SonReal is a new school leader. With a 2013 Juno and MMVA nomination, this young artist has independently put all eyes on him through consistently putting out interesting innovative material. Notorious for releasing mixtapes that have an album feel, it is easy to see why SonReal is at the forefront of not only Vancouver’s hip hop scene, but the Canadian music industry as a whole.

With a number of successful releases under his belt, SonReal began 2012 with the release of the final two singles from 2011’s Where’s Waldo?. Both reaching 100,000 views within their first few weeks online, SonReal kept the buzz alive with the release of an 18 track mixtape titled, Words I Said in April 2012. Directed at the promotion of his summer release, Good News, Words I Said spread across the Internet quickly. With support from some of the largest hip hop blogs such as, 2dopeboyz.com, NahRight.com, HipHopDX and more, Words I Said developed an awareness and anticipation for SonReal’s upcoming Good News. Up Up Up was the first single from Good News and the driving force leading into it’s release. A video accompanied the single and was an instant smash once Much Music awarded it “heavy rotation” on their TV network. Good News was released July 25th and has been labeled the largest stepping stone in SonReal’s career.

After turning many heads in the industry, the Vancouver rapper signed a recording deal with the independent label, Black Box Records responsible for emcees, Shad and Classified. His first release via Black Box would be a collaborative project with fellow Canadian rapper/producer, Rich Kidd. The Closers was recorded in seven days in a private Hollywood studio. SonReal and Rich Kidd had united East and West and made an 11 track album the country could stand behind. Fans did exactly that. October 16th, The Closers debuted at #3 on iTunes Canada’s hip hop charts, next to Macklemore and Kanye West. The Closers then went on to be nominated for Rap Recording of the Year at the 2013 Juno Awards. SonReal and Rich Kidd celebrated their newfound success by embarking on a nationwide tour in promotion of the project and shared stages with such artists as, Down With Webster, Mac Miller and more.

With Summer on the horizon, SonReal has began working on new solo material due for a fall release. With plenty of visuals in store and plans to be performing on a stage near you, 2013 looks like it will be the introduction of SonReal to an audience greater than he has ever reached before.

Chicago’s very own Trifecta of Mic Wreckers, the Second City Citizens, have not slept much in 2011. Since voltroning in 2010, the alternative hip hop trio has toured relentlessly in the Midwest—playing notable shows with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, C Rayz Walz of Def Jux, Mac Miller, Blueprint, CunninLynguists, Mac Lethal and many others. Emcees Rich Jones, Swords the Ronin and Troy Boy have released a combined 5 projects—filled to the snapback brim with fun storytelling, clever lyrics and twenty-something sight and sounds—headlined by the compilation album Spliff Notes. With a project with renowned producer Tony Baines (Supertrap) on the horizon, SCC is ready to spread their love for hip hop and energetic live performances to the masses—in the Second City and beyond.

In our current social climate, it seems that many artists are born overnight, leaving some with the absence of proper development and a true understanding of their craft. Tools of the hip-hop trade, like lyricism and delivery, must strike a balance with performance and vocal quality. Image and personal brand must correlate well with the theme. The creative process must encompass a fulfilled personal journey. In the end, it all must come together to create the story of the artist himself. As a ascending and emerging artist, premiere Chicago artist, Saint Millie, has already begun to spearhead and embody the essence of a true emcee.

Saint Mille grew up on the west side of Chicago, enduring loss and distant parental relationships from a young age. With the support of his extended family and his own persistant spirit, he plowed through the struggle and managed to place himself on the forefront of Chicago’s emerging hip hop scene.

Millie’s interest and obsession with music started in the sixth grade. Like many young MC’s, he found himself dropping his own rhythmic vocals on instrumentals without any professional mentoring. Throughout his formative years he learned how to hone in on his craft and make his music available to the masses. Once Millie entered high school, he formed a group called The Section. The result of which was his collaborative debut EP with Anton Genius that was a high school success.

The Fall of 2011 marked the beginning of the ‘Chvrch Music’ movement and the start of his first solo project, No Religion But Up. Teaming with producers Von Vuai, Drew Hurt, and Cartoonz member The Gift, the project was completed and became available for download in the Fall of 2012. The first official single, “Something Good” (produced by The Gift) sampled vocalist Maverick Sabre and offered a great introduction to Saint Millie and Chvrch Music. The second single, “Eight2Nine” featured Rick Ross’ most recent MMG artist signee, Rockie Fresh, with a killer production by Von Vuai. Since its initial drop in the Spring of 2012, it has garnered major online buzz and racked up some mainstream spins on Chicago’s WGCI radio, home of Chicago hip-hop. No Religion But Up, a debut mixtape showcasing versatile artistry, marks Saint Millie’s greatest progression and shows promise that he will only continue to evolve as an artist.

2014 will be one of the most productive years for Saint Millie. In the Winter of 2014, The Road to Glory will be released as the teaser for his highly anticipated mixtape, Glory, which is set to be released in the Spring of 2014. Tracks from The Road to Glory are sonically “melodic and fun ” for fans and listeners, Millie suggests. Glory, in contrast, is much more introspective.

Saint Millie’s flow resembles early 90’s era hip-hop with with his own signature, futuristic twists. Millie’s raps show and prove his growth since No Religion but Up – it’s more mature, complex, and poetic. Glory was carefully crafted to display Millie’s unique and seasoned sound. His music exudes his own personal brand, his style, his originality, and his immense creativity. Fused with the greater efforts of Chvrch Music, Millie’s message speaks for all to embrace our common humanity; to recognize and break the societal barriers that inhibit personal progression. With lyrics developed from poetic roots and production, matched to compliment his independent style, the music created its own unique blend. His relaxed delivery carries a feel good vibe and creates an aura to invite inspiration and provide motivation to all who listen.