey in music.

It takes greatness to know greatness, and England’s talented friends are nothing short of that. Performing soulful instrumentals with a live band, thought provoking poetry, and laugh out loud comedy. Lee England Jr., George Jackson III, Real Talk, T. Murph,  and LaRoyce Hawkins assemble the showcase appropriately named The Lee England Jr. Experience. England is definitely all about giving people good music, food for thought, good laughs, and good vibes… giving you something you can feel! This was the first time ever these extraordinary talents came together…. One night, one stage, and two sold out shows that were quite simply unforgettable!

Lee England Jr. And George Jackson III together on stage, at The Promontory, perform crowd pleasing favorites.  While also throwing in a few original written pieces of their own. Favorites were “Unbreakable” and “Un-thinkable” by Alicia Keys. “Change Gone Come” is an originally written piece they performed. The crowd was feeling their vibes from beginning to end. England also took a moment to let everyone know, this was his first time performing vocally, and what they were witnessing was his transition beyond a musician. He was most excited to share his songs “Anything” and “Savior.” Judging from the screams from women in the audience, it’s safe to say this was received well.  From soulful violinist to vocalist, the blending of both are seamless and well worth the wait.

Comedian T. Murph, and LaRoyce Hawkins of Chicago PD, follow up, hitting the audience with hilarious comedy, served best, Chicago style! Real Talk had hands in the air, as the audience gave him snaps as he dropped he piece “Wordplay.” Real Talk was also the host for the evening.

For the finale, England and Jackson team together, performing their rendition of Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”, England’s personal favorite. Members of the crowd started singing along… some even began to dance, stepping, and just enjoying the show. In closing, all five came together on stage, joining hands in bow, as they received a standing ovation. Each artist later met with attendees, greeting them with smiles and gratitude.

I got a chance to ask Lee England Jr. and friends a few questions… check out the interviews below.

B Roc – This was the first show, at the Promontory with you Jackson, Murph, Real Talk, and Hawkins. How does it feel?
Lee England Jr. – Individually, we’ve been doing our thing as artists. And we’ve always been fans of each other’s work. And all of us, with the exception of LaRoyce, went to school together. And this is an opportunity we took to come together to put on a show. We didn’t wait for anyone to book us. Just took a chance on ourselves, and said let’s see how it goes! And both shows sold out, so that was great! (laughs) And the audience has been great! The show has been great! And I’m just rocking out with my friends!

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
Lee England Jr. – With the show, the audience got a taste of production and singing. And I’m an overall artist, so I don’t just play violin. I’ve always done more as an artist… and at the time I just wasn’t confident enough to show people what I was working on. And I did a huge show back in L.A., and Quincy Jones was the host of my one man showcase. So then, that was the time I felt like… Ok! Now! Now I gotta show everything. So once I unleashed everything that I had… and I saw that the response was love?!? I was like… Yeah!! I can do this anywhere in the world! So now my fans can expect a lot more production, a lot more original work, thoughts, ideas, and definitely a lot more shows!

B Roc – Now that you are making the transition and bringing together the best of both worlds, violinist and singer, how does it feel?
Lee England Jr. – Chicago knows me for being a violinist. So… a lot of people don’t know I’ve been back home, secretly in the kitchen cookin it up!! (laughs) You know! So I’m like… soon as it’s time… soon as it’s ready… (laughs) I’m gonna unleash all of this original work on yall. And there is a lot of original work!! My close friends and family that have heard it already are just as excited as I am, and they’re like “I don’t wanna hear anything else but your new stuff!! Like Dude!! I’m ready for the album!!”

B Roc – With this being the holiday season, tell us what you are thankful for? Or a few encouraging words for the less fortunate.
Lee England Jr. – I’m thankful for my mother. Her tenacity to not let circumstances define her, and for her to become the woman that she is today, it’s a blessing! And it paved the way for me to stand on my own two feet and be successful! If it weren’t for her being who she is… I couldn’t be who I am.

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
George Jackson III – I’ve been producing and engineering for a lot of different artists. And now I finally have the time to sit down, and work on my second album. So fans, and everyone can be on the look out for the album about summer of 2016.  We actually performed 2 original works that are going to be on the album. And it was exciting to see the audience reaction to it.

