Open For Method Man on Jan 25th at the Double Door.

(20 minute set, Must be 21+)

Santiago x The Natural are a collaborative music duo comprised of singer/songwriter/producer Santiago and rapper/songwriter The Natural.

Their innovative upbeat original sound conjures up a range of driving musical elements, from the relentless groove of a Motown dance track, to the distorted rock riffs of the 60’s and everything in between, all the while paired with rich vocal and lyrical arrangements that will keep the listener singing, and the singer listening…

Santiago spent his childhood on the island of Guam and his teenage years in Louisiana, both home to his indigenous tribal affiliations. The Natural was born and raised on the southside of Chicago, growing up in the projects. Though their humble origins began on opposite sides of the world, their fateful paths towards lives in music were destined to merge.

The two first met at the University of Notre Dame dining hall as undergraduates and bonded over a love of hip hop and indie rock. At the time, Santiago was the front man for a five piece rocksteady soul band that had major presence on campus as the recurring battle of the bands champions, The Natural and his band at the time soon dethroned Santiago’s act, proving that he was a viable force to be reckoned with. Soon after, Santiago and The Natural began self-producing and recording mixtapes from Santiago’s converted dorm room recording studio. Experimenting with rock-charged riffs, soul melodies, and a heavy dose of pop sensibility, Santiago sought to usher in the multi-dimensional aspects of hip hop into his future songwriting, via The Natural’s gifted lyricism.

Since their initial meeting eight years ago, the two have made their rounds in the music business as members of separate touring acts, and as solo acts. During their respective exploits each has garnered major label attention, but ultimately continued to travel their own independent paths towards creative control and artistic freedom. As solo artists, there remained an undeniable urge to collaborate, reigniting the synergy of their genre bending musical creations and fostering the necessity of a concrete musical relationship.

During their growth as musicians and songwriters, both simultaneously continued the trajectory of their respective academic interests by obtaining professional graduate degrees, Santiago, a Master of Architecture, and The Natural, a Law Degree. While their academic pursuits have led them to realize the promise of rewarding professional careers, they both acknowledge that it is the pursuit of music that has always been their life force.

In 2011, they made it official, coining the duo, Santiago x The Natural. Their combined musical efforts have catapulted Santiago x The Natural to shared stages with Akon, The Clipse, Wyclef Jean, Lyfe Jennings, Mya, Soldiers of Jah Army, Cake and other notable mainstream artists. Their 2011 iTunes single release, “Warriors,” has received overwhelming positive reviews and continues to be adopted as an arena anthem by professional and collegiate sports teams nationwide.

Santiago x The Natural are poised and ready to be one of your favorite artists of all time.

Growing up as an elite student athlete Nicky has been in the spotlight as a top of the line entertainer at a very young age. After being abducted at the age of 17, he almost lost his life in a 3rd world prison cell;  along with his dreams of making it to the NBA stage. Blessed with another shot at life, Nicky continued to pursue knowledge and wisdom and graduated from a prestige College ranking in the top 8% in the country, in 2012.
Learning the In’s and Out’s of global communication,  cinematic production , and music production he is now helping other artists build their foundations to make personal dreams reality.

Taking this knowledge to the streets and venues Nicky has performed with names such as Gorilla Zoe in WI, as well as Enutta Butta at the world famous Viper Room in Los Angeles California. Going by the stage name of “The Anonymous” for performing, His music ranges from hip hop to dub step referencing the struggles of life and a positive uplifting message different from those of your mainstream artists.

Kenn Retro is an emerging underground MC from Chicago. Kenn was born and raised on the West Side city streets that has birth such artists as Common, Kanye West, The Cool Kids & Twista. Growing up in Oak Park, a diverse atmosphere, gave him much to talk about, allowing him to express his self freely, developing his talent, his gift that he would soon love and become one with. His Grandparents, already owning businesses, (Henderson Studio & Out of the Past Record’s) providing him with a diverse taste of music to marinate on, not only edged his style, but molded his personality. Growing up he performed cover songs with his cousins around the community, which gave him his first taste at stage presence. Perfecting his craft as an MC and lyricists, combining his words with the best flow possible, Kenn Retro has embarked on a journey to share his unique music with the world.

Copasetic Music Group, also known as CMG the ‘Coolest Group Ever’ is a collective of artistic super heroes that hail from Chicago. CMG consists of P.Davis, Omega the Jack, Skillvorkian, Write Jus 1, Leadbelly, Spit Specialist, Furious Intellect, and DeCisive. The force is strong with this group of working class producers, emcees, and deejays. Each member has had past experiences pursuing a career in music that has shaped the desire to be an even stronger force in the independent market.

CMG crafts a unique sound that is as trial blazing as it is entertaining. Hip Hop music true to the essence of the golden era, with a modern day voice that crosses all walks of life. As gritty and competitive as the Wu Tang Clan with the soul and social commentary of the Stylistics… CMG is a refreshing glass of water for the thirsty music lover. Revitalizing the spirit with dope beats, dopes rhymes, great production, and energetic live performances.

CMG aims to bridge generational gaps thus giving a voice to those without one and who are misunderstood. Unity is the key to break down the barriers that currently hinders the progression of the Hip Hop culture, and more importantly the people in it. CMG works to achieve such unity with their mantra of ‘Camaraderie and Honesty’. Hoping to build a fellowship with not only artists in the Chicago music scene, but with artist everywhere. CMG shares their goals and music with the world, and hopes both will last for years to come.

23 year old up and coming rapper from Chicago, IL using his talents to be able to openly express himself and engage with anyone who has a love for solid, real music.

Hailing from the Dirty 130’s on the south side of Chicago, we introduce to you one of Chicago’s up and coming entertainers, Solo Xquzit.
Solo Xquzit was born and raised up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. While growing up, he enjoyed playing baseball and basketball, but at the tender age of 10, he found his passion for entertainment.
He was influenced by some of raps biggest and brightest such as 2Pac, Biggie, Nelly, and Jay Z. Solo’s style and writing brings music and experiences that everyday people can relate to. As a youth and a teenager, he has won many talent competitions, he won first place in the Austin Town Hall Showcase. Undeterred by the competition, Solo’s performances on one of Chicago’s number one talent promotion show, The Royce Glamour Show, was by far a performance that lite up the place.
Honing his craft at various open mics and talent shows around the city, he has gained a huge fanbase. He has performed at The Regal Theater, Redemption Theater; at the ATL. vs. CHI-TOWN battle competition, Blue Star Lounge and etc., promoting his hit single,” DJ BRING IT BACK,” Solo attack’s the track with a way that has never been tried and done, so he knows what paying his dues is all about. Solo was once asked,” How do he see his self in the music industry?” Solo answered, “I’m not trying to be a follower or change the game. I’m trying to overcome the impossible when people told me it was a waste of time, and at the same time I’m trying to start trends.” He is ready to show the entire world what he has to offer to the world of music. I must say Solo Xquzit is one of Chicago’s rising stars.

ClassicERA! Everyday.Rep.Aurora Put On For The City!! #630!!!