🎤 Chicago's continued impact on hip-hop

The genre turns 50 this year. [READER]( The Daily Reader Happy Monday! I’m Chasity Cooper, the [Newsletter Associate]( here at the Reader and I’m really happy you opened today’s Daily Reader. Growing up, I remember Black History Month as a time dedicated to honoring past achievements of notable African Americans. School assignments from elementary to high school required me to reflect on the [importance of Dr. King’s dream]( ruminate on the significance of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus, study the powerful words of Dr. Maya Angelou, and even marvel at [Michael Jordan's GOAT-worthy athleticism](. But as I’ve gotten older, (and learned much more about Black history beyond slavery and the Civil Rights Movement) I’ve come to view these 28 days as an opportunity to contemplate the past, yes – but also to honor the current strides of Black Americans who are making a difference in communities across the country. And here in Chicago, those stories are vast, multi-dimensional, and inspirational. With that, every Monday this month, the section titled Reader Rewind will highlight stories of yesteryear and the present – specifically about Black culture here in Chicago. For instance, during last night's 65th GRAMMY Awards, the tribute to hip-hop performance (while amazing) was notably missing representation from Chicago. Today's selection of Reader Rewind stories shed light on our city's continued contributions to the 50-year-old genre. From film and theater, to arts and culture, I’m excited to explore the Reader’s extensive archives and amplify stories that should be celebrated not just during Black History Month, but all year round. And even after February is done, you can expect to see the Reader Rewind showcase Chicago's rich history, and why it remains such a dynamic and dope place to call home. So I invite you to keep scrolling, learn something new, and share this newsletter with a friend or two. Take care, Chasity [Brandon Johnson supports safe consumption sites]( His position is nuanced, and it’s informed by family experience. by [Katie Prout]( | [Read more]( → [Come eat rice and curry (and more) with Thattu at the next Monday Night Foodball]( Get a taste of Margaret Pak’s forthcoming south Indian brick-and-mortar tonight at the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up. by [Mike Sula]( | [Read more]( → [You People]( The film is much more interested in social embarrassment cringe and gags than examining of how racism affects interracial couples. by [Noah Berlatsky]( | [Read more]( → [Parker Lee Williams helped shape Chicago hip-hop—and he never stopped building]( He threw the city’s first recurring hip-hop party, worked with the likes of Grandmaster Caz and Jamal-Ski, and built commercial music libraries that continue to support local artists. by [Leor Galil]( | [Read more]( → [NaomiG steps into a new world for women in hip-hop]( Her fun, poppy combination of rapping and singing owes a debt to generations of stars—from Lauryn Hill to Doja Cat. by [Kenyatta Victoria]( | [Read more]( → [Early Chicago hip-hop group He Who Walks Three Ways share two 90s demos]( Plus: Lillerne Tapes releases an eclectic compilation to benefit Brave Space Alliance and Urban Growers Collective, and local rapper-singer Myquale drops a serene new EP. by [J.R. Nelson]( and [Leor Galil]( | [Read more]( → [Chicago rapper Brittney Carter makes her case for hip-hop stardom with As I Am]( Her synchronicity with the music could make you swear it’s an extension of her voice. by [Leor Galil]( | [Read more]( → 🗳 February 15 is coming up quick! 🗳 [Click here]( to vote for your favorite restaurants, sports teams, dispensaries, pet store, and so much more! Voting ends at noon on Wednesday, February 15 . [Issue of Jan. 26 – Feb. 8, 2023 Vol. 52, No. 8]( [View/Download Issue [PDF]]( [View this e-mail as a web page]( [@chicago_reader]( [/chicagoreader]( [@chicago_reader]( [Chicago Reader on LinkedIn]( [/chicagoreader]( [chicagoreader.com]( [Forward this e-mail to a friend](. Want to change how you receive these e-mails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. Copyright © 2023 Chicago Reader, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Chicago Reader, 2930 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 102, Chicago, IL 60616