B Roc – This was the first show, at the Promontory with you England, Real Talk, Murph, and Hawkins. How does it feel?
George Jackson III – It feels like we are all at my house… getting together and just jammin and having a good time! It feels organic! It’s really dope to be able to do what we love and share it with other people!

B Roc – With this being the holiday season, tell us what you are thankful for? Or a few encouraging words for the less fortunate.
George Jackson III – I’m a spiritual person, so I’m thankful for purpose! When things seem like they don’t even make sense… purpose is still there! Even if you don’t understand, or know what it is. God is always working and putting things together for our good. So yeah!… I’m thankful for purpose!

B Roc – This was the first show, at the Promontory with you England, Jackson, Murph, and Hawkins. How does it feel?
Real Talk – It feels great. I put together this show to big up my brothers. I love to see people that I love shine!

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
Real Talk – They can expect fantastically well put together art; specifically 2 books and 2 albums… maybe a stageplay.

B Roc – With this being the holiday season, tell us what you are thankful for? Or a few encouraging words for the less fortunate.
Real Talk – I am thankful for my family, friends and God-given gift to create and change the world one rhyme at a time.

B Roc – This was the first show, at the Promontory with you England, Jackson, Murph, and Real Talk. How does it feel?
LaRoyce Hawkins – It’s a blessing! Anytime you get to share the stage with awesome talent, and especially brothers like mine… It’s always a blessing. The purpose of us coming together was to inspire and encourage each other. We not only learn from each other as friends, but as artists as well.This was the first show, of many more to come of us performing together on one stage. This movement will become more and more powerful!

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
LaRoyce Hawkins – Well… I have a lot of irons in the fire right now. So my fans, and everyone can be sure of more and more powerful things to come. I can’t really say too much right now… But more powerful products, events, and shows are definitely on the way. My brand, Be Powerful, is all about encouraging others to be powerful. Being powerful is what we’re all about!

B Roc – With this being the holiday season, tell us what you are thankful for? Or a few encouraging words for the less fortunate.
LaRoyce Hawkins – Faith over feelings! I thank the lord everyday for the gift he has given me! And I’m thankful for that awareness. I thank him for allowing me to reflect the light he has given me. Helping me, to help others feed their gift. Our gifts need good energy, and it is important that we feed our gifts. And I just thank him for giving me the consciousness, and the ability to feed these gifts for us to grow and be powerful! And having a platform to not only have the ability of feeding myself, but to also feed the world!

B Roc – This was the first show, at the Promontory with you England, Jackson, Real Talk, and Hawkins. How does it feel?
T. Murph – It felt amazing to perform alongside my friends. I can’t wait until we have an opportunity to do it again.

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
T. Murph – I can be seen on the upcoming season of Chicago fire, and you can also catch me in Los Angeles California at The world-famous Laugh Factory, The Improv, The Comedy Store, and The Icehouse in Pasadena. If you’re in Chicago, I’ll be at Jokes & Notes Comedy club  for my monthly show, funny third Thursdays. And be sure to check out my website iamtmurph.com

B Roc – With this being the holiday season, tell us what you are thankful for? Or a few encouraging words for the less fortunate.
T. Murph – Nothing last forever good or bad. if you’re having bad times remember good times are right around the corner. Just stay positive and diligent and you will change your situation.

leeenglandjr.com @ LeeEnglandJr

georgejackson.bandcamp.com @ AuthentikMade

REALTALKRAPS.com @ REALTALKRAPS

laroycehawkins.com @ RoycedaVoyce

iamtmurph.com @ IAmTMurph

Thanks for ROCKIN wit me!!! @ Roc4Chi_City
IG @rockwitb_roc @4chi_cityradio
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Pusha T’s Short Film, Darkest Before Dawn

This past weekend I got the chance to attend a private screening for G.O.O.D Music recording artist Pusha T’s short film, Darkest Before Dawn. The screening was held in the music room of Soho House Chicago. DBD is directed by Kid Art, starring Pusha T along with co-star actor Romiti. DBD is a killer visual installment in following Pusha T’s recently released and long awaited album King Push. The short was funded by Jay Z, and is available for viewing via Tidal. About 20 minutes in length, DBD is a story of two friends in their pursuit of coming up in the drug game. Check out the short below.

