Miles Media Marketing & The TRUTH Magazine
Salutes The Top 30 Influential Hip Hop Heads
On Newstands Next Week, look for re-launch party announcement.
Kanye West rose to fame in the mid 2000's, producing hit record after hit. His first two albums received numerous awards (including six Grammys). Today Kanye runs his own record label; GOOD Music, has received critical acclaim and global success. There is no question that this man is one of the most influential Chicago Hip Hop Heads, hands down! He is currently producing tracks for Michael Jackson, and has been nominated in 8 categories in 2007's Grammy Awards, with 50 Cent, his album sales rival, getting only two nominations.
The last 12 – 24 months have been like a dream come true for Common. He starred in two featured films with top tier actors, his latest CD hit the blocks with critical acclaim, he was featured in a national advertising campaign promoting Lincoln Navigator and Gap Jeans, he launched his Common Ground Foundation, and received a Grammy nomination.
To conclude his incredible year, Common announced he’s dropping the microphone to focus on his prolific acting career. In a recent press release his spokesperson stated he would place his rap endeavors on hold to focus on acting and other business ventures secured by his management team as his stock and visibility is at an all time high.
Derek Dudley, who’s like Kanye’s man Don C, has been with Common since the beginning and has spearheaded Common’s career throughout the ups and downs of the industry.
Derek is strong, direct and committed to seeing his client and life long friend fulfill the goals they laid out over a decade ago. And from all accounts, Derek has held up his end of the influential partnership.
Kenard Karter is General Manager of the #1 urban formatted radio stations in Chicago, and with that power come great responsibilities and the ability to manage an incredible sales team, as well as the team of talented personalities.
Kenard is a seasoned veteran, yet his appearance will lead you to believe he just slipped into radio very recently. He has taken the mantel of leadership and pushed forward into continuing WGCI’S dominance as the place for hits and dusties, #1 for R&B and Hip Hop. Beyond the music is his commitment to the community and that’s where his influence speaks volumes.
Todd Stroger is the youngest in charge and as Cook County Board President he has the 
power and influence to hire and fire tens of thousands of loyal and not so loyal soldiers. Todd is the son of Chicago’s most powerful power brokers, former Cook County Board President, John Stroger, Jr. After failing health caused John’s early retirement, he used his circle of influence to keep the power in the family.
In his first year as Cook County Board President, Todd has faced many challenges, but with the help and support of the people, he can remain at the head of the table for decades to come.
Tony Sculfield has emerged as one of Chicago most trusted talking heads as he leads his band of misfits into the #1 radio personality in the afternoon shift at 107.5 FM.
Tony spent the first seven years as a side kick or fill in on WGCI/V103 while building his comedic resume entertaining fans across the country. To his surprise, he was handed Riot Radio to what he pleased, and that he did. After a long journey through comedy and now climbing the stairs in the world of radio, Tony can finally dictate his future much better.
The man with the Midas touch for business and pleasure is Marc Brooks, CEO of MKMB Corp; a 20 million dollar holding company, co owner of several franchise businesses from cell phone dealerships (Urban Media Group/U.S. Cellular), to restaurants (Room 21), cable companies (WOW), and fashion boutiques.
Marc holds the record for not only the hottest parties, but the most diverse night life events. Marc has mastered the art of the deal and his impact on urban culture has placed him far above all else and hopefully his touch will continue for years to come.
Hyde Park is PHLI, the catch phrase used to brand one of the hottest news stores and clothing lines in the Midwest, and co-owner Dave Jeff was the brain child behind such a creative tag.
The tag line should read Dave is fly, because when you see him, you know he’s hip hop. He walks, talk and his gear is all hip hop, but don’t get it twisted, Dave got guts, smarts and he continues to create the illiest clothes for his loyal consumers. And when he throws his annual customer appreciation concert in Harper’s Court next to his store, you know fly things will be happening.
