A lil' list of 23 creatives + collectives who are already doing dope sh*t this year AND others who we should ALL be watching for the rest of 2023. everyone on this list is such an amazing representation of the talent + greatness in our city, so please follow them to stay in tune with their journey this year + onwards.

~ reina

01. AMIR TRIPP (@amirtripp)

I hopped on the Amir Tripp wave last year. His collaboration "NEW GROWTH" w/ Kenny Black was an anthem for me at the tail end of last year. It even got a few people to DM me about how great the song was. Since then I've been diving into his impressive catalog which only makes me want to hear more from Amir Tripp in '23.

02. AUSAR (@ausarmusic)

In the last few months, Ausar dropped off a few Soundcloud loosies that laddered up to an EP titled, Travelers Guide. In only 4 songs Ausar manages to flex his lyrical ability + versatility AND remind us why he's a citywide favorite. If this was the only thing Ausar dropped all year, I'd be a happy listener (even though I really hope it isn't)

03. BALDY LOCS (@xobaldy)

Baldy Locs is for sure my favorite artist that I’ve discovered in the last year. Since seeing her rock Cole’s Bar + Real Ones' Rage Cage last summer, I've been hooked on her sound + style. Songs like BBL and Munchies are CONSTANTLY stuck in my head. With her amazing delivery + quotable lyrics, she's one of the more exciting artists in the city rn who for sure has a bright future.

04. BEMI (@whoisbemi)

Texas import, Bemi (fka A.N.I.) is an artist I first discovered via Real Ones at his 1st show in Chicago (s/o that boy Ben + Real Ones) He brought so much charisma + energy to the stage, which was so amazing to see firsthand. Bemi is a special artist who I'm excited to follow as his new chapter of music begins.

05. DJ SIMMY (@djsimmy_)

Whenever I hear "DJ SIMMY IS THAT YOU?" I instantly know ima have a good night. Simmy is definitely one of my favorite people + DJs in this sh*t. She has a crazy ear for music, and also genuinely wants to see artists AND women win in this city. Also, I'm listening to her All-Chicago mix on Shade 45 rn which is another testament to how raw she is.

06. FARI WOPAVELLI (@farifontaine)

Fari Wopavelli really brings such exciting energy + a unique approach to music. Every time Fari drops I know there's gonna be a new style, song, or sample that he explores. Fari's been on a crazy run since last year and I know Fari will have some sh*t up his sleeve for us this year.

07. GALAXY FRANCIS (@galaxyfrancis)

What doesn’t Galaxy Francis do? He’s a producer, engineer, artist, brand ambassador for TGF, and he also creates fire content (check out his #songsyouprobablydidn'tknowIwasapartof series on IG) All around, Galaxy Francis is an incredibly talented creative who also has an amazing resume of work. He delivers such unique + high-quality art EVERY time. I'm sure this year will be no different.

08. HUNTER AMAZING (@hunteramazing)

At this point, it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Hunter Amazing. I love her approach to music. There's truly no one like Hunter Amazing sonically or lyrically. Aside from making raw music, she's also an insanely talented photographer, videographer, producer, engineer, and really just a cool ass individual. Whatever Hunter Amazing has on the way I'll 100000000% be tuned in for it.

09. INE'A J (@ineajofficial)

In the last few months R&B songstress, Ine’a J has stormed onto Chicago’s music scene. Her project "PLANET J" made waves when it dropped last September. Plus, she's been making her presence known on stages across the city. Ine'a J has made appearances at Girl’s Night at SubT and The Igloo (presented by Real Ones and yours truly and even added a TGF interview to her resume. I’m beyond hype to see how the Pen Fairy will continue to spread her fairy dust throughout the city in 2023.

10. JAY WOOD (jaywoodswole)

Last year was an impressive year for Jay Wood. He released 4 impressive songs, one of which even featured a co-sign from chicago legend, femdot. "HOMESICK" is STILL in my rotation. Overall, Jay Wood's style and ability to provide such catchy lyrics + flows is unmatched. I hope his hot streak continues in 2023!

11. JABBA44X (@jabba44x)

Jabba44x is easily one of the brightest, young talents representing the city right now. Even though it’s been about a year since we’ve heard new music in its entirety from Jabba44x, his IG feed is filled with the craziest snippets that I've heard in a minute. I’m all the way confident that whenever Jabba44x drops, it will be well worth the wait for all of us.

12. KAICREWSADE (@kaicrewsade)

Kaicrewsade’s song AKEELAH AND THE BEE quite literally NEVER leaves my personal rotation. If I could add it to the FCTTW playlist every month, I probably would. It’s just TOO good. Stumbling on Kaicrewsade’s Soundcloud felt like an incredible gold mine of soulful music. He's also doing very dope things over at Beloved Radio with "The Demo Show". Go check out his latest mix ft. Cohen Waters (another creative yall should get in tune with)!