With his latest album, two released singles, and a short film… Pusha doesn’t stop there. March of 2016, Pusha will be hitting the road and going on tour. Darkest Before Dawn tour hits 28 cities, stopping in Chicago on April 5th at The Vic Theater. Be sure to cop his album, King Push, available now via iTunes.

Jeff Gibbs Quartet Live at Reggies Rock Club

Hip Hop, Funk, Jazz, Gospel, R&B, and Soul can be found in the sounds of Jeff Gibbs Quartet. The band has opened for Grammy Award winning artist Robert Glasper and have performed at various venues such as The House of Blues, Double Door, The Shrine and Subterranean. And any time you have a live band with a Hip Hop soul fusion… it’s an experience not to be missed.

Gibbs Quartet were the headlining act at Reggies Rock Club recently and had a packed out house! The room was filled with attendees, family, friends, and good vibes! Good food, good drinks, and awesome music brings it all together. The evening was hosted by Chicago hometown comedian T. Murph.

Gibbs and his band take the stage, performing renditions of the people’s favorite Hip Hop classics. In true Chicago fashion, Gibbs paid homage to Kanye West, playing “Flashing Lights” and Jay Z and West collab “No Church In The Wild.” People in the crowd sang along and danced, as the band kept the jams coming.  Check out some cool sounds from the band below.

Stay posted for more info on upcoming shows and events for Jeff Gibbs Quartet, follow Gibbs via twitter @ JeffGibbsmusic

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Lupe Fiasco Rocks Chicago with Boy Illinois and Badd Tattoo

After dropping his latest mixtape Pharaoh Heights this past summer, Lupe Fiasco is back! Heading off a tour being in 2016 and hitting up a few cities along the way. Lupe recently came through to Chicago with special guests Boy Illinois and Badd Tattoo. Lupe and his special guests hit the stage at Concord Music Hall… rocked out and had the hall on that turn up! Add the tour with talks of a project in the works… 2016 is gonna be a fiasco! For more info and updates be sure to check out his site at lupefiasco.com.

The show kicks off with Chicago’s own Boy Illinois. Illinois dropped his latest EP Dusable, end of summer. Whenever Illinois hits the stage, his performance is packed with energy non stop. Performing tracks “Sell Again” and “Hit My Line”, the crowd was rocking with him. Boy Illinois also brought out a guest of his own during his set. Phor came out and performed his track “Don’t Know No Betta.” Phor is also a killer tattoo artist at 9Mag, and stars in VH1’s Black Ink Crew Chicago. As the song wrapped up, Illinois let the crowd know how him and Phor both went to high school together and used battle rap in the cafeteria. The both of them sharing the stage was a dope moment for Chicago Hip Hop.

Badd Tattoo was next to hit the stage. They performed their track “Candy” and a host of others. The duo is also from Chicago. Their music is a Hip Hop, Pop fusion, that’s definitely fit for the Hip Hop scene out in Los Angeles, where they reside. Bringing you the best of both worlds… Mid West meets West Coast flow.

Lupe hits the stage, and opens with “Go Go Gadget Flow”, classic track from his album The Cool. Other tracks that had the crowd lit was “Superstar”, “Show Goes On”, and “Next To It.” Lupe went track for track with his albums Tetsuo & Youth v.s The Cool. This was pure brilliance! The crowd sung every track word for word, from both new and old projects. “Mural”, “Deliver”, and “Adoration Of Magi” were also a few singles performed from Tetsuo & Youth. Lupe mentioned that his next album will be the sequel to The Cool… The Cool 2.

Lupe took a moment to speak on the protests going on both here and out in L.A. And how one man’s form of protest may be different from another’s.  Some do it by marching, others by writing, or even wearing a shirt supporting the cause. He went on to encourage everyone not to judge others in how they choose to go about supporting the cause.

If you missed this amazing show, be sure to cop tickets, and catch him on tour early 2016.