Sandi Jackson is still basking in the glow of her overwhelming defeat of the 7th ward machine boss with the big nuts William Beavers and his daughter Darcel, who held the 7th ward aldermanic seat for a short time.
Sandi was the underdog, but she prove to have the big dog with the biggest balls in her corner in her husband Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., and together they gave the 7th Ward new leadership and a new direction.
Mark Fullaflava continues to have thousands attending his weekly parties, and to add to his collection of events, he was given the responsibility to revive the longest running monthly event in Chicago, First Fridays.
FF is a brand recognized by party goers old and young and Mark has used his influence to keep the respected brand alive. And with his vision, the tradition will give the founders a nice send off knowing their brand will continue giving Chicago a “home away from home” atmosphere.
Kid Sean Mac, better known as Mr. B.E.T. can easily be called the hottest DJ; or better yet, he can be labeled mix tape king, but if those two names don’t bring the heat, what about just the youngest in charge.
This is early twenty-something young hustler stepped on the scene and stole the show, forcing the others to step their game up or get left behind as he penetrated the new emerging hip hop market. Sean targeted the streets and gave them exactly what they needed; hot smoking beats and plenty of swagger to match his mean street hustle game.
Lisa E. has been around the radio game for years and has shared the spot light at WGCI and Power 92. Today she’s producer of Tre “The Choklit” Jock morning show on Power 92. She’s very well respected in the entertainment arena and mainly with athletes looking for the hook up.
Lisa E. is smart, silly, and committed to giving her many friends the time of their life, so when celebrity ball players are visiting Chi town, Lisa is normally the first person called to get the scoop on what, when and where. 
Trey "The Choklit Joc" is the host for his own Choklit Jock show every week day morning on Power 92, and he can be heard interviewing the biggest celebrities in the business. Trey has emerged as Power 92’s franchise player and as he goes in the a.m., so does Power 92 in the p.m.
Xcel is the hottest producer to hit since the explosion of Kanye West. Xcel had the year of his career in ’06,’07 with radio hits “Getting Some Head” by Shawnna and “Watch My Feet” by Dude N’ Nem. Xcel will continue his explosion in ’08, so let’s hope any artist contracting his beats can deliver on the M.I.C.
Barack Obama announced his bid for presidency and the world has never been the same. The queen of talk Oprah Winfrey has campaigned for him, the news media loves him, and even the GOP (Republicans) has shown great respect for the man who could be king.
Obama is the new face of hip hop and urban culture should embrace him and ride this young stallion all the way to the Black house. If you’re not registered to vote – do it NOW. You have until January 8th for the primaries.
Bryant Thompson is a new young hustler and his online distribution service Red Level Entertainment has grown faster than most other sites similar to his business model. He has put on comedy shows, poetry sets, and concerts around the city. If you get his service in your e mail inbox, than you know he’s serious about being a part of the growing principals of online marketing.
Sharon D.King is the queen of casting. She is highly sought after with producers of independents and big budget movies being filmed in Chicago.
Sharon has placed extras and star actors in movies like Soul Food, Barber Shop, the Ali movie with Will Smith and dozens more. If you have preparation and credentials, Sharon can get you on the movie set and have your face on the road map for success.
Who holds the crown of Chicago’s night life is hands down Billy Dec, the young hip hop head who owns celebrity hot spot Underground on Rush Street and Rockit Bar & Grill.
Dec has hosted the Who’s Who of Chi town’s elite and abroad at his club from Kanye, Common, Brad Pitt, Sylvester Stallone, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Bruce Willis, and other personalities ranging from professional athletes to rock stars. He is the Celebrity and Nightlife Reporter for Metromix (Chicago’s Premier Entertainment TV Show), writes an Entertainment Trend Watch column in Today’s Chicago Woman, is an Attorney At Law, and President / Partner of Rockit Ranch Productions, Chicago’s Premier Entertainment Development Company that specializes in the creation, development and management of top Restaurant / Bar / Nightclub Venues, Billy heads the Client Division that provides Consulting Services to high profile Companies and Individuals across the nation focused on Marketing, Promotions, Management and Event Production.
