Ju Jilla’s Reach Higher stands out as one of the best hip hop projects to drop this summer. From start to finish, the body of work is carefully arranged, creating a seamless listening experience that feels intentional and elevated. Each track flows into the next without losing momentum, showcasing Ju Jilla’s skill in curating not just songs, but a complete story.
Listen to the project here and let me know in the comments what you think 🤔
The features are thoughtfully chosen, adding depth and variety without overshadowing Ju Jilla’s presence. His lyricism is sharp yet effortless, with true to life storytelling delivered in a way that feels both authentic and aspirational, almost like high fashion for the ears. The project blends grit with elegance, reminding us that hip hop can be both raw and refined at the same time; that it’s ok as a man to need a therapist to elevate.
Reach Higher isn’t just music; it’s a statement. It’s the kind of project you replay, not only for the beats and bars, but for the craft that went into making it a cohesive, memorable piece of art.
CHICAGO (July 15, 2025) — Chicago based artists Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal united for a high energy music video shoot Tuesday evening, drawing a crowd to the city’s Westside with members from the South, North, West and East Side under the banner of unity and community empowerment.
The video shoot, “In the Trenches,” kicked off at 5 p.m. at a private location. Promoted heavily through social media & word of mouth, the event called on members to “come out” in support of the city’s music scene and collaborative spirit to bring peace.
Sporting hoodies emblazoned with “UNITY” and “Tyrant,” Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal delivered performances that reflected not only lyrical grit of the city but also a message of resilience and togetherness. Organizers emphasized the importance of civic pride and representation in local artistry to push for peace ☮️ and love ❤️ through their art.
“This was about more than a video,” a member of the collective said. “It was about bringing the city together and reminding people that Chicago’s got each other’s back. We’re going to get it together”
The location, kept under wraps until the day of the shoot, added an underground feel to the event highlighting the grassroots nature of the project also granting protection for all involved. Despite the impromptu setting, the scene was electric with energy, with many attendees capturing behind the scenes footage and sharing it across platforms.
I was able to reconnect with some community family and meet new people who I look forward to building with.
We’re expecting the release the final video later this summer if not sooner, continuing their message of solidarity and street level storytelling GC said it’s 50 more videos coming, and to stay tune.
I’m going to keep following this beat overall archiving the ones pushing p, hoping that they are true to their word and forever ♾️ solid.
The shooting unfolded around 1:30 a.m. on July 2 outside Artis Restaurant & Lounge, located on the 300 block of West Chicago Avenue, as crowds exited an event hosted by Mello Buckzz. According to Chicago police, a dark-colored vehicle drove past the crowd and opened fire before fleeing the scene (ABC7 Chicago).
Watch full interview to hear my media associate & I discuss the situation.
Four people were fatally shot:
Taylor Walker, 26, a hairstylist from the South Side who was attending the event with friends
Aviance “Avi” Drexler, 27, a healthcare worker and close friend of the rapper
Leon Andrew Henry, 25, of Chicago
Devonte Terrell Williamson, 23, a truck driver and young father who was also Mello Buckzz’s boyfriend
At least 14 other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to area hospitals including Northwestern Memorial, Stroger, Mount Sinai, and Illinois Masonic. Three remained in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling condemned the incident, calling it “senseless and devastating,” adding that the shooters “fired into a crowd without any regard for human life” (CBS Chicago). The venue, Artis Lounge, has since been temporarily closed by city officials. The same location previously operated as Hush Chicago, which was also shuttered following a 2022 fatal shooting.
As the community grapples with the violence, new legal developments have further complicated the narrative.
According to CWB Chicago, Melvin Doyle, the father of Mello Buckzz, was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The federal complaint, filed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), states that Doyle was found with multiple handguns and over 100 rounds of ammunition during a February search of his home (CWB Chicago). Authorities confirmed the weapons were not used in the July 2 shooting, and no direct connection between Doyle’s charges and the River North attack has been established.
Still, the proximity of these events invites a broader reflection on the roots of violence in our communities.
While music, particularly in Chicago’s drill and rap scenes, offers a creative outlet and a reflection of lived experience, it also holds power to influence, to provoke, and in some cases, to escalate. The intersection of lyrics, online posts, and real world conflict has been well documented. Law enforcement and community advocates alike warn that violent rhetoric, whether artistic or interpersonal, can spill beyond the studio or screen and into the streets.
In honoring the lives of Taylor, Avi, Leon, and Devonte, we are also forced to confront a culture where grief is cyclical and trauma is generational. We must ask: what are we normalizing? What are we amplifying? And who is paying the price?