13. KAYO(@kayosouthside)

Hailing from the Southside, Kayo is the kind of rapper I can see taking over the city this year. He truly has a knack for beat selection and timeless flows. He flexes all of that on his debut project, IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED. The album dropped earlier this year and is for sure an album I’m going to be thinking about for the rest of the year. If you haven’t already, take the time to listen to this body of work. It will surely be somebody’s album of the year this time next year.

14. M.E.H (@m.e.h.music___)

M.E.H. is a really special artist. Last year she released 3 mind-blowing singles that only made me want to hear more from her. The first time I heard "WHAT IS A VALENTINE?," I probably ran it back three times in one sitting. There's no denying her vocal ability, songwriting, and all-around talent as a singer. M.E.H. is such a refreshing artist that I hope to hear more from this year.

15. MENACE4HIRE (@menace4hire)

Simply put Menace4Hire is insanely talented. He’s an all-around creative who has a crazy eye for design, delivers incredible mixes via 4Hire Radio, curates events, and even dabbles in music. There’s really no telling what Menace4Hire'll be up to this year, but whatever it is I’ll be tuned in.

16. POWRHOUSE CHI (@pwrhousechi)

The minds behind Powerhouse Chi, one of the newer Chicago-based creative platforms, are 2 of my favorite creatives + my good friends. Natalie + TMuny have already curated an amazing launch event with appearances from local vendors + a panel convo w/ Briah Banks. If there’s anything that I know for sure, it’s that Nat and T are going to continue to deliver experiences and take Pwrhouse Chi to amazing places this year + beyond.

17. REAL ONES SHOW (@realonesshow)

REAL ONES has seriously dialed up on damn near everything from insane promo shoots to well-curated show lineups + top-tier interviews. I’ve been lucky enough to see the Real Ones team (s/o Ben, Michael, Sydni, Tyrel, + David) work behind the scenes, which only makes me more excited to see what they cook up this year. If you haven't been to a Real Ones show or seen their interviews, you're quite literally TWEAKING.

18. RECOECHI (@recoechi)

Last year, RECOECHI dropped off 4 impressive singles in the span of 3 months. Those songs remind me of so much of what I love about Hip-Hop. His storytelling paints a vivid picture of his community that is so refreshing to hear. He speaks with incredible confidence. He can also hold his own on a stage as seen at Q’d Up presented by Classick Studios. When Recoechi drops, I'll definitely be a listener and I highly suggest y'all listen too.

19. SOUTH ISLAND BRAND (@southislandbrand)

I love seeing other platforms pop up and showcase what the city sounds like to them. It's always amazing to see other people's views of the amazing community of artists we have here, which is why I'm so hype about SOUTH ISLAND BRAND. From poetry sessions to dope interviews, we’ve already gotten a lil' taste of what South Island BRAND is bringing to the table and I'm hoping there's more to come.

20. THOUGHT POET & UNSOCIAL AESTHETICS

(@thoughtpoet & @unsocialaes)

Isiah "Thoughtpoet" Veney, is a community leader and true historian of our creative scene and city. He’s seen it all evolve over the years and has a wealth of stories and knowledge to show for it. Thoughtpoet has been using his platform, creative agency, + archival initiative Unsocial Aesthetics, to continue to shed light on local artists + do cool sh*t. I know there's more to come from the legend!

21. TRI NOHBI (@trinohbi)

Tri Nohbi’s output is unreal. After dropping in July and October of last year, Tri Nohbi has already dropped one impressive body of work (I Thought We Were Having Fun) and is gearing up to “drop nonstop for the foreseeable future.” With songs like Jack Ya Body dominating my most-listened songs last year, I’m more than ready to hear ALL that Tri Nohbi has on the way.

22. THE BLK.ROOM (the.blkroom)

The.BLKRoom, created in 2021, began with the goal of better supporting BIPOC artists in the city. The co-creation studio offers membership opportunities for creatives + also hosts dope live DJ sets. The Blk.Room has already seen so much growth in and I'm confident this is only the beginning. Get in tune if you haven’t already!

23. THE GHETTO FLOWER (@theghettoflower)

If you’ve somehow found this platform then you're most likely tapped into The Ghetto Flower too. The Chicago-based marketing agency is truly a staple in our music scene. At any show or event, you almost always can spot some TGF merch in the crowd. From their Fresh Flowers Podcast to amazing merch, the TGF team is always working on something fire + I know that this year will be no different.

editor's note: truthfully, its incredibly hard to pick ONLY 23 artists to watch in the city because everyone is so d*mn talented. I usually hate lists for that reason. so please continue to support everyone in this city!!