The hottest comedian today is Ms. Vanessa Fraction. She has single handily positioned herself as the go to girl when hosting or promoting comedy in the Chi.
She has appeared on Def Comedy Jam, Comedy Central, BET Comic’s View and competed and won several comedy contest. Vanessa recently hosted her annual New Year’s Eve comedy show and the talent was blazing and the laugher could be heard as the champaign bottles popped.
The whole country was moving as one of the hottest songs of the summer ‘Watch My Feet” by Dude N' Nem had the airwaves banging. This explosive track had kids and adults alike jukin and foot working in the clubs, high schools, colleges and ball rooms everywhere.
Mings Dynasty has been around for years, and at 
The TRUTH Hip Hop/R&B Awards in 2006, they won Independent Record Label of the Year with a hot album and video from their star artist, Skee Franchise.
Ming topped that off in 2007 with one of Chicago's hottest concerts at a major venue in Rosemont with mainly local acts performing along side national artist, Young Jeezy. Ming closed 2007 with a pre-new years concert featuring Lil Wayne and several local artist who also rock the main stage.
Chicago has longed for a radio formatted show discussing hip hop culture, and finally in 2007 
TJ Crawford & Dr. Chandra Gill introduced MPR Report (Money, Power, Respect), a weekly talk show on WVON 1690 A.M; Saturdays 10am -12pm.
The show was the first for local and national artist and hip hop specialist to talk about the past, present, and future of America’s popular culture from around the world and how its impact has influenced millions.
In 2007 Hood Radio was introduced at Power 92 and celebrated and award winning DJ Pharris Thomas started hosting this nightly show spinning local artist tracks.
Hood Radio is blazing and Pharris was the perfect voice to bring Chicago the words and sounds of the underground. The most popular local acts throughout Chicago and Indiana can be heard, as well as the major labels’ rising new stars.
American Idol should have a hall of fame and Jennifer Hudson should be first inducted. 2006 – 2007 has been a world wind year, in which she won basically every major film award from the Golden Globe, People’s Choice, The TRUTH Movie/Film statue and the grand daddy of all awards The Oscar.
All this success and Jennifer Hudson didn’t even win the highly rated talent contest in ‘05, but her will to succeed and belief in her destiny proved to be inspirational and influential for all who reach for success against the odds.
Kanye West has been on a major roll since producing one of Jay Z’s biggest hit “H to the Izzo”, his self produced hit “Through the Wire”, and critically acclaimed 3 albums, but his success would not be as relevant if his road manager Don C. hadn’t help guide him through the struggles of the streets.
Don C. is the one lone side-kick since the beginning days in Chicago, and Kanye once stated that Don C. is the one person who gets his ear at all times. Don makes everything happen for Kanye and his influence over Kanye's decisions has been crucial.
Rosci is this smart, sassy, and attractive young woman who won over the bosses at BET compete for and win the co-host position for 106 & Park. She beat out over 200 other ladies who competed.
This Latin flavor has added some much needed spice to the afternoon show and her vibe connects with the young hip hop heads who tune in everyday to see their favorite videos and hot celebrities hit the couch and stage.
One of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations placed some new blood in leadership at their Chicago Chapter, and Cheryle Jackson, the first woman to head the Chicago Urban League, came in fighting for the people.
Cheryle changed the mission of the 90 year old organization from being a social service entity, into focusing on economic development. That means she wanted her people to get that paper. She formed partnerships with major corporations to help fund and allocate millions to help start up Black owned businesses.
Everyone knows Chicago has become a place for movies being filmed, but Drew Sidora is a Chicagoan being filmed in movies and television projects world wide.
Drew has starred in over half dozen feature films and currently has roles on That’s So Raven and the popular show on the CW network The Game. She has at least 3 movies coming out in 2008 where she has starring or supportive roles with some of Hollywood’s leading personalities.
