Emerging Chicago rapper Jahz releases Paradox, a powerful new mixtape that blends gritty storytelling with introspective lyricism. Stream the standout track “Paradox of Failure” and read the full breakdown here.

Step into the heart of Chicago's musical brilliance as we unveil the Top 50 Music Projects of the Year. In 2024, the Windy City continues to be a hotbed of creativity, with artists pushing boundaries and redefining genres. Join us on this auditory journey through the best projects that showcase the diversity and innovation of Chicago's music scene.

In a music scene flooded with repetitive sounds and formulaic trends, Pinky from BlackKenBeats, featuring DOS and Nobody219, stands out as a refreshing and compelling offering. Taken from BlackKenBeats’ latest mixtape Nothing Left to Talk About, this track delivers a combination of chilled lo-fi beats, gritty raw lyricism, and an unforgettable hook. Directed by Josh Jonez, the accompanying music video captures the essence of the song with a visually striking and deeply authentic narrative.

Chicago-based beatmaker and musical visionary thedeViator has officially released his most daring project to date, 5D Tesla. For fans of innovative, genre-bending sounds, this album is an experience like no other—combining the worlds of glitch-hop and hip-hop in ways that are both fresh and exciting. Years in the making, 5D Tesla is a collaboration-heavy project that showcases the evolution of both the artist and the music itself.