3 takes the direct approach in her lyrical subject matter. Growing up in the streets of Chicago,she has been able to speak the language of the streets with the intelligence of a scholar. Some of her early influences were MC’s such as KRS one, Nas, Master Ace, Latifah, Rakim, and Lauren Hill. Studying these masterminds has given 13 the ability to speak to the masses. She has an East-Coast tough, innovative style though the West-Coast and over seas consumed majority of her solo EP. She nothing like the “average female mc” reciting rhymes about: designer brands, raunchy sex, and taking a man’s money. Her lyrical content is more intelligent and up lifting without being preachy, with an edge. 13’s play on words is so clever that she is able to reach consumers from the streets to Wall Street. She is considered to be one of the illest elements in the game

Natureal is a true American hip hop group who’s sound is fresh and ever-changing. The group consist’s of Jay Barz and Ignit Beatz, a blood cousin duo who’s sound was cultivated from streets of chicago. Natureal’s music has been released independantly and to date they have produced five projects including there most recent “Earth Tones”.This blend of hip hop and soulful tunes opened the door for the group and soon they getting radio play and shows around the city of Chicago. Barz and Ignit have made appearances in numerous forms of media, as well as in collaborations with other artists such as GLC, Jay Dilla, Tom Schraeder and His Ego, R. Kelly, Joe Blow The Sample King, 9th Wonder, Eloh Beatz, Sleepy will, and Charlie brown to say a few.

Natureal’s sound can best be described as versatle; while riding the line of hip hop they seem to blend with elements of rock, pop, alternative, electronic and a splash of soul. Priding themselves on breaking barriers, staying original and being true to their creativity, Natureal hey have been performing throughout Chicago and Los Angelas at such venues as: Lincoln Hall,The Double Door, Subteranean, Lilly’s, The ultra violet music festival,The Tour Defat, The Festival at Four Corners and Chicago’s Rib Fest and many more.

Natureal is currently recording their latest project entitled “Everything” which is a blend of futuristic hip hop, pop, Electronic and drum and bass. “Everything” also has “Alternative Rock” influences with collaboration from Tom Schraeder and His Ego.This project is on pace to be their best yet and is sure to brand their stamp of creative originality. In the words of Jay Barz himself “We’re here to share our unique sound and everchanging styles with the world, i just hope the worlds ready”.

Philmore Greene – L.O.G. – Dope Ass Rapper

There used to be a time when rap music had b@!!$. A time when rap didn’t fear being politically incorrect; unafraid to challenge the status quo. A time before the glamour of Hollywood stifled the voice of a culture born from the injustice and social inequalities of American society. A time when the rapper took that voice from being the proverbial fallen tree with no one around to hear it, and shared that sound with the world. If the once unapologetically honest culture has lost its voice, then Avian Nalej is breaking the silence.

At just 24 years old, Avian Nalej (born Joshua Najee Muhammad) has the ability to bring balance with words of wisdom coupled with melodic pop & soulful music sensibilities. A native of Chicago, IL, Avian grew up on rhythm & blues and house music that played from the radio of his Mother’s car where he formed an interest in the songs of Michael Jackson and R. Kelly. His tastes in the soul of music grew as he listened to Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield. In later years, he immersed himself in the world of rap, largely inspired by poetic rapper Nas and fellow Chicago-bred artists Common, Kanye West, & Lupe Fiasco in which traces of each can be found in Avian’s own music.

Avian likens himself to those he believes are ushering in a new bronze era of Hip Hop, such as Kendrick Lamar or Big K.R.I.T. Avian Nalej, who names mean “Higher Learning”, is bringing soul and social awareness that Chicago is known for from artists like Kanye West & Common, but also the political commentary and edge that came out of the east coast from Ice Cube and Public Enemy in the early 90’s.”

Rise of a Rebel is Avian Nalej’s first independent release, and his first attempt at the genre blending sound that he is progressively defining for himself. Released on November 6, 2012, the project is the lead in to three already self-produced releases to follow. His first single “The Shining” is a short, gritty introduction to the young rapper’s vivid world of self-proclaimed rebellion.