Not only is Jitu Tha Jugganot known for his talent in the school of hip hop, he is an organizer with the respected Kenwood Oakland Community Organization on the south side of Chicago. He has organized successful campaigns to stop school closings in Black and Brown communities throughout Chicago, as well as historic efforts to increase meaningful parent and community voice in local schools. He also teaches Afro-American history at St. Leonard’s Adult High School, the only accredited HS in the United States for the formerly incarcerated.
As a long time member of the Universal Zulu Nation, Jitu partnered with Afrika Bambaataa and Lord Cashus D to ignite the “Bring Back the Balance” campaign, where they are holding radio stations accountable for what they play. They have embarked on a national petition drive and a grassroots tour to high schools, colleges, and festivals. Last year Jitu co-founded “Independent’s Day” Monthly Music Education Series to promote independence among artists.
Lupe Fiasco (born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco) Fiasco is the co-founder and vice-president of 1st & 15th Entertainment, a record label under Atlantic. Lupe received a ground swell of support for his debut single “Kick Push” in 2006. It was followed by his debut album, “Food and Liquor”; which featured production from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, The Neptunes, and more.
In January 2006, Lupe signed with major footwear and apparel corporation Reebok; becoming part of the "O.G" marketing campaign, where rap artists such as Lil' Wayne and Mike Jones designed their own personal colorway of the Reebok "O.G" model. Last year, Lupe released his sophomore album “Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool” which features his hit record “Superstar”. Rather than follow up a monumental '06 year - capped by his three Grammy nods, four BET Hip Hop Award nominations, and recognition as GQ's "Breakout Man of the Year," amongst other accolades - with an obvious attempt to further crossover, the young wordsmith has crafted a dense, dark, and atmospheric examination of life's pleasures. Whether negative or positive, what people consider "cool", ultimately dominates their every move, and Fiasco is completely aware.
Malik Yusef has been the reigning word slayer of poetry for the last few years, and he has taken his career to new heights with his self produced album Chicago Fire, with production from Kanye West and collabos with Common, Carl Thomas and a host of others.
Malik has ventured into film making with his soon to be released DVD “Hollywood Jerome” featuring the teen girls’ dream, Tha Pope. Malik has been an advocate for the kids with his participation with several national and local public school systems as a mentor and motivational speaker. He has started a Not for Profit organization, “For Yourself” that addresses the issues of domestic violence in the urban community.
17 comments:
1st.. Has some good names but forgot a few, like do or die, twista, crucial conflict who opened the doors for kanye west and dude and nem.
Naki the beatman who started the "#1 in the streets saying & the power hour at power 92 that opened the doors for other shows like "GO ILL" on WGCI Hosted by Dj Timbuck 2.
Pink House who opened the doors for Trey & Naki, and Supported Chicago hip hop before Naki
Raymoski Love, the 1st all rap show in Chicago "THE RAP DOWN" with Disco Dave, Come on.. The opened the doors for hip hop in chicago period!!!
This is a very interesting list. I am partially surprised and partially appalled by some of the names on the list, but I wanted to add a tidbit about Jitu the Jugganot.
He was the lead in the first hip hop group (Ten Tray) out of Chicago to get signed to a major record deal. The success was short-lived because the record label had more to gain from siphoning the resources this monumental project brought them, rather than re-investing the proceeds towards promotion and distribution.
Hip hop has to build independent channels of promotion and distribution. We have to reclaim our art!
