Chicago-based/ influenced artists and their impact on society
Introduction
Chicago-based rappers have been on the come-up, and are having a big impact on society. Rappers such as Noname, Saba, Smino, and Chance The Rapper have all used their Chicago influenced rap to shine light on issues that Black Americans go through. These issues involve big problems such as police brutality, radical violence, racism, sexism, and other issues.
Chance the Rapper and Ghetto Sage (Saba, Noname, and Smino)
(Left to right) Saba, Noname, and Smino
These rappers are pretty much all linked together. For example, Noname appeared on Chance the Rapper's song "Lost" on his Acid Rap project which led to her rise in fame. Chance (who is also a Chicago-influenced rapper) saw potential in Noname and featured her on a couple of songs, and it really put her name out there.
Next, we have this amazing trio whom make amazing music together, but it's not always sunshine and rainbows in their themes. Saba, Noname, and Smino have made a multitude of songs together and have even come up with a Supergroup as of recently (Ghetto Sage).
Telefone album cover.
Noname's debut mixtape in which she focuses on issues like abortion, racism, and death in the black community.
Ranging from rapping about their success and lifestyles, to rapping about how death seems to be around the corner for young black people, this trio and their different forms of rapping all coincide beautifully. And now that they've created Ghetto Sage, they can go about making these trio collaborations with more ease.
J. Cole and Dreamville
Dreamville Records has also proven as a great token of recognition for rappers such as Saba and Smino. J. Cole is the founder of this record label, and he decided to invite many members of the rapping community to be featured on this project who just so happen to be black and deserving recognition. The songs produced by this group tend to have a long list of features, but manage to sound great. Even with all the differences with the form of rapping that these rappers execute, it's put together well and is an excellent form of giving these rappers exposure.
Cover art for Revenge of the Dreamers III.
Saba and Smino are a part of this album, and are featured in this cover art.
Takeaway
These Chicago rappers have really used their fame and rapping abilities to shine light on issues that would otherwise go unnoticed by the general public. Even for rappers such as Smino, (who was born in St. Louis) people didn't have to be born in Chicago to be heavily influenced by that state and the troubles that occur in there and how it makes you realize all that is wrong with America. These rappers use their rapping as an outlet to express their feelings towards societal issues among other things, and I respect them for it.