Lil E is from Chicago’s infamous uptown neighborhood. Known as a jack of all trades Lil E has been known to do everything from hustling to acting. Lil E is also known throughout Chicago’s underground rap scene as the “go to guy”. Lil E represents the true spirit of a Chicagoan as co-star and narrator of Chicago’s first official gangster film TRUST NONE.
A native of the “Uptown” and “North Pole” neighborhoods of Chicago’s North side, E.C. Illa (also known as E.C. & WhiteFolks) began his recording career in 1990 as a member of The Ill State Assassins, a rap and production group that spawned several successful nationally-recognized artists such as Twista, The Legendary Traxster, Toxic and others. In 1994 E.C. Illa’s first CD titled “Live From The Ill” was released on local Chicago label, Wicked Entertainment. The CD was Illa’s most successful release to that point selling more than thousands of copies locally. This success prompted a quick follow-up in 1995 when Wicked Entertainment released E.C.Illa’s critically acclaimed “Illa LP”, along with his debut music video for the song “On Ill.
In 2003, Illa would appear under his new moniker “WhiteFolks” on the Do or Die / Rap-A-Lot Records release “Pimpin’ Ain’t Dead.” Illa was featured on the album’s first song, titled “One More Way.” “Pimpin Ain’t Dead” would go on to sell upwards of 150,000 copies. In the same year, the internet leaked a collection of Illa’s music recorded between 1998-2003 that included the Kanye West produced songs “Strugglin’” and “Mask & a Pump.” E.C continues his contribution to Chicago music as mentor and promoter of up and coming producer Skills which happens to be his son.
Facebook | E.C Illa
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Konee Rok is an American music video and documentary director & animator. He has done film and video work with many popular artists in hip-hop, rap music and break dancing culture.
He has directed music videos, documentaries and commercials featuring Grammy & Oscar award winner Rhymefest, Kanye West, Raekwon, rapper Cassidy, Little Jon, DJ Jazzy Jeff of the Fresh Prince and Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest. His documentary on MC Juice tells the story behind the freestyle M.C.’s battle against rapper Eminem.
He also has directed numerous video projects in the underground hip hop and break dancing community. Konee Rok is a member of the b-boy/breakdance crew, Chicago Tribe.
Born Jeffery Robinson, Buk is one third of the legendary Chicago rap group Psychodrama. Pyschodrama rose from Chicago’s hip hop underground in the mid 90’s with their Legendary Traxster produced classic “Magic”. He has held the title of the most anticipated artist on the underground music scene for the last 15 years. Lending his signature voice and flow on more than 10 major label releases, most notably: Twista Adrenaline Rush(1997) Twista Category F5 (2009) Cam’ron Purple Haze (2004) The Woo movie soundtrack (2000) and more. Respected by industry insiders and artists alike, Buk continues to set trends and has set a goal to transform the landscape of the entertainment and business world.
Twitter | @Bukpsychodrama
Facebook | Buk-of-Psychodrama
Psyde FX of Psychodrama coming up from the streets of Chicago’s Westside is a seasoned vet when it comes to this music thing. Psychodrama has worked with many artist & labels such as Master P, Silk the Shocker, Eight Ball & MJG, and Twista just to name a few. Psyde is currently working the Chicago music circuit with his weekly events and performances.
Twitter | @Psycodramapsyde
Instagram | PsychodramaPsyde
Facebook | PsydefxofPsychodrama
The Legendary Traxster (a.k.a. Sam Lindley) is a Multi-Platinum & Grammy Nominated American songwriter / producer. He produced the Certified Platinum Smash, “My Chick Bad” by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj on the album “The Battle of The Sexes”. Traxster’s production on “My Chick Bad” helped land Ludacris a #1 album on the Billboard 200. Success is nothing new to Traxster, he earned a Grammy Nomination for his work with Mariah Carey, co-writing and producing the track, “One and Only” on her 2005 release “The Emancipation of Mimi” which sold nearly 10 million albums worldwide.
Twitter | Traxster
Instagram | Traxster
Facebook | TheLegendaryTraxster
Big Rap is a veteran emcee and business man hailing from the westside of Chicago. Big Rap served as CEO of Chicago’s CWAL record label who came to prominence in the the mid 90’s with classic records like Twista’s “Adrenaline Rush”. Big Rap is currently a member of the Blok Club Dj’s, a Chicago based DJ crew and Continues to leave his mark in the pages of Chicago hip hop industry.
Twitter | @Bigrap38
Instagram | BigRap38
Crucial Conflict is a Chicago hip hop group best known for its 1996 single “Hay” (from the album The Final Tic) and “Scummy” (from the album Good Side, Bad Side). The members of Crucial Conflict are Coldhard, Wildstyle, Kilo, and Never. They frequently collaborate with fellow Chicago rappers Do or Die and Twista. The members of Crucial Conflict continue to work on solo projects as well as perform their classic hits all over the country.
Twitter | QBallcrucon
Instagram |
Chicago has birthed a breed of talented musicians in the shadows of a hustling mind frame.
Ro’Zay Richie, better known as Cap 1, is a love child of Chicago’s southside. With a mix
of street smarts and raw artistic skills, it was not long before the young Cap 1 found
his niche in life. Cap 1 made history as the first rapper to sign to the legendary “Motown” label. After his Motown release Cap 1 relocated to Atlanta. Cap 1 wasted no time getting to work. Cap’s credits began to grow, co-writing hits like Yung Berg’s “Sexy Can I”, and
“Lipgloss and Ponytail” featuring Bobby Valentino. Cap 1 connected with Duffle Bag Boyz rapper Tity Boi (now known as 2 Chainz). Touring with 2 Chainz, and Young Money’s Drake and Nicki Minaj have proved to be some career highlights. Cap 1 Currently working on a new music and touring ”, he looks forward to his impending success.
Twitter | @Richiecap1
Instagram | caviardreamz_