A year of rap from #NewChicago

Chicago’s hip-hop landscape is witnessing the emergence of a loosely defined yet influential current known as #NewChicago, a movement marked by its stylistic diversity and generational energy. Though challenging to pinpoint precisely, this collective of primarily Gen Z artists is expanding the city’s musical boundaries with a blend of sounds that reflect their varied backgrounds and influences.

Among the figures central to this wave is Lil2Posh, whose 2025 mixtape Fiesta Boy signals a connection to Chicago’s bop tradition originating on the city’s west side in the early 2010s. His breakout single “Last Call” is a sprawling ten-minute narrative that traces his ascent within the city’s underground circuit, touching on significant moments like his debut local show at Reggies Rock Club in April 2025. That event, which he shared with fellow rapper Thirteendegrees°, epitomizes the grassroots energy propelling #NewChicago. Through vivid depictions of performances—including a distinctive pop-up show atop a Mercedes-Benz truck outside a Wicker Park streetwear venue—Lil2Posh chronicles not only his personal journey but also the communal spirit underpinning this movement.

The scene’s fluidity resists easy categorization, with artists frequently shifting among styles. Lil2Posh’s own catalog exhibits this versatility, moving from upbeat bop to more melancholic tracks like “Outside” from his Beezy Spears mixtape. This genre-blending is emblematic of #NewChicago's broader identity, which prioritizes creative exploration over a singular sonic template.

Distinct voices also emerge from artists such as Kaicrewsade, whose vocal delivery evokes jazz improvisation, and EarthSignChels, who manipulates minimalist beats with dexterous precision. Chuckyy’s use of hushed drill beats further diversifies the soundscape, illustrating how the scene encompasses a wide range of aesthetic approaches. These musicians collectively challenge conventional expectations of Chicago hip-hop and invite listeners to reconsider the city’s cultural output.

The movement’s cohesion often comes from shared spaces and community rather than stylistic uniformity. Wicker Park, a neighborhood historically associated with artistic growth and gentrification, plays a notable role as a nexus for events and inspiration. Thirteendegrees°, a key figure in #NewChicago, released his album Ghetto Hipster in August 2025 under Island Records, elevating the movement’s profile. His work melds 2000s blog rap influences with contemporary production, capturing a nuanced emotional depth that resonates within the city’s evolving urban narrative.

Jah Pool, a promoter and manager, has contributed to defining the scene through his carefully curated New Chicago compilations. These collections underscore the movement’s eclecticism, juxtaposing Auto-Tuned R&B elements with raw, bass-heavy rage rap, and video-game-like electronic textures. Such compilations serve as vital reference points for understanding the constellation of artists involved, despite the scene’s decentralized nature.

Other noteworthy contributors include OkDeazy, whose relentless flow aligns with sample-based traditional hip-hop while embracing modern in-the-red mixing techniques, and Kels!, who integrates hyperpop-inspired synths with powerful bass drops. Xella Red offers a distinct contrast with her sharp, assured vocal presence layered over down-tempo, emotive instrumentals. C4Y’s work introduces an experimental dimension through heavy distortion and electronic manipulation, blending rage rap intensity with vulnerable lyricism.

Vocal experimentation and digital production techniques also define the output of Kioracks and BurloDaVirgo. Kioracks often utilizes melodic vocal processing to craft songs that flirt with pop sensibilities, while BurloDaVirgo’s unvarnished delivery and arrhythmic flows emphasize authenticity and a playful irreverence. Their approaches highlight the movement’s embrace of individuality alongside community ties.

Your Stepdad, a more established artist within the scene, bridges generational gaps by collaborating with veterans like Vic Mensa and partnering with newer voices. His prolific output and intricate production on albums such as Glowop Genesis showcase a seasoned artistry that complements the younger cohort’s experimentalism.

Collectively, these artists illustrate #NewChicago not as a rigid genre but as an evolving cultural phenomenon that reflects the complexities of contemporary Chicago. Rooted in local venues, social networks, and shared experiences, the movement contributes to the city’s rich hip-hop tapestry and signals a vibrant future for its music scene.

While exact definitions of #NewChicago remain fluid, the increasing visibility of its artists and their innovative outputs underscore the importance of this moment. As the constellation of talents continues to expand and intersect, it offers fresh perspectives on identity, community, and creativity in Chicago’s urban landscape.

This overview is based on reporting by chicagoreader.com, which has documented the trajectories of these artists and the cultural dynamics informing their rise throughout 2025.