S/O to Swank PR
Photo & Video (Boy Illinois vid) by Dan Boczarski

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Tae Brown – 4 Chi City Radio’s Featured Artist

Poetry is often a place where Hip Hop artists start out in sharpening lyrical skills. Chi City artist Tae Brown found his place in poetry at the young age of 13. He went from competing and winning poetry slams, to finding his place in the world of Hip Hop. Taking his love for both Hip Hop and poetry, Tae Brown goes forward in reaching his dreams in music, and representing his hometown along the way.

I got a chance to chat with Tae Brown, check the interview below.

B Roc – Name your top five favorite artists?
Tae Brown – My top five artist are:
1. J Cole
2. Jay Z
3. Drake
4. Elton John
5. Kendrick Lamar

B Roc – What inspired you to become a Hip Hop artist/ songwriter?
Tae Brown – Before I had a passion for making music I was a poet. I started writing poetry my freshmen year of high school. I was convinced by my english teacher to perform in the school’s poetry slam. My sophomore year of  high school I entered, and I won. I came in first place and they extended me an invitation to be a part of their group, and I accepted. I would perform with the group at different sets throughout Chicago. I also performed at my high school’s annual poetry slam. I performed from my freshmen year to my senior year. And I was still working on my music as a Hip Hop artist. I would write through out the week and record on the weekends. I found my passion for making music my freshmen year as well. I was doing both simultaneously at one point in time. But music is something I’ve always had a passion for.

B Roc – Tell us about one of your biggest accomplishments as an artist? Or most memorable moment.
Tae Brown – My biggest accomplishment is getting my music on iTunes, and Spotify. That was a very dope experience to see my work on recognized sites.

B Roc – What is something you want people to know about you as an artist?
Tae Brown – I try to not follow the trends in music. I like to make music that portrays who I am.  Since I don’t follow trends I feel like my music doesn’t catch on as quick because people only listen to what’s catchy and not a artist who is talented.

B Roc – What do you hate & what do you love about Chicago?
Tae Brown – What i dislike about Chicago is how everybody is only for themselves. Nobody wants to see the next man do better than them. So coming from a city like that, you have to build a lot of relationships to be successful. I do like how much talent is in the city, Chicago has a lot of talented individuals and I wish everybody could see that.

B Roc – Who would you like to collab with?
Tae Brown – I definitely would like to collab with Dr. Dre and J. Cole. I feel me being exposed to two musically inclined artists like that could help take my music to the next level.

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It’s BADU Friday! Erykah Badu’s New Mixtape, Host of 2015 Soul Train Awards, and Breakfast Club Interview

This year has been a pretty awesome year of great music and album releases from artists who’s music we just can’t do without. And Erykah Badu couldn’t let the year end without dropping her latest mixtape “But You Caint Use My Phone” available via iTunes/Apple Music. BYCUMP also carries a feature from Mr. Hotline Bling himself, Drake. For those of you who have yet to get your hands on mixtape, check out her single “Hello” featuring Andre 3000 below. The mixtape dropped today… November 27th, Black Friday. But let’s dub today a Badu Friday.

The Baduizm doesn’t end there!! This Sunday, Centric presents The 2015 Soul Train Awards, hosted by the one and only Erykah Badu. Honorees are Jill Scott for Lady Of Soul Award, and Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonnds for the Legend Award. Performances by Jill Scott, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, Boys II Men, Fantasia, Chicago’s own Jeremih and R. Kelly and a host of others. The Soul Train Awards air November 29th on BET and Centric.

Badu recently did an interview with Power 105’s The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlemagne Tha God. During the interview, she laid many rumors and myths to rest. I was happy to see this interview for several reasons. And I won’t give away details, for those who may have yet to see it… but I will take a minute to take notice to one moment in the interview that stood out to me.

We all know, just how well known Charlemagne is for all of his antics and shenanigans during interviews with artists. During the last half of the interview, Jay Electronica made a surprise visit to studio. He had already sent a message from Envy to Charlemange to keep the interview free of foolery and on a respectful note. Out of respect for his best friend and mother of his daughter Mars, Badu. Though his unannounced appearance was gangsta as hell… I thought it was not only adorable, but honorable to see Jay… the man, the super producer, the artist, take a stand for Erykah, as a man and artist, in defense for her reputation as an artist. We also know that mama Badu can hold her own in the game of clap back. But to visibly see them there, on the same accord of FTBS, was just one of the many highlights in the interview for me personally. Shouts out to Jay Electronica, for showing them how a father holds it down.

