SEARCH FOR: JOSEPH

Babyface Ray has been absolutely killing it over the last couple of years, but it’s crazy to think that he has been on his grind for far longer than the average fan might think, so it’s just great to see him getting the shine that he so rightfully deserves. When he dropped his album FACE not too long ago, it was clear that he was ready to take things up a notch or ten, and that is just continuing to elevate with the announcement of his upcoming tour that will take him to most major cities like Chicago, Seattle, Toronto, New York, and plenty of other places so fans all over the continent can see the man live and in the flesh. The album, though, was one of the best things I’ve heard all year, and even though we’re not even halfway through 2022, I’m confident that it is going to be hard for anyone else to top it, at least in my opinion. That’s why it was essential that I wrote about the brand-new Joseph-directed music video for his song “6 Mile Show” featuring Icewear Vezzo, because I try not to miss out on any new releases from Ray, …

The city of Chicago is buzzing right now because we know just how incredible tonight is about to be with the release of Saba’s highly anticipated project Few Good Things releasing, and after having the privilege of receiving an early listen, I can factually say that this excitement is more than justified. It’s bound to be a spectacle, as all Pivot Gang releases end up being, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the gang wants to be left out of the fun. Sure, they have multiple hands in putting together that album, but fellow Pivot member Joseph Chilliams made sure to join in on the fun just a few days ago, and whenever he drops, I tune in, that’s just the way it is and the way it always will be. With a tweet mentioning how Pivot Gang is about to go on one of the greatest runs in music history at the end of last week, Joseph announced his newest song “Rick James” featuring Mia Gladstone, and what a way that was to kick off the absolute dominance that this group is about to see for the foreseeable future. In the same tweet, he also dared followers …

At least once or twice a week, I feel like I have the luxury and the pleasure of writing about yet another magnificent Michigan rap release, and I haven’t even begun to think about growing tired of this trend. I am simply dumbfounded by just how insanely talented each and every emcee is in this region, whether I’m listening to straight lyrical geniuses like Babyface Ray, Icewear Vezzo, and Rio Da Yung OG or more uncharacteristic spitters like BabyTron or Teejayx6. Simply put, there is never even close to a shortage of remarkable music coming from the northern music hub, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the sounds that have been brought to life over the past couple of years. Out of everyone, one of my favorite artists is undeniably Babyface Ray, and while I don’t think this is an unpopular opinion for most, I still think he is grossly underrated based on the amount of indescribably amazing content he has put out for fans. This is just the beginning it seems, though, because my excitement went through the roof once I found out that he has a brand-new album entitled Face dropping in two short weeks on January …

It’s never easy losing a loved one, and sometimes music is so powerful that it can be even harder to get over the loss of an artist you truly loved to listen to. Especially when that artist is from your city and was creating a sonic landscape that you thoroughly enjoyed, it’s a loss that can take an unidentifiable amount of time but listening to the amazing music they created during their time on Earth can definitely help smooth things over or at least ease the pain you feel in your heart. When we lost squeakPIVOT this past summer, the entire music industry was shook, and even if you weren’t familiar with him at this time, there is no doubt that some of your favorite artists were giving their condolences and offering nice words about the impact that squeak had on the industry as a whole. It’s a loss that family, friends, and fans will never get over 100%, but knowing how genuine and impactful he was during his time on Earth makes me realize just how special he was not only as an artist but as a person as well. He and MFnMelo teamed up for their collaborative project …

Saba and PIVOT GANG may have came to Kenny Beats’ incredible freestyle series The Cave with some of the best content I’ve seen and heard on the show. “Do what I want, I don’t fit in a box,” Saba says, and rightfully so. Saba and PIVOT GANG as a whole are an incredibly unique partnership, and each time I hear something by the group I become more of a fan. So when Kenny Beats announced that they’d be the next guest on the show, I couldn’t wait. They certainly didn’t disappoint, beginning the video with a philosophical conversation regarding the creative process and the nuances of musical production that give viewers an insight to just how intricate and talented these artists are. Kenny begins with some testing of various samples until he found one to fit the energy, and went to work. The beat allows the three PIVOT GANG members; Saba, Joseph Chilliams, and Frsh Waters, to deliver a three-verse masterpiece that could be turned into a studio hit, should it be released. The creativity and genuineness Kenny brings out of visiting artists is unmatched, and this weeks episode of the cave shows exactly that. Watch it on YouTube, below! …

New York three-piece Wet makes their Lyrical Lemonade debut with “Clementine,” a standout track off their excellent new album Letter Blue. Led by singer-songwriter Kelly Zutrau, the song contains refreshingly mellow and modern production from Robert Ackroyd as well as Joseph Valle. Just like the delectable fruit, Wet’s “Clementine” provides a joyous experience for the listener. The hook in particular is quite addictive and wholesome from the openly affectionate perspective of the artist. Visually the minimalistic and nostalgic shots displayed throughout the music video befit the ‘natural’ quality that the record contains. Overall, “Clementine” is a perfect song with plenty of replay value and relatability. Have a listen via the Andrew Theodore Balasia directed visual and be sure to peep all of Letter Blue!

