Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

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Long before Chicago broke into the mainstream with the Cool Kids, Kanye, Lupe and post Electric Circus Common, there was the Galapagos4 camp and their intoxicating brand of heady lyricism. Artists like Qwel, Maker and Denizen Kane (among many others) set a benchmark for underground rap heads to aspire to, and the second wave of G4 lyricists have certainly continued the tradition. He.llsent is a relative newcomer to the label, releasing his solo debut Rain Water in 2006, but his lyrical grit has fit right in with G4's style of play since his early days with the Outerlimitz. His newest album False Profit is a critical analysis of mainstream rap and its inability to separate itself from its monetary roots. From beginning to end, the album is a virtual time capsule of golden-era cadences, and with a solid array of beats provided by Max, Fifth Element, DJ Alo and Loose Cannon, it's an effort certainly worth tipping your cap to. His performance at Sub-T will be in celebration of his new album, and label mates Robust and DJ Dallas Jackson will be in full support. (J. Min)