As federal and local investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Chicago Police Department.
Chicago – On the notoriously eerie date of Friday the 13th, Easy O’Hare fused horror and hip-hop in a way only he could, with the release of his latest album, Nightmare O’Hare. Held at The New Jo’s Bar and Grill in Merrillville, Indiana, the release event transported fans and peers into an immersive experience where sound collided with storytelling in a night full of adrenaline, ambiance, and authenticity.
For centuries, the number 13 has carried a reputation for bad luck, and when it lands on a Friday, that superstitious energy hits different. The fear is so widespread it has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Pop culture took it even further in 1980 with the horror classic Friday the 13th, introducing Jason Voorhees; the silent, masked killer who haunted Camp Crystal Lake and slashed his way into horror history. Since then, the date has come to symbolize fear, suspense, and rebellion; making it the perfect backdrop for Easy O’Hare’s latest creative strike.
His statement? It’s giving serial killer energy.
And he’s killing these other rappers especially when it comes to the way he curates his musical projects.
Nightmare O’Hare captures that chaotic yet calculated vibe. It’s raw, cinematic, and deeply unsettling in the best way. The album rides moody production and vivid lyricism, exploring the gritty realities of urban life, survival, and the kind of darkness you face when you’re moving a certain way.
When I rap it gets scary for the competition and we chose a beat selection that fit the mood of how scary it can actually get. With this project I was showing I can pop up outta nowhere with new music at any given time after my listeners hear Nightmare O’Hare they’ll definitely go download the past projects to get all the way tapped in with me.
The theme originated from a past rap beef where I had to switch forms from Easy O’Hare to nightmare
-Easy O’Hare
The Performance
Easy’s stage presence brought the music to life with gritty emotion and undeniable power. And the supporting acts? Just as heavy. The room was charged with energy, filled with people who came to show love and stayed to be moved. It was a whole vibe and yes, the chicken was fire too.
The Artist
Rico Moneyy
Kdoug Jr
Aboog
D’kno Mr.KNOITALL
ESC Deez
Fly cool club
Big Nastee
Easy O’Hare
Coldhard
The Bigger Picture
With Nightmare O’Hare, Easy doesn’t just drop music, he curates experiences and releases projects with precision. He proves that there’s room for 40-year-old rappers who trap 🏚️🪤 with strategy, successfully. This isn’t a moment; it’s a method.
Nightmare O’Hare is now streaming on all major platforms.
Stay tuned for visuals, BTS moments, and more drops by following him on Instagram: @easyohare_
The short answer? No. But hedid commuteLarry Hoover’s federal life sentence, which is a big deal, but not the same as a full pardon.
On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump used his executive powers to commute the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, the co-founder of Chicago’s Gangster Disciples (GDs). That means his federal time was reduced, but his state sentence in Illinois remains in full effect.
🚫 A pardon erases a conviction. ✅ A commutation shortens the sentence but leaves the conviction intact.
👉🏽 Hoover is still incarcerated, just no longer serving time under his federal sentence.
⚖️ Federal vs. State: Why Hoover Isn’t Free Yet
While the federal government no longer requires Hoover to serve life in a supermax prison, the State of Illinois still holds a separate life sentence against him. That stems from a 1973 murder conviction.
Credit: Larry Hoover Jr./Instagram
So even though Trump intervened federally, Hoover remains in prison under state custody.
Larry Hoover’s name carries legacy and controversy in Chicago. For decades, he’s been labeled a criminal mastermind. But in recent years, there’s been a push by his legal team and public figures to recognize the transformative work he’s done behind bars, including efforts to promote peace and redirect youth from gang life.
Even Kanye West and Drake brought global attention to Hoover’s case during their 2021 Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert, adding cultural weight to the conversation about his potential release.
Let’s be real: Trump’s use of presidential clemency powers has always been controversial. Many of his commutations and pardons have benefited high profile or politically connected individuals. Which is still publicity for him and his administration. Still, for communities dealing with over policing and mass incarceration, among other violations of civil and human rights, any shift in how justice is served becomes a moment of reflection and dialogue. So I claim this as a win for us in the hood.