This must be a list of your friends.Under what criteria was this list made?What is your definition of a Hip Hop Head?There is no identifiable rhyme or reason,no cohesiveness,no logic to this list.This list is horrible.Im not complaining about the whole list,but there are some entries that make no sense.Todd Stroger is doing a horrible job as CCBP.He flim-flamed his way into office and has been showing his incompetence ever since.And having him on any list with Barack Obama is an insult to Barack Obama.Sandi Jackson is a nice person, but hip hop she is not.She is easily the most white bread person I have ever met.Her husband would've been a better choice.WGCI & Power 92 play a great deal of "crap rap" and very little hip hop.Anyone associated with these stations should be ashamed of what they put on the radio, and what they encourage our kids to listen to.Although Trey the Choklit Jock, and Tony Sculfield have no real control of what gets played, they both spew non-stop ignorance on the radio everyday.Okay, I'll admit that every once in a while they try to have intelligent commentary, but they are far from intellectual heavy weights.Their opinions tend to be second hand and/or simplistic.Rosci on your list...that's funny.It seems that a person should have to do more than just pass through our city to be considered a Chicagoan.She doesn't even call her self a Chicagoan.Dude N'Nem..uh..NO.Watch my feet isn't Hip Hop, its a bad mix of crap rap, and horrible house.They shouldn't be honored for perpetuating that mess.I don't have a problem with Dave,Jitu,DJ Pharris,Malik, or Lupe.Common and Kanye were kinda obvious,but they could be debated too.I like Barack and Cheryl but I don't fully understand why they're on this list.Most of the others I have to just shrug my shoulders at because Im not as familiar with them.I'd like to submit some names, but without your criteria that would be difficult.I am truly disappointed.I expected better from The Truth.
I agree with you readers who feel some people were left out. These people have made significant contribution to Hip Hop in one form or another. From global influence to refreshing Chicago music, to political...
When we said we would create this list, we put out a disclaimer. One of the requirements was that the individual must have accomplishments within the last 24 months. Also, the recipient doesn't have to be native born as long as they have foundations in Chicago, thirdly our definition of Hip Hop is cultural, which emcompassess politics, community service, as well as music, film, and fashion. Peace, Hope Miles
For the disclaimer check out " What makes a person influential" on the side links of this blog.
This list would be more legitimate if you had commented on the negative influence some of these people have on our community.Including how they contribute to constantly confusing the masses about what REAL Hip Hop is.
You should not post this article. It is plain to see that this is a list of people who you PERSONALLY think are worthy of the stories heading, and it is a list of influential blacks in Chicago. But where is the proof that they are all "Hip Hop Heads?" I think the article would be accepted more if you actually interviewed these people and found out if they really had a love for Hip Hop like the title of the article assumes. Remember that affective journalism comes from a credible and truthful source, not speculation. I still got love and don't give up, keep trying. You're almost there. God Bless!
yeah this list is not accurate. derek dudley is not from chicago. todd stroger and sandi jackson does not belong. there are people on here who are missing and people on here that people have never seen in the hip hop community. to me the listis bypassing certian people. but i congratulate on making it happen. keep up the good work. names to check for in the future are jamal hooks of infinite hustle records, dj shotime, and dj kcperfect of the hittsquad djs.
From the desk of Carl West, Publisher of The TRUTH Magazine.
I encouraged Miles Media not to respond to comments, because I know from experience that comments was going to be often and mainly negative. But since she decided to post her response to comments, I felt it was only right I equally respond since this was a joint venture.
It appears to me that some people have very little knowledge of what it takes to be successful within their own culture. I don't profess to be the king of hip hop, but what I do know is hip hop is a diverse culture with a magnitude of areas to be labeled and discovered.
Example: County Board President Todd Stroger oversees a 20 billion dollar budget and is responsible for the hiring of over 5,000 jobs, and half these jobs are secured by young brothers and sisters under the age of 30, who are very much apart of hip hop culture.
So with that wieght of influence, he is my choice.
And everybody on this list has hip hop in their blood, whether it's old school or so called new school. There are people on this list that have done more for youth culture (hip hop) than all of us combined. Urban League Cheryle Jackson has given over one million dollars to local start up businesses to advance their projects. And these are young new hustlers that got that money. Have anyone of the people making comments done that? Better yet, who have you employed? The most influential thing you can do is to help someone feed their families.
This list was not done with friends or relatives in mind. I have no friends when it comes to business, only associates.
