Written By: Bekoe & Everyday Jay
2017 has come and gone, but we've put together a lists of artists we feel you should add to your watch list.
Within 2017 we’ve manage to curate 8 events, which has given several upcoming artists an opportunity that doesn’t come often. Our brand also partaken in 2 sold-out shows with Kap G as well as Chicago legend Twista.
One of the biggest turn around points for iLLANOiZE was joining Logik radio’s platform, which is a syndicated online radio station that has helped us give underground talent what they’ve been waiting for. For our 4th anniversary we brought out radio professionals such as Dj Phantom, Dj Vdub, Dj Allstyle and Dj Treyillz to drop knowledge about how the industry operates, and to conclude our yearly wrap up we present to you a group of artists we feel you should add to your watch list come 2018. Bianca Shaw
She’s little but big in talent, and I had the chance of bringing her out to perform back in December of 2016 for iLLANOiZE A Hip Hop Christmas, and from there I knew big things was coming.
Westside native Bianca Shaw is truly a god given gift that’s slowly being unwrapped to the world. She has a versatile musical presence, and her live performance will absolutely blow you away. If you don’t believe me ask Mr. Bennett who’s the father of Chance The Rapper and Taylor Bennett. He recently discovered Bianca and Attack The Sound band at a local show, and since then she’s become Taylor’s first signee under Taylor Bennett Entertainment. Since her signing she’s been seen on the news, Rolling Stone, Billboard, XXL, Sway In The Morning, and more. With Bianca’s album “Guns & Roses” gaining her an upward career change, and two promising singles with Taylor Bennett known as “So High” and “Only Difference,” as well as a joint project to come. I think it’s pretty safe to say her 2017 was a breath of fresh air, and she should definitely be on your watch list for 2018 PHOR
If you are true fan of PHOR then you know he’s been crafting musical hits, way before joining VH1’s Black Ink Crew Chicago. I received my first introduction of PHOR back in 2015 with his single release “Eat.” From there PHOR drop another prominent single titled “Do It” which became a fan favorite as well as landing him his first big radio breakthrough.
PHOR then put out his first album entitled “Lightning Bug” that transitioned into a sold out headline show at Reggies Rock. Keeping that momentum going. Chicago Eastside native released his biggest hit thus far under the alias “Chi Town.” This single also came fully loaded with a remix featuring Chicago legends Twista, Bump J, and young legend to be Lil Durk. Before Phor’s “Butterfly” album released, we presented a memorable event known as the "Butterfly Experience" in which Phor as well as guest performers LGado, Joel Q, and The Boy Illinois gave fans a taste of what’s to come. As of now Phor’s music is being heard on a consistent bases nationwide, he’s performing on all the Big stages, and he’s even ink a disclosed music deal. It’s pretty safe to say that 2017 was a great year for Phor, and he should definitely be on your watch list for 2018. Valee
Valee ended 2017 on a high note with rumors of a possible signing to Good Music along with the label tweeting out one of his breakout records I Got Whatever. The south side artist didn't stop there he also added one of the most unique verses on Z Money's Two 16's which happened to be a dope ass run on sentence but who cares right it's art.
With 2017 coming to a close, 2018 should be a big year for Valee and under the guidance of Andrew Barber the sky is the limit for the Chicago MC posed for a memorable year. Ausar
Quiet but very outspoken Chicago native Ausar has been pushing lyricism and positive vibes since I first got introduced to him back in 2016 with his classical project release entitled “The 6 Page Letter.” Almost instantly we connected and I had the chance to give him an exclusive interview which also gained recognition by the Chicago Reader.
Not long after, iLLANOiZE presented Ausar with his first ever headliner for his well recognized project “T6PL,” and his supporters swarmed Wire’s venue singing each song word for word. Throughout 2017 Ausar released a surprise Ep titled “Growth” executively produced by Plainro, and he’s also performed in top notch events such as So Far Sounds as well as his recent December performance in which he performed for Kyle Santillian of WGCI, Andrew Barber of Fakeshoredrive, Phil Thorthon of Sony Records, and more. To make a long story short he has a bright future ahead and the music he creates is timeless. Make sure to keep your eye on him in 2018 Joel Q
The angel in training has been preparing himself for brightest future possible, and with witty conscious lyricism Joel Q is by far an artists that’ll compliment anyone’s daily playlist.
He took sometime off only to meditate and regain focus, and i must say he came out blazing in 2017. His catchy and most inspiring record entitled "Thank God," was a motivational track featuring Alexander Blaine that explain how much of a blessing he truly has become. One of Q’s highlight’s of 2017 was performing for Sway during the weekend of lollapalooza, and receiving the up most request you’ll ever witness an upcoming artists receive. As of now Joel Q has released his debut album under the alias “Angel In Training,” and he’s scheduled for his first headliner set for January 21st. As 2017 come to an end, Keep a close eye out on Joel Q’s 2018 start. Chimeka
ChiMeka is a special talent that can be the leading star in your film, write a dope 16 or write the treatment for your video. Her creative vibe is something a lot of artist would pay for. The Queen of Sibley has had a great year opening up for Ty Money and rocking the iLLFest stage.
ChiMeka has promised us more content in 2018 hopefully that includes a full project more visuals and with Merk pushing the buttons behind the scenes, I'm sure the Unicorn will make a big splash in 2018. Rick Stevenson
He’s young but full of endless talent, and he’s an all around music genius. He can give you bars, produce your next hit, as well as rock the crowd when he hits the stage.
Rick Stevenson is a full blown entrepreneur who’s been creating music since birth. He recently released his new single featuring Jo Jizzle and is slated to go on tour with Do or Die in 2018. I don’t think you can name many 17 year olds that have gone on tours with legends. Either way make sure to keep an eye on him within the year of 2018. Panamera P
Panamera P already has the shiny toys that most mainstream artist possess hints his name . Only thing he's missing is a bigger internet presences which gained some traction with his first headlining performance at The Wire and the release of his sequel to his Flyraq series hosted by Don Cannon.
As he continues to polish his craft and his work ethic continues to grow everything will begin to fall in place for the south side artist posed for a breakout year. Chanelle Tru
A young star in the making Chanelle Tru is a triple threat. Showcasing her singing ability all year remixing some of your favorite songs like the classic Michael Jackson track Unbreakable and Drakes smash hit Controlla. If your not a fan then i would suggest you follow her on IG (@chanelle_tru) where she displays her dancing ability.
The female MC also attacks Cardi B's Bodak Yellow where she showed she can spit with the best and if that isn't good enough for you check out her video for Purge where she showcases her lyrical ability and is the second song on her debut album tilted So Tru Vol 1. Just make sure you keep one eye open for Ms Tru. KD Young Cocky
KD Young Cocky is one of the most versatile artist on this list. Linking back with D Brooks and teasing his following with a new project titled Squad Goals . It's hard to bet against KD who has delivered hits with YFN Lucci, Dreezy and Lil Durk to name a few. Along with songwriter credits from some of the top artist in the game, the Englewood spitter has his eyes on the top spot which is just a hit song away.
KD encompasses all the qualities needed to disrupt the industry whether its a R&B joint like Lifestyle or a hard hitting gritty track like Partners featuring Bucks just expect more of the championship sound we've come to expect from KD.
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