“You Can’t Use My Phone” available via iTunes/Apple Music now, and other music streaming sources December 4th.

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Joe Budden’s All Love Lost Tour In Chicago, with Emanny, D2G, and Super Fresh Bros [Interview]

Slaughterhouse member, and Jersey City’s own Joe Budden is coming through with new heat off his latest album “All Love Lost.” Whether you are a new or old fan of Joe, “All Love Lost” is reason enough to make you understand the hype behind the music of Budden. Joe  recently stop through to Chicago, at The Promontory, with his All Love Lost Tour. Hitting up 16 cities with Stanhope, NJ. being it’s last stop. Chicago’s own D2G and Super Fresh Bros were opening acts for the show. It was a full house, and they rocked the crowd and represented Chi City. DJs on deck was DJ Mile High and DJ Manti.  I got a chance to get interviews with the artists, check just below.

D2G has been in the Chicago Hip Hop scene making waves, with his EP “Short Summers, Long Winters.” He had the crowd hype and wanting more as he performed tracks like I Got It, Hydroplanin, and The Quest. Here’s an interview with D2G.

B Roc – This was your first time performing at the Promontory and rocking it out! How does it feel?
D2G –  For this to be my first time rocking at The Promontory as being on the bill, it was a feeling indescribable!! A full house, and all of them cheering and asking for an encore. No other feeling like it!

B Roc – What can the fans expect from you next?
D2G – Fans should expect more shows throughout the city, visuals coming soon, and taking my EP “Short Summers, Long Winters” national.

B Roc – Have you heard his latest album “All Love Lost”, and if so what are your thoughts?
D2G – I’ve heard quite a few tracks from the “All Love Lost” album. It’s the Joe Budden I remember. Bars with emotion! The type that speaks to the real in an individual. That’s how I got in tuned with Joe in the first place.

B Roc – Give us a back story on one of your favorite tracks off of your album “Short Summers Long Winters?”
D2G – If I had to choose any joint to share the story, it’d be “Hydroplanin.” The sample in the song comes from The Stylistics “Mine All Mine” record. It was my Auntie Althea’s favorite record to step to. My aunt passed two years ago, so this record is my way of paying tribute to her.

Chicago’s own Hip Hop duo Super Fresh Bros were also an opening act for Joe Budden. They had the crowd rocking with them as they performed tracks Insert Coins, Talkin Smack, and No Sleep. Got a chance to get a quick interview with them… here’s what they had to say.

B Roc- What can the fans expect from you next?
C$ – I’m currently working on a project myself called “$$$ Wave”, that should be released before Christmas. And we have two projects, together as SFB, currently in the works.
Nate – Yeah we are working on an all video game project and our album “Genesis.” Plenty moves on the way for our supporters, so stay in tune!

B Roc – You guys are hardcore gamers! What made you decide to bring both worlds of Hip Hop and Gaming together in your music?
Nate – Two things we love and can’t live without, why not merge them together?!
C$ – What Nate said! (laughs) Also, it is much easier to rap about real life other than portray a life that we aren’t even living. Being ourselves is the best thing we can do with our music.

B Roc – Tell us a few things you like about Joe Budden and his music, and his latest album “All Love Lost.”
Nate – Joe Budden is one of the most lyrical, versatile storytellers in the game of Hip Hop! I can respect that about him. He is always personal in his music and literally wears his heart on his sleeve.
C$ – I agree with Nate on this one. His new album “All Love Lost” is VERY personal. You can almost get lost within the album if you aren’t already a fan of Joe’s music.

B Roc – You guys were an opening act for Joe Budden at the Promontory. How does it feel?.. Thoughts?
Nate – It feels exciting, it was our first time being at the Promontory and the crowd was Lit!!!
C$ – Yes, and we got so much love from that show, people took pics, bought merch and fully supported us on our first performance there!! Worst part of the show is me losing my one of a kind SFB hoodie but hopefully someone has it and wears it with pride haha!

R&B artist Emanny is also on tour along with Joe Budden. His smooth vocals along Joe’s hard hitting bars, make for a dynamic Hip Hop & R&B duo! I caught up with Emanny and here’s what he had to say.