Chicago is obviously a special place, but it can also be a ruthless monster, unfortunately. While there are so many incredible artists rising within the music scene here, there are few groups that are as iconic and pivotal as Pivot Gang, and real fans know this. While Saba might be the most notable of the group, there are so many different talents within the crew that you might be missing out on. Unfortunately, things have been extremely tough after the passing of Squeak, a legendary figure within Chicago, but Pivot never seems to give up no matter how hard things may be. Nonetheless, out of this entire group, Joseph Chilliams is one of my favorite emcees because he thinks outside of the box and truly tries things out that others tend to avoid, constantly pushing the limit while seeing outcomes that are as impressive as it gets. Most recently, Joseph decided to release a brand-new song entitled “I Ain’t Been Outside”, and if you are somehow not familiar with this Windy City spitter, this is the perfect record to familiarize yourself with him. Within the instrumental, some buoyant, consistent synths continuously rotate as the beat unfolds, leading us into some …

Ever since I first got into music, Earl Sweatshirt was one of my favorite emcees of all time. Even back in his Odd Future days when he was messing around and just having fun with life, he was laying down some of the most well thought out, clever bars that I have ever heard in my entire life, and he was quickly solidified as one of my favorites. Even though I’m not as familiar with Armand Hammer, I know that their connection to Earl runs deep and if Earl vibes with them, I’m sure I would as well. Although I want to take more time to listen to their collaborative project with the legendary hitmaker The Alchemist called Haram, I was beyond excited to peep the brand-new music video for the project’s cut “Falling Out the Sky”. Directed by Joseph Mault, the video opens up on a lovely yet somewhat desolate beach as the waves crash against the shore as well as rocks that are supporting small cliffs. When the song begins, Earl seems to walk towards the water and out of a cave, finding the light as he smokes a blunt and spits his deep and introspective bars. When …

If you’re not familiar with any Nashville, Tennessee rappers, allow me to introduce you to Reaux Marquez. Also known for his production, Marquez is self-described as a jazzy “metronome po’it,” with sprinkled influences from OutKast, Big K.R.I.T., and Kendrick Lamar. As an independent artist, Marquez signed himself to his own record label “The Garden Recordings,” which he’s proudly repped since 2017. Taking advantage of a cesspool of Soundcloud talent, Reaux’s been able to collaborate with various producers and artists that’ve shaped his current discography. The first song I heard of Marquez’s is titled “Japan,” which remarkably dropped three years ago. With capability of delivering smooth offerings and bass heavy bangers, the latest example that captured my attention is his song “FOREVER.” Featuring the talented vocalist Lul Lion and hip-hop artist Brian Brown, the highlighted record is off Reax’s new project entitled NO RENEGADES. Led by a heavenly mellow, drum-dominant instrumental, the track is met with Lul Lion’s addictive vocals for a captivating chorus. Marquez’s southern accent perfectly aligns with the rapidly flowing percussion, which remains upbeat to keep the listener engaged until the song’s end. It’s certainly admirable when an an artist releases a solo record, but hits such as …

It’s obvious that 2020 didn’t turn out nearly how anyone expected at the top of the year. With a global pandemic shaking things up, a pivotal presidential election coming to a head, numerous generational talents passing away, and racial injustice protests taking place across the country, it’s safe to say that this year was beyond unpredictable from even the most seasoned psychics. Nonetheless, Chicago persevered like only we know-how, bringing attention to these issues while also divulging into a plethora of other, more personal narratives in the form of music. Throughout the year, some mainstays in the city continued to impress us here at Lyrical Lemonade while other up-and-comers made some very valid, attention-grabbing claims as to why they’re the next rising star that deserves a place at the table. Also worthy of note, Chicago had some truly excruciating losses this year in terms of music legends whose work still shined through as some of the most impressive of the year, primed to carry on their legacy for years to come. All of that said, we’re more than excited to round this farfetched year out with Lyrical Lemonade’s Top 50 Chicago Projects of 2020. This is our 5th year bringing …