This is the second year I've produced this list and I will introduce another 30 names next year in partnership with Miles Media Marketing, and if there's any problems with the listing, free people have every right to express there displeasures. I appreciate the responses, but please, please get a life, stop hatin and create an influential property for your self and plan to make the list in the coming years.
Finally, I will not take anymore of my professional time explaining why someone was not on the list or why certain people made it. There where dozens of names who could have made the list, but they didn't. As I've always said as my theme - step your game up and do some real Sh*T and stop knocking other people's hustle.
Peace, one love and I'm Carl West, publisher/editor, The TRUTH magazine, producer of The TRUTH Awards, Hip Hop IMAGEMAKER Series, Carl West COMEDY HOUR, TRUTH B Told Television & Radio Show and TRUTH 4 Literacy After School Mentor Program.
"What should it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?"
I appreciate the comments of the esteemed Mr. West, and we all recognize the ready availability of haters. Nevertheless, I sense a tone of hostility in the brother's comments. Is this list so important that we have to remove it from the arena of public discourse, and revere it as unquestionable gospel? Are we taking ourselves too serious here?
Youth culture does not equal hip hop. There is a clear distinction between the two that some of us may be forgetting. Also, for every job Mr. Stroger has created, how many have been lost - never to return? How many young lives have been negatively impacted by Mr. Stroger's mismanagement of the County, particularly the health care system?
Mr. West is obviously free to put whoever he wants on his little list, but I don't see why we need to deny people the right to express their views concerning it. If it took "professional time" to complete, why not allow further professional time to clarify. If nothing else, the list raised questions and sparked debate. People (myself included) had questions about why certain people were even considered, which could be easily answered as part of the narrative, and good writing/journalism.
Battle raps used to be fun because it sharpened each mc's skills, and gave the audience good entertainment. Nowadays, battle raps signal unnecessary violence, antagonism and animocity. Is this going to be another battle rap?
Like I said when you first e-mailed me about this Chi-Rock, Dem Dare and Euphonics created the Hip Hop scene in this great city of ours. So any modern list of who's who on Chicago's hip hop scene would be false and disrespectful to the forefathers. I think Common and Kanye and Pharris how ever do belong on this list. But a list with no Twista, Regnoc, Twilite Tone and No ID seems like some one forgot to take their crazy pills. Influence is based off who made people want to become hip hop heads, not which possible important person has some ties to the Hip Hop Community in Chicago. Please get your head right before you make any more list that cause hurt and damage to those whom have dedicated most of their lives to the Hip Hop movement and influenced Chicago people to follow suit.
Dude and Em, Pharris, and Rosci are you kidding me?.
Being a Hip Hop guru and a Chicago Hip Hop legend I find this list (with the exception of the obvious, common, Kanye, Malik, Jitu) to be overly biased as well as complete and utter BULLSHIT. I too believe Chi Rock, Purple Masion, Empire of Destruction, Dem Dare, and euphonics, should have made the list. But for years All of them as well as CARL have forgotten to Mention the Most influential Group and crew that help Start or influence in some way all of chicago.
The Illstate Assassins.
Mr West how come you fail to mention the first and only group ever to start 3 major independents out of the city (CWAL, Coroner Records, CWAL MOB) who also secured the one of the biggest Joint venture deals in history (30 Million with atlantic for twista, speedknot Mobstas), who Not just represented Chicago, but actually fought and represented outside of chicago by challeging groups such as Naughty By Nature, Rotten Raskals, and countless others to defend our chicago bretheren (Twista, DA Smart at the Regal Theatre) as well as for the respect of chicago. Plus spawned so many producers (Trax, EC, Toxic, Riot One, Demo) Mc's (not Rappers), and DJ's both here and in Dallas Tx (where Ill expanded out to)that went on to not only as individuals, but as individuals continued to influence others in their careers across the country (LA, New York, Jersey, Atlanta).
