Entertaining Atlanta rapper Vayda recently stopped in Chicago while opening for Veeze on his "Ganger" tour. We caught up with her outside the venue to talk about her whirlwind 2023, that time when Doechii commented on one of her TikToks, the realest song she's ever made, paranoia and more. Click HERE to listen to Vayda's new album 'Forrest Gump'

Keep Up with Real Ones Website | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Keep Up with Vayda Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

We sat down with writer, A&R, photojournalist and activist Isiah Veney, aka Thought Poet. for an insightful conversation about the state of Chicago music, why he's stuck around in the city this long, learning to "positively take up space," his criteria for working with artists, and more.

KEEP UP WITH THOUGHT POET:
http://instagram.com/thoughtpoet77
https://twitter.com/thought_poet77
https://linktr.ee/ThoughtPoetsOpinion

KEEP UP WITH REAL ONES:
http://twitter.com/realonesshow
http://instagram.com/realonesshow
http://tiktok.com/@realonesshow

Host/co-editor: Ben Moskow
Guest host: Reina Danzy
Guest: Thought Poet
Producer/Videographer: Michael Magitman
Audio mixed by Michael "Farley" McFarland
Editor: Aidan Siavelis
Special thanks to Second Street Studios

Ten days before she took off for sunny Los Angeles, we sat down with singer-songwriter Ebony Loren about her favorite memories of living in Chicago, being a voice major during online school, languages she wants to learn and more.

KEEP UP WITH EBONY LOREN:
https://twitter.com/ebonylorenmusic
http://instagram.com/ebonyloren
http://tiktok.com/@ebonylorenmusic


KEEP UP WITH REAL ONES:
http://twitter.com/realonesshow
http://instagram.com/realonesshow
http://tiktok.com/@realonesshow

Host/Editor: Ben Moskow
Guest: Ebony Loren
Producer/Videographer: Michael Magitman
Special thanks to Roc Star Studios

Right before the release of his EP 'Hasta La Dorada' we caught up with LA-based, Chicago-raised Latin indie artist Danny Schiller to chat about how the project came together, his past as a soccer player, who he would most want to tour with, his philosophy when it comes to making music and much more.

KEEP UP WITH DANNY:
TWITTER | INSTA | TIKTOK

KEEP UP WITH REAL ONES:
TWITTER | INSTA | TIKTOK

Host: Ben Moskow
Guest: Danny Schiller
Producer: Michael Magitman
Audio editor: Michael "Farley" McFarland
Video editor: Faye Siavelis 
Special thanks to Second Street Studios

Rising pop-punk musician SAIAH joins Ben on Season 2, Episode 10 of Real Ones, recorded right before the release of their single "radio.fm." Topics include how they were first drawn to punk rock music, recording "Cheater" with Tom The Mail Man, touring with RIZ LA VIE & Guardin, getting booked for their first festival opening for Beach Fossils, preparing to move to Los Angeles and much more.

Support SAIAH
INSTAGRAM: | TWITTER:

Support Real Ones
LINKTREE |  INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK

This convo with Juwan Elcock of BLK ODYSSY happened back in January. He's since opened for Cordae on a US tour,  dropped the deluxe version of debut album BLK VINTAGE featuring Baby Rose, Mereba & Benny the Butcher, and announced his first-ever headlining tour. Things are going up. Keep up with the latest BLK ODYSSY news here /

the BLK REVOLUTION TOUR COMES TO CHICAGO AUGUST 27 at SLEEPING VILLAGE. TIX here /

AND DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE FIRST EVER REAL ONES CURATED SHOW AUGUST 20. LIVE PERFORMANCES FROM Your Stepdad, Gayun Cannon, the Stranded Civilians, Morgan Gold and A.N.I. TIX here /

Check out our Linktree to stay updated on all things Real Ones!

We get the chance to sit down with Your Stepdad about his strong month of April, how he's built buzz on TikTok, why every huge underground rapper is so young, and much more.

Keep up with Stepdad:
Instagram @deflynotdoowop
TikTok @yoursteppops

NEW PLAYLIST additions (courtesy of CXR's Collin Donovan):

Kendrick Lamar - Mother I Sober
Dende - Round Trip to Atlanta
Noah - Revelations
Kehlani - Little Story
Mack Keane, ESTA - Never Enough

SUPPORT: Obviously, the U.S. has a horrendous problem with gun violence and gun culture. And politicians on both sides of the aisle don't seem interested in doing anything about it. I've attached a Twitter thread here with GoFundMe information for as many of the victims of the Uvalde school shooting as I could find. I'm devastated that this has become accepted as normal in the US. We need structural change immediately..

To check out the Good Work we highlight each episode, check out this document:

Creative consulting by Brandon Washington.
Theme music by Evan Dawkins.
Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter.
Sponsored by Project FILO

Ben sits with Chicago's Nina Tech to talk about their latest single/video combo "Love Show," influences from the 80s, favorite places in Chicago, the foundations of drill and more!

