Aceyalone, the legendary emcee and founding member of seminal rap groups Freestyle Fellowship, Haiku D’Etat and Project Blowed, has released the follow-up to 2009’s Aceyalone & The Lonely Ones, titled Leanin’ on Slick. Since his formative days of battling at the Good Life Cafe circa 1989, Aceyalone is a forefather of the West Coast underground rap scene that spawned the emergence and success of groups like The Pharcyde, Jurassic 5 and his own Freestyle Fellowship, whose 1993 record Innercity Griots is an undeniable classic of the genre. Leanin’ moves on from the doo-wop tones of Lonely Ones in favor of jazz and funk influenced beats to support his signature tight rhymes and bouncing-ball flow. Released on Decon Records, the album features 13 dynamic tracks produced by frequent collaborator BIONIK, as well as Daniel Merriweather, Treasure Davis and, most notably, singer Cee Lo Green.

Chicago’s Sidewalk Chalk is the evolution of hip-hop, soul, and jazz.

This emcee, singer, trio of keys, bass, and drums, horn section of trumpet and trombone, and tap-dancer are packaged into sounds that you’ve quite possibly never heard before. The legend Sam Cooke once sang, “Change is Gonna Come.” Musically, change is already here. Sidewalk Chalk has toured the US upon the heels of the release of their debut full-length album, “Corner Store” (released in March of 2012 and co-produced with Greg Magers of Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool), consistently proving themselves worthy of a listen with their electric live show. They’re sure to satisfy the cravings of anyone in love with music and hungry for something different.

Sidewalk Chalk was named “Most Outstanding Band” of 2012 at the Chicago Music Awards, and “Best Hip-Hop Act in Chicago of 2010″ by the Chicago Reader. The group’s Emcee, Rico Sisney, represented Chicago at the 2012 World Expo in Shanghai, China. They’ve been featured on CBS News Online, Ruby Hornet, SoulBounce, 2dopeboyz, and Guest of a Guest Los Angeles. Additionally, Sidewalk Chalk has shared the stage with De La Soul, Company of Thieves, J*Davey, ?uestlove of The Roots, and Action Bronson. Globally, they’ve had their album re-released in Japan by P-Vine Records, and have had an international ad placement with Black & Mild.

So, wake up world and meet the rest of us at the “Corner Store.” We’ll be out front with Sidewalk Chalk.