Substance, sub’ stas; noun. Essence; that of which things consists; the most important part; material of a certain kind

DAT BIZNESS, the name speaks for itself. Raised on the South Eastside of Chicago in the Germano Millgate apartments he has expressed an undying passion for his “hood”. Music has always “boiled” in his blood; he started playing the saxophone at the age of 11. After conquering the the intuitive stages of instrumentation, he began blessing the microphone at the age of 13, and not long after that he polished rhymes, delivery, and razor sharp punchlines and became a monster lyrically at 21, and now you have Dat Bizness.

ILL GORDON, best known for his rough delivery and clever metaphors, he has taken pride in lyrical prowess and always expressed creativity over gimmicks. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, ILL was musically inclined since the age of 3 when he commenced to play the drums. Labeled as a late bloomer amongst his peers, ILL didn’t start to focus on rap until the age of 18. Out of the trenches, he became known for his fierce raps and keen punchlines.

In 2007, ILL GORDON and DAT BIZNESS rigorously worked on music together and couldn’t neglect the undeniable chemistry they shared. The more songs they completed together the more their chemistry became stronger and noticeable to anyone who heard their material. After so many features on each others projects the level on inevitability to make this an official hip hop duo was undeniable.

In 2008 they made the union official and became SUBSTANCE. They hit the ground running releasing their first mix tape “Raw Substance” Hosted by Dj Shaun T. During this time they developed buzz worthy notoriety through performances through out the Midwest at venues such as The Abbey (Chicago), B.B. Kings (Nashville,Tn), Adrianna’s (Chicago), African Festival of Arts(Chicago), Shadow Lounge (Pittsburgh, Pa) etc.They also received the award of best local hip hop group at the “Midwest Rappers Ball” at the Regal Theater. By 2010, they established a respectable following and then released the now critically acclaimed mixtape “Substance Muzik”. This mixtape received placements on influential blogsites such as Kevinnottingham.com, Chicagonow.com. They also completed three videos off of “Substance Muzik”, “All I Need” , “Cufflinks”, and “Fresh out the Oven” which all can be found on youtube.On July 23rd 2011, they released their “Substance Abuse” mixtape, which is the final installment of their “Substance Series” mixtapes. Its has received placements on influential sites such as Chicityhiphop.net, illisoulife.com, fakeshoredrive.com and Gowherehiphop.com. This mixtape has features and production from Add-2, Gemstones, Thaione Davis, All Purpose Beatz and Reg Vador. They have also completed their first three videos off of “Substance Abuse”, “Str8 Coasting”, “Bravo” and “Barz of Opera” which all can be found on youtube. During this time Substance continued to perform locally and regionally at venues such as “The Mayne Stage” (1st and only Hip Hop group to do so) (Chicago), “The Brass Rail” (Peoria, Illinois), “Cause Sound bar” (Minneapolis, MN), etc. Riding off the success of the “Substance Series” mixtapes, Substance developed a organic momentum that led into 2012. March 2012 Substance received a placement to perform at the Red Gorilla/SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, Invited to attend Rhymesayers “Soundset Festival”, and first performance at the ‘A3C Festival”! (Kevinnottigham Underground Express Stage) Substance also released their fourth mixtape “Contra Mixtape” on August 1st 2012. It has received over 3000 downloads within the first two months of release. They have also released two videos off of their “Contra Mixtape”, “Go In” directed by Tyfotos and “Streets Says So” feat Vic Spencer directed by Deka Derse. Coming into 2013, Substance plan on releasing their debut album “No Grey Area” produced by All Purpose Beatz as well as pursuing the first touring opportunity.

Substance is a breath of fresh air that promotes creativity and good lyrics but most importantly good music. “Upcoming Chicago duo Substance is creating an impressive buzz and making a name for themselves with their hardcore/gritty beats and candid bars. Known for their shrill delivery and striking live show, Substance is one of the latest artists hailing form the windy city that is taking it back to the basics, which will bring you just what their name says—–Substance!”