Four hundred thousand views on a video here...two hundred thousand on another one over there...and one hundred thousand plus downloads on a mixtape that's only several months fresh. The "Numbers" don't lie son. My man Logic is really starting to make some noise, and the bond between artist and fan is stronger than ever. Logic is as loyal to his fans as his fans are to him. So it was no surprise seeing Reggie's sell out a few weeks ago when Logic took to the stage to perform while on tour in Chicago. I witnessed a bitter Midwest open its arms and embrace the pack. Fans literally showed up hours in advanced, shrugging off piercing cold winds all for the chance to meet the young MC out of MD. Now that's love.
You know my dude had to show it back though. So in return Logic previewed and performed a good amount of the material off his future spring release, which I will say is sounding amazing. Lucky for everyone GWHH's own Stan Perry was able to catch footage of Logic performing two jams off the upcoming mixtape. One being a verse of an unfinished cut and the other being "Numbers," which Young Sinatra filmed a video for while staying in Chicago. In the video up above you'll see that Logic also took some time after his set to lounge on the couch with yours truly, where we spoke about the shoot as well as the overall theme to the follow up project.
I believe the time and place for my homie's February 10th performance of 2012 couldn't have been more fitting. I was able to see friends excel and succeed at what they love doing the most while doing it. The best part about it though is knowing that their journey is only beginning. I personally can't wait for the day in which the RattPack takes over the world. Believe that too, because it's comin'. Yup!
Word to my man Terrence Jones on the awesome editing. Homie brought the skills.
We're proud to present part 1 of a our 2-part sit-down with the Philly Freezer himself: Freeway! A little over a week ago, Freeway stopped into the Gowhere offices for a GWHH-hosted media junket where he talked with not only us but a variety of local media outlets as well.
Representing us above is a new add to the team: J Niice, co-host of B96 FM's morning show! In this deep and refreshing interview, J Niice focuses solely on Isalm with Freeway, who practices the religion. They discuss how Islam is a way of life, making your Hajj, the acceptance of Christianity and other religions in Islam, and even how his beard ties in with the religion. Also included in the video are snippets of Freeway sharing some of this knowledge during his set later that night at Reggie's (the energy was crazy!) and some clips of him mingling with #TeamGowhere around the office. Be sure to keep a close eye and ear to this engaging and enlightening new interview above and stay tuned soon for part 2. Shouts to Terrence Jones with the masterful job filming and editing and for more pictures of Freeway @ GWHQ, head on over to our Facebook page: facebook.com/gowherehiphop.
This winter, the Gowhere Hip Hop team stayed warm at Woody's Winter Warm-Up, an event put together by Chicago Cub, Kerry Wood.
The celebrity mixer took place at Harry Caray's Tavern in Navy Pier where Wood's teammates, family and friends served food and drinks to the attendees in an effort to raise money for Wood Family Foundation.
The guest list included Cubs players: Marlon Byrd, Matt Garza, Geovany Soto, Starlin Castro, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, David DeJesus, Welington Castillo, Reed Johnson, Darwin Barney, James Russel, and Cubs owner, Tom Ricketts, Alongside the MLB, Wood had support from some of the '85 Chicago Bears Champions - Richard Dent and Otis Wilson.
Outside of being served by some of Chicago's favorite athletes, fans participated in a silent auction, music by DJ White Shadow, and a performance by The Plain White T's (interview coming soon!).
Check out a recap of the event, which includes interviews from his teammates and owner Tom Ricketts telling me one thing that most fans don't know about Wood.
"Me and The RZA connect." Nah, literally. Last week, The RZA and I convened after the Wu-Tang show, to speak on a potential project with Method Man, Wu-Tang, movies, and getting back to the lab. Pssst! The Abbot has 500 beats. Busta Rhymes and Nas have already linked with the RZA. Emcees, it would be wise to hit him up. *cues Bobby Digital sonar adlib* In all seriousness, it's good to see artists I grew up on getting back into a creative state, musically. RZA spoke on Wu and the spontaneous nature of his current creative process.
"Far as the Wu brothers, whatever we do, we just do it. Sometimes we premeditate it and sometimes it's natural. Right now i'm in a natural mode. I got 500 beats at the crib. Whoever wants to come over to collect, then collect them."
He also expressed his opinion on the balance of hip-hop culture and monetization.
"Hip-Hop is our culture and I don't see it, like I saw it. Years ago, I would always try to sell music. Now I don't try to sell music. I'm really trying to spread music, because I know that music brings intuition, it brings inspiration. When I see people walking around with Wu tattoos and reading books and getting knowledge of their self, I know that what i'm doing is more worth than the value of money that I get paid for."