Keep up with Nina:
Instagram @ninatechxx
Twitter & TikTok @ninawthetech

NEW PLAYLIST additions:

Sports Boyfriend - Crying in July
grouptherapy. - Pink Papers
Groupthink - Guilty Pleasure
Pink Siifu, Valee - Griptape'!!
BoofPaxkMooky, GRIMM Doza, - You & Me

SUPPORT: Chicago Show Cal is helping you make your Chicago concert plans EVERY WEEK and DAWA Heals is providing a financial safety net to low-income BIPOC Austin, TX residents.  Donate and follow today! All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document

Creative consulting by Brandon Washington. Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter.
Sponsored by Project FILO

In an interview conducted last December, Ben chats with Chicago-area musician Worry Club about why he prefers working on music alone. how a ridiculous TikTok idea almost turned into a record deal and more. Since our convo, the Club has collaborated with lead singer Chase Walsh's favorite band The Maine,  went to SXSW as an official artist and played a show in Norman, Oklahoma of all places. 

Follow Worry Club: IG, Twitter, TikTok @worryclub

NEW PLAYLIST additions:

Pass the Water - Raé Luna
Lonestar - Monet Ngo
GUCCI SLIDE - Turich Benjy
blue lung - Justend, Joe Aste
Kick Back - Lo Artiz

SUPPORT: Make sure to catch Birria Ta-Ta-Tacos ' popup at Sleeping Village on Thursday, March 24. Also, Schuba's  is throwing free shows with their "100% Off Series." See Cece Maravilla, Ebony Loren, and more for free on April 4.
All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Mixed by Dagz. Sponsored by Project FILO

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

Ben is joined by guest interviewer Brandon Washington to speak with prolific Chicago MC and creative femdot. about his biggest accomplishment, his first experiences rapping over 20 years ago, his love for J Dilla and more.

Follow femdot: IG & Twitter @femdotdotcom
Keep up with Delacreme Scholars: Twitter @DelaScholars, IG: @delacremescholars

NEW PLAYLIST additions

Omni ! - WILLIE
Che Noir, 7xvethegenius, Armani Caesar - Ladies Brunch
Cashus King - SKUNK!
TheLoveofPpl - Rat Race
Porsh Bet$ - Passenger

SUPPORT: The LA Mission is working to end homelessness in the greater Los Angeles area. Brave Space Alliance is a Black, Trans-led LGBTQ+ organization located on Chicago's South Side committed to uplifting Black queer youth. All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Mixed by Dagz. Sponsored by Project FILO

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

Ben interviews three of Chicago's most exciting young talents: Senite, an R&B singer and poet who's already been making waves in the city; KAI, a neo-soul rapper with his own poetry club; and Menace4Hire, a rapper, poet and fashion designer. The three became fast friends and all worked together on KAI's EP Steve's Demo. Listen to find out how they met, how KAI convinced Senite to record in his car, the meaning behind the name "Menace4Hire" and more.

Follow Senite: IG @_senite, Twitter @seniteb
Follow KAI: Twitter @city4KAi, IG: @kaicrewsade
Follow Menace4Hire: IG @menace4hire

NEW PLAYLIST additions courtesy of Jay Wood (@jaywoodsole):

Kendrick Lamar - GOD
ye, Dwele - Flashing Lights
Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover
Kid Cudi- Immortal
50 Cent - Heat

SUPPORT: Kyra Horton just released her debut poetry album "The Silencer" which is available on all DSPs. Alejandro Hernandez (a.k.a. Dro in the Wind) now has a newsletter on Substack, where you can pay $7 a month to read quality long-form think pieces and other Chicago music musings. All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Mixed & mastered by Dagz. Sponsored by Project FILO

 SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

Ben interviews Chattanooga rapper, YGTUT,  where he explained how he knows Biggie Smalls' son, revealing more of his true self on his upcoming project, touring & working with Isaiah Rashad, and more.

Follow YGTUT on Instagram @tuthouse & Twitter @YGTUT

NEW PLAYLIST additions:

Sunny Days - Sir Trevor James, Kira Janel

MONOLITH - Masongo Ogora, woolmangrundy

Location Scout - Stiggy James

PLUS FLOW - BACKSEAT [S}MILES, Silky Southern

Juice - Jiles

SUPPORT: IMAN Central is doing free COVID testing at their South Side location and working on a nutrition education program for people with diabetes. Kai Poetry Club is bringing positive affirmations to the Instagram timeline and creating space for poetic storytelling. All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

S2 theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Mixed & mastered by Dagz. Sponsored by Project FILO

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

Chicago-based rapper, singer and producer Semiratruth stops by the studio to discuss the meanings behind a few tracks on their most recent project I Got Bandz For the Moonlandin', how New York has helped shape their sound, the shortcomings of streaming services and more.

