Top 50 Projects Of The Year In Chicago! (2021)
For short moments this year, as shows made a return and significant album releases continued a regular tempo, things even started to feel (a little) normal again for music fans. As we do every December, we put together a list of our favored projects of the past year. Hand-picked by the TGF Music staff, these are the projects that resounded with us the most in 2021 and represented the year in Chicago music. These are TGF's picks for the best projects of 2021.
Kiraly has been a shining star for quite some time now! With being a huge fan over the years and seeing him have success with getting thousands of people to tune in to see him rap on social media, his project “For The Fun” is sure to pique your interest.
With Femdot being a constant rap force in the Chicago community, he continues to flourish and climb levels. His newest project “Not For Sale” really is a savory lyrical rap album that is one of the best out right now.” Not For Sale” has to be the best thing free on the market that is worth plenty of thoughtful play throughs.
Flex Sinatra without a doubt has been one of the most consistent artists the past 5 years. "Beyond Measure" is him continuing his streak.
Serena Isioma - Crying In The Club
Serena always seems to put together stellar tunes and overall dope work and this year Serena has hit even a bigger stride. With being on tour, performing at plenty of festivals, and dropping some of the most memorable music videos of the summer, what can’t Serena accomplish? “Crying In The Club” is a must listen and embodiment of the progression so far.
With a solid memorable rollout to her stellar EP “Did I Imagine” Alex Banin has put together a project that has really stapled her name and overall shows off her wonderful mind and musical capabilities.
KAI shines bright on his “Steve’s Demo” project that honestly is an assortment of smooth tracks that really speaks to KAI’s growing talents that made its way into our Top 50 Projects list this year.
Goody never misses when it comes to music drops. Rollouts are always on point to the t with music that is refreshing and meant to last. I might have to start calling him the king of EP’s the way he always comes with a short complete few tracks that always sets the mood. “Demos III” is a great representation of Goody’s work that is worth a listen.
SoloSam - Principles To Die By
SoloSam Is a very creative artist with plenty of content for his fans other than music to indulge in but “Principles To Die By” is the exact project you want to indulge in and have a full serving with this project making our list this year.
“Days In LA” showcases OG Stevo’s unique sound through profound themes and a multitude of melodies. Stevo brings back his signature flow and takes us on a journey with him whilst being in the Hollywood hills.
Vela Seff is easily hands down one of the most streamed artists in my music library this year! With “First Round Pick” making a big impression on me and plenty of others in Chicago, definitely check this project out that has gracefully been placed in our top 50 list.
Fee is very skillful when he goes into his reflective element, on "Three Strike" he stands out with lyrics that are sincere and relatable.
Honestly, Qari’s “Igotproblems” has been one of my favorite projects of the year! The balance of this project accompanied by the openness of the subject matter with themes playing out vividly to unique production is overwhelmingly satisfying. Could not think of a better EP to sit down and listen to.
Cassius Tae - Alone In Blue Hour
“Alone In Blue Hour” is a mixture of explicit storytelling and lots of transparency. Cassius Tae provides deep lyrics throughout, this is a project you want to get fully accustomed to.
Mother Nature has been on fire this year! With dropping their project “SZNZ” off earlier this year, they have been keeping their foot constantly on the gas with touring and reaching new heights. “SZNZ” is without a doubt their best work and some of the hottest tunes out of Chicago.
With the combination of GoldenboyMnny's diverse flows and outstanding production on "Bet On Me", this project is without a doubt one that you need to hear. Producers 5heriff, RA outdid themselves when bringing this project to life.
"SheGo City 2" is very complete in the fact that it has a song for every mood and occasion, another aspect that showcases SheGo Turbo’s creativity.
The catchiness of "Lil Blessin" and his flows throughout the recent project "Go" definitely stand out. “Go!” is really a raw project down to its overall meaning and solid execution on cover art and impactful, memorable tracks.
Jams The Flava Child - Made With Love
“Made With Love” takes you on an adventure. Jams The Flava Child excels at providing each track with a unique theme that makes for a grand experience.
LaSalle Grandeur talks about breaking the cycles that were planted by his depression. "Tears" is a discussion of how his happiness and satisfaction of life “go poof like magic.”
Khaliyah X - Just4TheSummer EP
"Just4TheSummer" plays out like a memorable summer story filled with highs and lows. Khaliyah showcases an amazing vocal range on "Just4TheSummer" which makes this one stand out.
Born Outside is a mini-collection of summer anthems. With infectious synth melodies and hard-hitting 808s, Ronnie Rage wanted to express how free he felt when the lockdown ended.
LILBOYROC is a versatile artist with dropping off unique genre-blending music and showing his unique character throughout his "Summer Smash EP"
With having easily the best cover art to a project in my eyes this year, D2X has had a great year with his project “The Color Blue” gaining a ton of streams and deserved attention from the masses.
nombreKARI - Children Play With Fire
nombreKARI’s project “Children Play With Fire” is the closest thing to flawless I have heard in a long time. With smooth production, on point lyrics, and a storytale that sits in the background like a well lit sunset, I personally can't get enough of this project and is one of my favorites of the year that is sure to grab anyone's attention.
"Superstar” provides great insight into the growth of Nico Supremo and his talented team.
New Lucki music is always a must! No matter the year, Lucki always seems to find himself making it to the sound waves of the masses and grows more popular as time goes on. “Wake Up Luki'' is more solid raps from a coveted Chicago legend.
Kiltkarter & Valee - Kiltvalee
Have you imagined what a Valee and Kiltkarter project would sound like? For certain KiltValee will surpass your expectations.
Goldhaze & Peeweedaplug - Life In Abundance
“Life In Abundance” is exactly what that title suggests and I love that GoldHaze and PeeweeDaPlug tackled the task of making a luxurious tasteful project in perfect portion size.
Links To Music Projects (Continued)
Lil Durk & Lil Baby - The Voices of Heroes
Mick Jenkins - Elephant In The Room
Semira Truth - I Got Bandz For The