Chicago's Urban Alternative

Vocalo Radio 91.1 FM (CHI)

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Brother Ali is one of the linchpins of Rhymesayers Entertainment and it’s probably because he’s one of the best sayers of rhymes out there. His latest album is called “All The Beauty In This Whole Life” and latest Single is “Sensitive,” and it solidifies his place as one of the most respected voices in Hip Hop. Brother Ali is currently on tour to commemorate the 15th anniversary of his seminal album “Shadows On The Sun”, and he spoke with Jill Hopkins about his career from then to now, as well as growth and sensitivity in art.

For more info about Brother Ali, visit: rhymesayers.com/artists/brotherali

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Pat Battle, an emerging Chicago emcee, stopped by the studio to talk with Jill Hopkins about how he first became involved in hip hop, his influences, and his latest record “Call Me By My Rap Name”, an intrepid introduction to his brand of socially conscious, battle rap-inspired and deft lyricism.

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Dassit’s debut album “What A Year” packs vast and varying influences along with numerous features into one eclectic, fusion release. Seamlessly traversing Hip Hop, Jazz, Brazilian rhythms and a plethora of other styles, and tackling topics like climate change, unity and social equality, “What A Year” is a dense and uplifting release that’s suited for both grooving and contemplating. We spoke with Simon Dufour and Keith Harris about the project.

Album release show takes place Friday, 12/14 at Martyrs’ in Chicago with special guests Malcolm London and Sam Trump.

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Elgin Bokari is a Visual and Performing artist, a Program Director at Free Write Arts & literacy, the President of Elephant Rebellion and a Co-Creator of Pocket Con, a comic book convention that celebrates art for and by youth and POC. He joined Jill Hopkins along with Hip Hop artist D-Nick The Microphone Misfit and visual artist Ashley Woods to talk about Pocket Con taking place this Satuday, 12/15 at Chicago Cultural Center.

For more info about the Con, visit: pocketcon.org

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Chicago’s drums and trumpet duo The Burns Twins will be joining Neco Segal, Young Chicago Authors Poets, Loona Dae, Ric Wilson and Victor! for Fulcrum Point’s “Peace in Chicago” concert this Wednesday 12/19 at Harris Theater. They spoke with Jill Hopkins about the eclectic performance bridging music, poetry and Hip Hop.

For more info about the show, visit: fulcrumpoint.org/event/peace-concert-2018

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On their recent release “A Safety Meeting,” Chicago Rock and Hip Hop band Manwolves have come into their own, fashioning a sound that’s both cohesive and mature. What started as a band gaining recognition off of releasing loose Singles, they have now emerged as a fully formed project capable of not only wild parties and boisterous jams but also introspection, reflection and thoughtful approach to crafting their sound. 

Tune in to Live From Studio 10 session with Manwolves premiering Tuesday, 12/18 at 8 PM CT on 91.1 FM (Chi) and streaming at vocalo.org 

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On their recent release “A Safety Meeting,” Chicago Rock and Hip Hop band Manwolves have come into their own, fashioning a sound that’s both cohesive and mature. Started as a band gaining recognition off of releasing loose Singles, they have now emerged as a fully formed project capable of not only wild parties and boisterous jams but also introspection, reflection and thoughtful approach to crafting their sound.

Live From Studio 10 is a live performance podcast from Vocalo Radio. The show features emerging bands and music artists from Chicago and beyond. Hosted by Jesse Menendez, produced by Fyodor Sakhnovski, and engineered by Collin Ashmead-Bobbitt. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here: bitly.com/vocaloLFS10

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Chicago Rock and Soul band The O’My’s have recently released their new album “Tomorrow,” which finds band leaders Nick and Maceo at their most laid back, reflective and direct. The band took a collaborative approach to writing and arranging the album and focused on what they say are the most distinctive elements that make up The O’My’s sound, namely, Nick’s piano playing and Maceo’s voice and guitar.

Live From Studio 10 is a live performance podcast from Vocalo Radio. The show features emerging bands and music artists from Chicago and beyond. Hosted by Jesse Menendez, produced by Fyodor Sakhnovski, and engineered by Shelly Steffens. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here: bitly.com/vocaloLFS10

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Tasha is a singer, poet, and Black queer organizer from Chicago. The multi-talented artist first made waves with her poignant debut release “Divine Love.” Armed with an electric guitar, Tasha seamlessly incorporates poetry into her sets; speaking on Black joy, self-love, and radical softness. Jesse Menendez spoke with Tasha about her music, activism and her identity politics.

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by Jesse Menendez

At this years Lollapalooza, Chicago artists had a great showing. Rapper G Herbo turned in a pretty dope set that included bangers from his catalog including his recent album Humble Beast.

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Erzulie (pronounced ah-zih-lee) is a 5-piece Chicago jazz metal band inspired by Haitian voodoo, Panamanian folklore, and urban grit. They blend Metal, Latin Jazz and Blues to generate raw melodies. Jill Hopkins spoke with the band about their music and latest EP - “AudioHex: Bad Blood Saga.”

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Chicago Hip Hop artist Serengeti has created his own universe of characters and narratives. His main protagonist and alter ego, Kenny Dennis, has been at the center of this universe all along. But this new release from Serengeti puts to rest the story of a former Grimm Teachaz member who has a ongoing beef with Shaquille O'Neal and who loves all things Chicago. Jill Hopkins spoke with Serengeti about the last chapter of Kenny Dennis.

For more info about the album, Serengeti and Kenny Dennis, visit: dennis6e.com

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Toronto-based singer and performer Jessie Reyez stopped by the Vocalo tent at Lollapalooza after her raucous live set and sat down for a chat with Jesse Menendez.

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Alternative R&B singer and classically trained guitarist R.LUM.R spoke with Jill Hopkins about his music and who are his favorite falsetto vocalists.

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Chicago Hip Hop legend Twista dropped by the Vocalo tent at Lollapalooza and sat down with Jesse Menendez for a quick chat.

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Chicago Hip Hop artist and recent GOOD Music signee Valee stopped by the Vocalo tent at Lollapalooza for a chat with Jesse Menendez.

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Jesse Menendez spoke with Chicago’s own Hip Hop artist Femdot right after his set at Lollapalooza 2018.