B Roc – How did you get started within music?
Emanny – I started out at a young age, with an all boys choir in Harlem. And we traveled the world performing gospel music. By the time I turned 16 years old, I decided to make it a career.

B Roc – How did you and Joe Budden link up?
Emanny – We had the same manager at the time, and she decided to pair us together. And ever since then we’ve been making good music together. And we’ve been doing so for about 7 to 8 years now.

B Roc – Do you have any project for fans to be on the look out for?
Emanny – I just released my latest project called “Ms. 4 AM.” It has about 6 dope tracks. And I have 3 projects previous to that. They are all on iTunes and really dope projects that play in to a story of one women and it’s a continuous story.

B Roc – What do you like to do when you’re in Chicago? 
Emanny – I like to walk around downtown! Any place I go, I like to be one with the city. See how the people do their thing, how they live. Take time to appreciate where they are from. Any time you step in to someone’s backyard… you gotta come and show their backyard love. I really like to be one with people.

Joe Budden had The Promontory lit as he blazed the stage. The crowd was with Joe going word for word as he performed tracks with Emanny such as Only Human, Immortal, Broke, and Playing Our Part. Joe took a moment to get personal with the crowd and speak in memory of his pastor that recently passed away. He shared how supportive his pastor was to him, but how he also had his own share of demons to battle. Joe and his pastor shared this in common, which made him appreciate their bond that much more.

With lyrical bars that hit the heart and soul, and sharing joy and pain, and baring his soul and leaving it all on the mic. These are the things that holds Joe’s loyal fans down like an anchor.

I asked Joe how he felt about the violent occurrence in Paris that happened the same evening as the show. He said “It’s devastating… my heart goes out to the people in Paris.” 

Sir The Baptist – 4 Chi City Radio Featured Artist [Interview x Video]

Raised in a religious family, with Gospel, Jazz, and Soul influence… Chi City Hip Hop artist Sir The Baptist is here to raise hell until it’s Hip Hop heaven. Not forgetting his roots and paying homage to iconic renaissance artists such as Ella Fitzgeral and Louis Armstrong. Collaborating with Chicago Hip Hop artists such as King Louie, Twista, and Chance the Rapper, Sir is all about the Chicago music scene… and you can catch him at church on a Sunday morning. Being a preacher’s son, Sir takes the power of his rebellion to push for positive change for the people. With his latest track/video “Wake Up” recently featured on Tidal this month, Sir is definitely getting the message heard on a scale… that even Jay Z approves of.

I got a chance to catch with Sir for an interview, check it out below.

B Roc – Name your top five favorite artists? 
Sir The Baptist – Jay Z because he was one of my early inspirations, but I really respect him as an artist and businessman more than anyone else. Louis Armstrong because he lived in Bronzeville where I’m from in Chicago and is my biggest jazz inspiration. Andre 3000 because he always brings a catchy/great song with a real message behind it. “Bombs Over Baghdad” is a perfect example of this. Frank Sinatra because of his class, style and truly being one of the original crooners. And finally Ella Fitzgerald because she also lived down the street in my neighborhood in Bronzeville and is one of the most incredible vocalists of all-time.

B Roc – What inspired you to become a Hip Hop artist? 
Sir The Baptist – My older brothers are all incredible singers and artists. They were my initial inspiration to start singing and really get involved in music. But my father was a preacher in Bronzeville, so I was always surrounded by music every Sunday and was inspired by watching him preach. Also, living in the same neighborhood as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald in Bronzeville in Chicago played a role in seeing some of the greats around me.

@sirthebaptist

B Roc – Who would you like to collab with?  
Sir The Baptist – Jay Z, Beyonce, Aretha franklin, Andre 3000, Shirley Caesar, Quincy Jones, Lelah Hathaway, Cee Lo Green, Kanye West & Stevie Wonder.

B Roc – Tell us about one of your biggest accomplishments as an artist? Or most memorable moment.
Sir The Baptist – My most memorable moment as an artist was just over a week ago when performing at a concert at Schubas in Chicago. I’ve played bigger events before, but something special happened at that concert. The energy in the room and between me and ChuchPeople [the group of musicians on-stage with me] was intense. And when I looked out at the crowd that night, I saw most of the people in the audience literally crying from the emotion and connection to the music.