Following the show, I got to sit down with Asher where we talk about his recent signing with Def Jam, the creative process behind Pabst & Jazz, and his most recent 'comic styled' video for "Last Man Standing." During the interview, 'Pabst & Jazz's collaborative partner, Roofeeo, also sat down to chat along with Asher about the importance of doing what you love. Some other topics we touched on is what inspires his music, and what advice he has for those looking to take up a career path in the music industry.
Oh - and you will never guess where Asher gets his clothing! LOL
Lastly before I go, I want to give a special thanks to my stylist, Toni Brooks, of Bourgeise Rebel. As always, she did an amazing job styling me for the interview through both makeup and wardrobe!
What better way to bring in a big new year like 2012 then to bring it in with the King of Crunk Lil Jon. React Presents put together a party that folks will be talking about all year. Over 5,000 people came to party and bring in the new year at the Rosemont Ballroom with Lil Jon this NYE. Right before the ball dropped I got a chance to talk to the crunk master himself. Check out the interview and the pictures below to see exactly what I mean when I say this party was epic. This NYE was definitely a night to remember.
The 25th Annual Chicago Sports Fan Choice Awards, presented by Sports Profiles Plus, honored Chicago's Greatest Professional athletes. Over 200 athletes, team alumni, media and other celebrities were in attendance at this private VIP event.
Check out exclusive interviews with some of the stars on the red carpet including Devin Hester, and some of the players of The Superbowl '85 Champion Bears - Richard Dent and Otis Wilson.
Miguel. You know him from his three consecutive hit singles: "All I Want is You","Sure Thing", and "Quickie". A critically acclaimed musical style uniquely combining R&B, soul, funk, and electronic elements. An eclectic personal style that has generated hefty commentary and media attention...Miguel stopped through Chicago last night to perform at The Shrine as a part of Grey Goose's Rising Icons Tour.
He certainly proved why he deserves a place on this tour. Miguel effortlessly captivated the crowd with his buttery vocals and authentic talent, performing cuts from his debut album, "All I Want Is You". (I see several pairs of ladies' undergarments flung at the stage as confirmation of this :P). Miguel took some time to talk to GWHH about how he's dealing with being overlooked for a Grammy nod, his vulnerable songwriting process, sophmore album, and how important it is to stay true to yourself through the fame. Be prepared to be impressed through his warmth, eloquence, and how utterly comfortable Miguel is in his own skin!
I got the chance to chop it up with the "Ism" himself Chicago's own GLC. Everybody knows the wise words and wisdom that pour from this MC's mouth, but did you know he has a new TV Show in the works and a new mixtape?
The Gangsta Legendary Crisis (GLC) dropped his newest effort entitled Eternal Sunshine of the Pimpin’ Mind, just in time for the holidays and just in time for his own birthday! GLC keeps his pimp hand strong and his words firm in his new mixtape, with twenty songs you can bang to and guest features from Bun BYelawolf, production by Keezo Kane and more!
Did GLC get a chance to attend the recently passed "Watch The Throne" Concert staring Jay-Z and his close child-hood friend Kanye West?? What are his thoughts on the Jay-Z and Kanye West collabo? Find out that and what other pimp escapades GLC has in motion in this fun-filled in-depth interview below....Chhuurrrchhh!!
Sgt. Tibs, Ant, Cam Be, and I slid by the Park Hyatt in Chicago to holla at B.o.B, who recently kicked off his Strange Clouds promo tour. The first thing I did upon meeting the 22 year-old ferociously rising rap artist was engage in some friendly roasting. This was done in south-side fashion, I might add. Speaking of fashions, a few may remember B.o.B rocked monacles during his Grammy performance. That's what I got on him about. He told me I was the first to mention the throwback accessories - something the Atlanta native said he was gonna trademark, jokingly.
All jokes aside, we spoke very in-depth about his upcoming sophomore release Strange Clouds. Seeing how I like to keep my interviews fun, we didn't just talk about the music. I also asked Bob about his sophomore year in high school. (Very fitting, I know.) His answers gave us all a little insight on the hard work and hustle that has been prevalent in B.o.B's career thus far. On his first album, he proved you couldn't see past his shades. This time around, Bobby Ray is setting out to prove that you're gonna have to travel to the clouds to link up with him. Strange clouds, that is. Check for that when it drops in March and wish the kid a happy 23rd b-day tomorrow. Groove!