I think it's a discrace and a slap in the face to My crew and others when you don't know your facts or your own chicago people and you choose to continue to not give credit where credit is due not just for ill sake but, but for all. Even those people you said could have made the list but didn't.
Carl - I remember when you and Tim started this Magazine. I believed then that your Magazine Had promise to be the Truth for Chicago even after the demise of Chicago rocks Magazine, Fly Paper, underground Magazine, and so on. But by the tone in your response (The same tone when I asked this same question at the truth awards some 6 years ago), and your action since then my thoughts has since changed.
I really want you to know that I speak not as a Hater but as a person who respect you and that has been watching you for years hoping that you set the record straight Fam. I do know that you are and influential person in chicago. And for years you worked your ass off to get to where you are now. I know that the bottom line, your actions may have been to better our hip hop scene, but as a person who has seen you in my longtime growth in hip hop, famo, this is not the right way to do it. Set the record straight man for once.
The one group of young ladies who booked and went on a nation wide columbia college supported, Boewing sponsered tour for 2007 and beyond "The Wonda Woman Project Zero Tolerance Tour"
lead by ANG13. These young ladies were only ones in America who stood up when the industry turned it's back on female emcee's .Oh how soon we forget.
Big Ups to Common, Kanye, Lupe and Dave Jeff among the others. Why not expand the list to 50, Chicago got enough powerful people living and from here for this list to be longer. I know, more work right? Well, just my 2 cents. Waiting for my day to make the list. Much respect and props, one.
Well... I am shocked how a person of Mr. West stature within the Chicago Hip-hop community would belittle the readers of this article. Now I will state, on behalf, of the list that this is a blog, which can include personal opinion, but that is another argument within the journalism profession. 1st it is wrong to encourge the authors of the blog not to respond. You should love any feedback that comes as it is the readers that make Miles Media a success, 2nd just as "WE" should strive to better ourselves and try and make the list next year, "YOU" should take constructive criticism, and strive to continue to build a good thing that you have here and let it grow, because, and to use your "professional" time to attack readers and go against them rather than side and have healthy debate, that is a good way to loose readers fast. I didnt personally like how easy it would have been to step down off the throne and actually write the post yourself. I read Miles Media & Marketing on occasion, and have found these comments and conversations fairly interesting and a reason for me to come back, but Mr. West's comments were truly personalized and "attacked" the readers who make your efforts a success.
This is an example of Chicago's classic "Crabs In A Barrell" mentality with respects to sucess in any form of entertainment. If this is the list that Truth Magizine & Miles Media would like to present as their representation of influences then so be it. This doesn't disrespect anyone that's not on it. If you have a different list, be proactive like they were and present it. We spend too much time & energy debating about titles that don't matter anywhere else but Chicago. This list will not increase anyone on or off of it's careers. It will not appear on any industry resumes or bio's. Carl West has tried to create a form of industry in Chicago that mirrors the national market. Some of you act like this is Time Magazine & Oprah's list, like this will matter to the world. "I'm offended you left this person off/this person on", open your eyes people. Someone even commented about a list of negative influences from Chicago, as if there wouldn't be just as much complaining. I watch Chicago complain at Truth Awards about not winning, like it's a Grammy or an AMA. I applaud Carl West for his efforts to honor our locals, but in a sense I believe he has unintentionally hand-cuffed them. They only strive to be featured on WGCI or Power 92 and win Truth Awards. It's like like giving a child a huge 8th grade graduation party and praising them for their accomplishment. But what about High School, College, Grad School, etc. I see so many ppl lobbying for other ppl to be included/excluded. I challenge those who disapprove to create their own lists and forums, but make sure you are on it. Post your own contributions to Chicago Hip-Hop. If my spelling is wrong charge it to my emotions, I love y'all Chi-town but WE some haters!!!
I am so sorry I did not mention you guys
ILL STATE have been and still are one of the main sources to the core to this city's hip hop scene.
Kris EUPHONICS
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