B Roc – What is something you want people to know about you as an artist?
Sir The Baptist – The biggest thing that is overlooked about me as an artist is the depth in my lyrics. I try to make catchy music that people will like, but it will take a few listens to really understand some of the messages that are in there. That is why I’ve created a podcast called Urban Bible to really decode some of what is there lyrically and understand it on a deeper level. You can check this out at www.urbanbibe.today.

B Roc – What do you hate & what do you love about Chicago?
Sir The Baptist – I hate that Chicago typically doesn’t see the gems in the city, especially in the music scene. many times. And there is such incredible talent and history here that often gets overlooked. A perfect example of this is the lack of understanding by Chicagoans about the Great Migration, when the back communities left the South and ended up in Bronzeville and other neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago.

But I love that Chicago has this history and that such great talent exists on nearly every corner. I love the city!

http://sirthebaptist.com

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Ground Up’s Seventeen Eleven Tour Hits Chicago with Marty Grimes and YP [Interview]

 

Ground Up’s first tour, Seventeen Eleven Tour has kicked off and is hitting up select cities near you. The tour stops through to just under 20 cities, ending in Philly on November 21st… just in time to make it back home for Turkey Day. Marty Grimes also hits the road with Ground Up for the tour. With each stop, they bring along special guests. During their stop here in Chicago at Beat Kitchen, they had Chicago’s own Hip Hop artist YP.

The crowd was definitely rocking with ya boy YP. “Indica” and “Let Us Pray” had the crowd wanting more before he left the stage. YP also took a moment during his show, to get a bit personal with the audience. Sharing with everyone the joy and sorrow of the arrival and sudden loss of his baby boy. He explained how he had to take time away from music, but is now focusing his energy on his music and understanding that it is bigger than himself. Ending his segment with the classic “Who I Be (Clap)”, his break-through single, released back in 2012. It’s good to see a dope emcee such as YP back in the Hip Hop game reppin Chicago.

Marty Grimes came through and rocked the stage. Hitting the crowd with his tracks “Fam”, “Vacation”, and “Hell Of A Night”, Grimes had the everyone turnt! Keeping the fun, high energy in his music and keeping a party going. Cool thing about Grimes… what you see is what you get, maybe more, but never less. An emcee with the respect for story telling in his rhymes, and having a good time with good vibes along the way. Grimes and Ground Up collab together on their latest single “People.”

Ground Up rocked Chicago back in September at this year’s Riot Fest. And they made sure to come through for round two with their Seventeen Eleven Tour. Ground Up comes through performing tracks “Code Red”, “Meet My Momma”, and “Let’s Ride.” They were also joined on stage by Marty Grimes, performing their track “People.” It was dope experiencing the song live. Performing with a drummer that was banging out track after track.

I got the chance to catch up with Ground Up for the latest in updates. And also got the chance to chat with Grimes and YP. Check it below.

B Roc – You took a break from the music scene for a bit. And you took a moment while you were up on stage, speaking on the passing of your son. How does it feel being back at it again, doing your thing?
YP – It’s gratifying to be back, because now I know I have a purpose. I know that he would have wanted that for me. So I had to take some time for myself and family, but yeah! It feels good to be back!

B Roc – What can the fans look for next from YP?
YP – I’m dropping video after video, track after track, to the point that yall just gon be tired of me! I got a project I plan on dropping by the end of December, Backwood Jones 2.. so stay in tune.

I’ve really been focused on my music, cause I know the people have really been looking for my music. So I had to take time and focus on getting the music out there.

B Roc – It’s got to be fun being on tour with the homies Ground Up… tell us how it’s been. How do you feel about it?
Marty Grimes – It’s been awesome! This is the first tour I’ve been on and my name is on the bill. This tour has been the plan since the first mixtape I dropped. And now we’re making it happen, and it’s with the family! Feels good!

B Roc – How did you and Ground Up meet?
Marty Grimes – We met about 3 years ago, back when we were on tour with G-Easy. And we all vibed and we all make good music… and we have been family ever since.