This decision is layered. Larry Hoover’s sentence was reduced because of his pardon of federal charges but he’s not free. Still, it opens the door to wider conversations about:
Sentencing reform
Community rehabilitation
The politics of who gets clemency
And the ongoing impact of legacy gang leaders in modern movements
Whether you’re from Englewood, the West Side, Auburn-Gresham like me or just someone trying to understand what’s real vs. what’s headlines; stay sharp, stay informed, and keep asking deeper questions because as a solid and native representation of urban culture, in the words of the Honorable Fred Hampton, Leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers and a Chicago Native:
There’s something undeniable about Chicago. The rhythm of our streets, the depth of our history, and the influence we hold in shaping urban culture across the nation and internationally, it runs deep. From house music and footwork to conscious rap and drill, Chicago has been a cultural cornerstone, birthing movements and voices that echo far beyond city limits.
That’s why moments like GloRilla giving Queen Key her flowers 💐 hit different. It’s more than just a viral moment, it’s recognition of legacy, talent, and the resilience of a city that has long been under credited and over influential.
Queen Key has always represented raw, unapologetic energy, the essence of what it means to be from the Chi and its surrounding communities. For another artist to publicly uplift her on tour is a powerful testament to sisterhood and respect in hip hop, especially amongst women at that young women, in an era where the city’s women are claiming space louder than ever.
Chicago isn’t just on the map, we are the map. The artists, the culture, the style, the stories, we influence the world, and it’s about time that legacy is consistently honored.
Chicago-Easy O’Hare, a standout voice in Chicago’s hip hop scene, teamed up with producer Uncle JoNH III to release Cabin Pressure, a tightly crafted 9 track album that dropped in 2024. Known for its gritty sound, sharp lyricism, and unapologetically Chicago feel, the project showcased Easy’s ability to turn personal stories and city life into immersive music. From soulful samples to streetwise bars, Cabin Pressure solidified his rep as an artist with staying power.
Single from Cabin Pressure
One of the album’s highlights, “KeepItTall,” featuring ESC Deez, has received new attention with a freshly released visual that captures the raw chemistry between the two. Watch the new video below 👇🏽. It’s a reminder that real art doesn’t fade, it grows with the artist.
Adding to the momentum, Easy O’Hare and ESC Deez recently joined forces again for “Bs,” the official theme song for the upcoming TV series Young Bulls. Promoted globally by Milwaukee’s own KB The Playmaker, and executive produced by industry veterans Stan Sheppard and Glasses Malone, Young Bulls shines a spotlight on Midwest talent, and Easy’s voice leads the charge. Check out the “Bs” video here, and you’ll see why this duo continues to demand attention.
From the Cabin Pressure cockpit to television soundtracks, Easy O’Hare is flying on his own frequency and the culture is catching up.
Chicago–Fat Money (formerly Ty Money), a prominent Harvey-Chicago rapper and lyricist, continues to make significant strides in the hip hop scene. Renowned for his sharp lyricism and deep rooted Chicago influences, Fat Money has been a consistent presence in the industry since 2014, releasing multiple studio albums and mixtapes.
In 2022, Fat Money collaborated with Kanye West on the Donda 2 album, contributing as a co-writer and recording several reference tracks for both released and unreleased songs. This collaboration not only showcased his versatility but also solidified his position among hip-hop’s elite with a sought after swag & sound. He’s also worked with Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre.
Building on this momentum, Fat Money has unveiled his latest project, CincoDeToven, a collaborative effort with legendary producer Zaytoven. This release is part of his annual CincoDeMoney series, traditionally launched on Cinco de Mayo. CincoDeToven blends Fat Money’s incisive storytelling with Zaytoven’s signature trap symphonies, offering a fresh yet familiar soundscape for fans.
Meanwhile, Kanye West’s Donda 2 has been at the center of several legal disputes. The album, initially released exclusively through West’s $200 Stem Player device, faced challenges due to its unconventional distribution method. Producers like ATL Jacob, who worked on tracks such as “Pablo,” “Keep It Burning,” and “Louie Bags,” have reported not receiving payment for their contributions, citing confusion over royalty distributions stemming from the album’s release strategy.
Additionally, West faces multiple lawsuits over unauthorized samples used in Donda 2. Notably, Ultra International Music Publishing sued him for allegedly sampling Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 track “Move Your Body” without permission in the song “Flowers.” Another lawsuit by Artist Revenue Advocates LLC claims that West misused music created by several artists in his songs “Hurricane” and “Moon” without proper authorization.
Despite these controversies, Fat Money’s trajectory remains upward. His collaboration with Zaytoven on CincoDeToven and his involvement in high-profile projects like Donda 2 underscore his growing influence and commitment to pushing creative boundaries in hip-hop. Listen, purchase, and save the project here.
