Chicago Rappers

Chicago, Illinois, has a thriving rap and hip hop music scene, with many talented artists making their mark on the industry. From the city’s early pioneers to its current crop of rising stars, Chicago has produced some of the world’s most influential and successful rappers.

The city’s rich musical history is reflected in the diverse styles of its rappers. Some, like Chance the Rapper, blend elements of jazz and gospel with their hip hop, while others, like Chief Keef, are known for their aggressive and confrontational lyrics. Regardless of their individual styles, Chicago rappers are known for their sharp wit and clever wordplay.

With new artists constantly emerging, Chicago’s rap and hip hop scene continue to thrive. Many of these artists are pushing the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with new sounds and styles. Learn more information about the rappers in Chicago below. 

Kanye West

Kanye West is a rapper, songwriter, and record producer from Chicago, Illinois. Born on June 8, 1977, West first gained recognition for his production work on Jay-Z’s The Blueprint and released a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, including Late Registration, Graduation, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

West’s music often tackles themes of fame, consumerism, and religion, and he has been praised for his unique production style and ability to fuse together different genres of music. In addition to his successful solo career, West has collaborated with other artists, such as Kid Cudi, Jay-Z, and Justin Bieber, and has been a mentor on the TV show The Voice.

Lil Durk

Lil Durk is a rapper from Chicago, Illinois. Born on October 19, 1992, Durk began his music career in 2011 with the release of his debut mixtape, and I’m a Hitta. Since then, he has released several successful mixtapes and albums, including Signed to the Streets, Remember My Name, and Love Songs 4 the Streets.

Durk’s music deals with themes of violence, crime, and gang culture, and he has been credited with helping to popularize the “drill” subgenre of hip-hop. In addition to his solo work, Durk has collaborated with other artists, such as Drake, Meek Mill, and Future.

Durk was raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood and has cited local artists such as Chief Keef and Lil Reese as major influences on his music. Despite facing legal troubles and serving time in jail, Durk has continued to release new music and tour, solidifying his position as one of Chicago’s most prominent and successful rappers.

Polo G

Polo G is a rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Born on January 6, 1999, Polo G first gained recognition with the release of his debut single, “Finer Things,” in 2018. Since then, he has released some successful mixtapes and albums, including Die a Legend, The Goat, and Hall of Fame.

Polo G was raised in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood and has cited local artists such as Lil Wayne and Chief Keef as significant influences on his harmony. Despite encountering personal challenges and tragedy, Polo G has continued to rise in the music industry and has become one of Chicago’s most promising young rappers.

Chief Keef

Chief Keef is a rapper and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Born on August 15, 1995, Chief Keef first gained recognition with the release of his debut single, “I Don’t Like,” in 2012. Since then, he has released many successful mixtapes and albums, including Finally Rich, Nobody, and The Leek.

In addition to his music career, Chief Keef has also been involved in various business ventures, including launching his own record label and clothing line. He continues to represent Chicago’s tough and vibrant hip hop scene with his unique and powerful style of music.

Chance The Rapper

Chance the Rapper, whose real name is Chancellor Jonathan Bennett, is a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. He first gained distinction in the music industry with the release of his mixtape “10 Day” in 2012, which caught the attention of critics and fans alike.

Since then, Chance has continued to make a name for himself in the music world, releasing several successful mixtapes and albums, including “Acid Rap” (2013), “Coloring Book” (2016), and “The Big Day” (2019). He has won three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, in 2017.

G Herbo

G Herbo, also known as Lil Herb, is a rapper hailing from Chicago, Illinois. He first gained prominence in the city’s drill scene, a subgenre of hip hop known for its dark and violent lyrics. Herbo’s raw and passionate style quickly set him apart from his peers, and he soon became one of the most buzzed-about artists in the scene.

Herbo’s debut mixtape, “Welcome to Fazoland,” was released in 2014 and was met with critical acclaim. The mixtape included hit tracks like “Kill Sh*t” and “Fight or Flight,” which showcased Herbo’s storytelling abilities and unique flow.

Soulja Boy

Soulja Boy, also known as DeAndre Cortez Way, was born on July 28, 1990, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the city’s Englewood community, known for its high crime rates and gang activity. Despite the challenges of his environment, Soulja Boy showed an early interest in music and began making beats at 14.

In 2006, Soulja Boy released his first mixtape, “Unsigned and Still Major: Da Album Before da Album.” The mixtape quickly gained popularity on the internet, and Soulja Boy became one of the first artists to achieve mainstream success through social media platforms like MySpace and YouTube.

In 2007, Soulja Boy released his debut single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which became a viral hit and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s accompanying dance, known as the “Soulja Boy dance,” also became popular, with people worldwide creating versions of the dance.

Calboy

Calboy first gained attention in 2018 with the release of his single “Envy Me,” which quickly went viral on social media platforms. The single’s success led to Calboy signing with Polo Grounds Music/RCA Records.

Calboy’s music often reflects his experiences growing up in Chicago and the challenges he has faced in his life. His emotionally charged lyrics and melodic flow have helped him to stand out in the rap scene and earn a dedicated fan base. He continues to grow as an artist and is working on new music.

Twista

Twista’s real name is Carl Terrell Mitchell, and he got his start in the music industry as a member of the Speedknot Mobstaz. In 1991, he released his debut album, “Runnin’ Off at da Mouth,” which featured the hit single “Mr. Tung Twista.” In 1996, he released his second album, “Adrenaline Rush,” which included the hit single “Emotions.” In 2004, he released his most successful album, “Kamikaze,” which included the hit single “Slow Jamz” featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.

Mick Jenkins

Mick Jenkins is a rapper from Chicago, Illinois, who is known for his socially conscious lyrics and contributions to the Chicago hip hop scene. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, and raised on the city’s south side, Jenkins began his music career in 2011 and has become one of the most promising and respected young rappers coming out of Chicago.

In addition to his successful music career, Jenkins is known for his activism and philanthropy. He has partnered with organizations such as the Chicago Public Schools and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to provide resources and support for underprivileged youth. He has also used his platform to speak out on issues such as police brutality and gun violence.

Chicago Concerts

Attending concerts in Chicago is a fun and exciting way to experience the city’s vibrant music scene. However, it’s essential to remember that shows can be crowded and loud, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips for attending concerts in Chicago:

1. Buy tickets in advance: Tickets for popular concerts in Chicago can sell out quickly, so buying them as soon as possible is important. You can purchase tickets online, at the venue box office, or authorized ticket outlets.
2. Plan your transportation: Many concerts in Chicago are held at venues easily accessible by public transit, so it’s a good idea to plan your route. You must factor in traffic and parking costs if you plan to drive.
3. Arrive early: It’s always a good idea to arrive at the venue early to avoid lines and crowds. Most venues will open their doors one to two hours before the show, so plan accordingly.
4. Bring earplugs: Concerts can be loud, and prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing damage. It’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your ears.

Attending concerts in Chicago is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant music scene. By following these tips, you can make the most of your concert-going experience and enjoy all that Chicago offers.