B Roc – Your music is high energy and turnt up! What makes you choose this style and approach?
Marty Grimes – I like all types of music! But as you can tell, (laughs) I’m a fan of the turn up! I’m all about the hard energy rap… when I get on stage, I wanna have everybody turnt up and partying! I want y’all tired by the time I’m done. But I’m also a fan of slowing it down a bit. Take time out to tell em bout my life and the fam. Give the listeners a peek in to my real life, and hear it from me. Versus getting it from social media, but through song.

B Roc – Any ventures outside of music?
Marty Grimes – Funny you ask… there’s a pizzeria back home that I’ve been working at since I was 15. And I got the job walking in with a mouth full of gold teeth, a jersey, and a snap back! (laughs) But the owner has been something of a father figure to me. So I’ve grown with the company, and plan on some day owning my own pizzeria! I love pizza! And I love the deep dish pizza here in Chicago!

B Roc – Seventeen Eleven Tour is live and in full effect! Tell us your thoughts on you guys first tour?!
Azar of Ground Up – The tour has been amazing! We’ve been to places we’ve never been before! Getting a lot of good responses from everyone. Our show in Los Angeles sold out and our album made Top 40 on iTunes Hip Hop charts! And that’s exciting news, so we’re excited about that. Our first tour, Seventeen Eleven… it’s been great!

B Roc – Bij Lincs… tell us what you love and hate about Chicago?
Bij Lincs of Ground Up – I love the architecture! And there’s always something fun to do, or get in to whenever we’re here! I hate the weather, with it getting so cold man! (laugh) It’s nice out right now though, but man it gets cold!

B Roc – Seventeen Eleven… the album is out! Now that it’s out there, how’s it feel? 
Malakai of Ground Up – It’s dope!! The fans have been showing us love and support. Feels good to have the album out and seeing everybody rockin wit us. Look forward to getting more music out there to yall… so stay tune.

@TheRealGroundUp

@Marty_Grimes_

@YP27

Thanks for ROCKIN wit me!!!
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Lil Debbie Hits Chicago, Home Grown Tour x Right Now Tour (Interview)

Lil Debbie’s Home Grown Tour recently made a stop in the Windy City, turning up at The Abbey in Chicago. The tour hits up 10 cities, with Greensboro, NC being the last stop on Nov 13th. While in Chicago, Home Grown Tour joins forces with Right Now Tour to bring you a crazy line up of Chicago artists. Sisi Dior, Landon Battles, Keish Keish x Chesley Krischelle, MBK Twins, Asa Asa, Phor from Vh1’s Black Ink Crew Chicago, and more. Members of the 9Mag also came through to rock out with Phor.

Lil Debbie hits the stage, starting off with her well known track “Squirt.” Keeping the crowd rocking with her, she goes on to perform “Hustle Hard”, “Break It Down”, “Let’s Get High” and a host of others. She even invited a few of the fans up on to the stage to party. But later escorted them off stage, once she noticed the tweaking was on lack. Once the show was over, she stayed to personal meet fans face to face. Taking pictures and selfies, and autographing posters. Giving happily awaiting fans the full Home Grown experience. I got a chance to speak with her briefly after the show… check it below.

B Roc – With your tour, Home Grown, making it’s way to Chicago, how do you feel about it?
Lil Debbie – It’s great! I was in Chicago once before… some years back, but some sh*t happened where the show got shut down… so I couldn’t perform. So tonight was my first real performance in Chicago.

B Roc – How did you feel about the show?
Lil Debbie – I thought it was a good show, and a good crowd. I feel like the crowd could have been turnt up a little bit more. But I get it. When your high, and smoking weed it’s kinda hard to turn up… but yeah, they showed  love.

B Roc – What’s something you have to before you leave Chicago? Something you can’t leave without…
Lil Debbie – Well, I’ve been hearing a lot of good things about the food out here. So I need to find or hear about some good f*ckin eats and check em out. (laughs) Cause I like to eat!… and sleep, and smoke!

(Below are music videos of a few of the artists a part of the line up for Chicago’s show.)

Phor

Sisi Dior

MBK Twinz

Landon Battles

Asa Asa

S/O to Swank PR and #HelloHipHop