Being part of this team has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I’m proud to have contributed to a platform that brought the culture, vibes, and a new style of broadcasting to Chicago’s airwaves. Streetz wasn’t just a radio station, it was a media group for the streets, and a home for urban talent, both on-air, on or behind the scenes.
Although it’s sad to see our chapter in Chicago come to a close, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to do impactful, paid work in media, something that’s not always easy to come by in this industry. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned, and the confidence I gained are things I’ll carry forward with me.
I kicked ass coming through the door for Super Bowl Weekend, bringing in the most money in February and March working with Wilma’s BBQ, The AC Green Show, and Majani’s Food Emporium after my training, activating my superpowers 🦸🏽♀️.
Thank you to Core Radio Group & Streetz especially Trey The Choklit for the opportunity and support. I hope to work with them again in the future and continue building in other cities and capacities.
In the hip-hop industry, timing is everything. While some artists establish their careers early and maintain relevance into their 40s, others enter the rap game later in life. Understanding these trajectories provides valuable insight into the realities of success, longevity, and sustainability in hip-hop.
As a communications strategist and brand positioning expert, I’ve worked with artists and brands to help them navigate their careers effectively. The truth is, pivoting at 40 can be a power move, one that allows artists to transition into more sustainable careers rather than chasing an unrealistic dream.
Artists Who Achieved Success Before 40 and Sustained Their Careers
Many renowned hip-hop artists built solid careers before turning 40, allowing them to maintain longevity and evolve over time:
Mainstream Veterans with Decades of Longevity
Jay-Z (born 1969) – Released his debut album Reasonable Doubt at 26. By 47, his album 4:44 was critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to evolve with age.
Eminem (born 1972) – Gained fame with The Slim Shady LP at 27 and has continued to release successful projects well into his 40s.
Snoop Dogg (born 1971) – Dropped Doggystyle at 22 and remains a cultural icon with a multi-faceted career.
Freddie Gibbs (born 1982) – Released his debut ESGN at 31, but had been grinding for over a decade prior, showcasing how sustained effort pays off.
Griselda and the Boom-Bap Resurgence
Westside Gunn (born 1982) – Co-founded Griselda Records in 2012 and released Flygod at 34, proving longevity is possible with a solid foundation.
Benny the Butcher (born 1984) – Gained prominence with Tana Talk 3 at 34, but had been building his craft long before mainstream recognition.
Boldy James (born 1982) – Released his debut at 31, showing that staying consistent and working with strong producers can keep an artist relevant.
Armani Caesar (born 1989) – Entered the industry young but gained widespread attention after signing with Griselda in 2020.
These artists had one thing in common: they put in the work before turning 40, building organic fan bases, networking, and proving their worth in the industry long before mainstream success.
Artists Who Started Their Rap Careers After 40
While less common, some artists have attempted to launch rap careers after 40. The challenge is immense, breaking into an industry that thrives on youth-driven content, energy, and cultural trends is not easy.
Artists Who Started Their Rap Careers After 40
While less common, some artists have attempted to launch rap careers after 40. The challenge is immense, breaking into an industry that thrives on youth-driven content, energy, and cultural trends is not easy.
MF Doom – While active in the 1990s, his career saw a resurgence in his 40s due to his underground cult following.
Money Man (born 1986) – Gained recognition later in his career, but his financial literacy and business acumen helped sustain his relevance.
Why Pivoting at 40 Can Be a Power Move
For artists pushing 40 who have not built a solid foundation, pivoting is not giving up, it’s a strategic transition. Here’s why:
Sustainability – If rapping hasn’t become a full-time career by 40, it’s wise to explore other avenues in entertainment such as A&R, production, executive roles, or brand partnerships.
Diversification – Many successful artists over 40 expand into businesses, podcasting, film, and other ventures to maintain financial stability.
Authenticity – A 40-year-old artist competing with young rappers on trends that don’t match their lifestyle can appear inauthentic. Instead, mature artists can embrace storytelling, mentorship, or niche audiences.
Hip-Hop Career Realism in Conclusion
The hip-hop industry favors those who lay their foundation early. While there are always exceptions, it is rare for someone to start rapping at 40 and achieve financial success. However, this doesn’t mean music must be abandoned, it just means rethinking the approach.
For those truly dedicated to hip-hop, transitioning into executive roles, branding, or a genre shift (e.g., jazz, spoken word, podcasting) can be a power move rather than a loss.
Hip-hop is about evolution, understanding when to pivot can be the difference between chasing a dream and building a lasting legacy.
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 