Follow Semira on Instagram and Twitter: @semiratruth

NEW PLAYLIST additions courtesy of Reina Danzy of From Chicago to the World

Get 'Em High - Ye, Common, Talib Kweli

Steamer - Brian Fresco, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, KAMI, Towkio

AIN'T GON' STOP ME - reggie, Monte Booker, Kenny Beats

I Don't Want to Lose You - Phyllis Hyman

MY GAWD! - Semiratruth

SUPPORT: The Pilsen Art House, an invaluable venue for rising artists to perform and various other community events, will be reopening on January 29 with "Art and Edibles." Support Your Local Weed Man is fighting to include  Black and Brown people, as well as formerly incarcerated Chicagoans, in the city's growing cannabis industry. All details are visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

S2 theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Sponsored by Project FILO

SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS

Rising Harlem-based musician and poet Mamadou. discusses the metaphors on his debut project To Stitch A Rose, his unique process for finding creative inspiration, who he's been listening to lately and more.

Follow Mamadou. on Instagram and Twitter: @mamadouofficiall

NEW PLAYLIST additions: 

SENSE OF URGENCY - 4200Kory

Collar - Worry Club

All Gas, No Brakes - WADE08

BOOSMOBIL - Timothy Bright

 "angel" - WASTEDJU, Blake Saint David

SUPPORT: Coffee Hip Hop and Mental Health is a nonprofit org selling coffee & merch with the proceeds going to paying for Chicagoans to attend therapy and recently hosted a healing circle for teachers experiencing the CPS lockout. And the Chicago chapter of the New Era Young Lords are fundraising to purchase weighted blankets for Chicagoans experiencing homelessness. Venmo: @Paul-Mireles-7, cashapp: @Papom1. All details visible in our SEASON 2 GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Sponsored by Project FILO

GET READY FOR SEASON 2 OF THE REAL ONES PODCAST. 12 EPISODES. 2 PER MONTH FROM JANUARY-JUNE 2022. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED US FOR SEASON 1

Catch up on everything from S1 here at our Linktree.
song: What I Want- Qari, greenSLLIME

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After our first interview was lost to a faulty hard drive, it was great to sit down again with rising Chicago rapper SONNY. We chat about how he capitalized off of the success of hit song ”KILL BILL,” his relationship to Chicago, how some of his recent music videos came together and more.

Follow SONNY on Instagram and Twitter: @hatesonny

NEW PLAYLIST additions: 

GHOST - Devin Burgess 

Indecisive (ft. Hadji Gaviota) - Ben Beal, Elijah Who 

HELLUTALMBOUT - Rizz Capolatti 

More Than Gold - LORD JAH-MONTE OGBON, Phiik

Drawing - Silas Short

SUPPORT: Local WOC-owned publication Braided Magazine is throwing a show to celebrate five years of the mag with live music, vendors, and live artwork. From Chicago to the World just started out and is one of the cooler music curation platforms to emerge in the city. More details are in our GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos & cover art: MC Blue Matter. Sponsored by Project FILO

Founder of The Ghetto Flower Michael Tayo stops by SoundSpace Studios to discuss the skills that helped him create TGF, how the platform has expanded since its inception in 2017, the branding strategy and more.

SEASON 1 PLAYLIST additions: AFV - TC Superstar, Zero to 60 - Aaron Stephens, The Lesson - Mélat, GHOST RIDE - BLK ODYSSY, Black Girl Payday - Riders Against the Storm

SUPPORT: Austin Cinemaker Space is providing affordable studio time and ample resources to Austin creatives and Black Austin Musicians Collective uplifts the work of Black Austin musicians and helps them navigate the industry. More details are in our GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Logos: MC Blue Matter. Sponsored by Project FILO.

Chicago-area artist heartgaze stops by SoundSpace to discuss transitioning from making English songs to adding Spanish, how it felt to play the final show at the Aux, collaborating with Elijah Who and much more!

SUPPORT: Jane's Due Process is helping Texans get access to birth control and abortions and Chicago-based travelling cypher group Voices of Prophecy needs to replace their stolen equipment! Cashapp VoP here & donate on venmo @VofP1.  More details in our GOOD WORK document.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. 

Cover art and episode artwork: MC Blue Matter. 

Sponsored by Project FILO.

SEASON 1 PLAYLIST: 

Chicago-area producer Evan Dawkins stops by the studio to chat about his latest single "By Your Side," rapping on stage with GoldLink at Lollapalooza, the importance of Discord and much more!

Evan is also our guest playlist curator for this episode. Playlist selections are here

CALLING ALL EMERGING ARTISTS: Get a show under your belt ASAP at the Lumber Studios Gallery series. Have an idea for a show bill? The Golden Dagger will help you put it on. Reach out to zoey@harmonicadunn.com to make it happen! Click here for good work and songs mentioned in this episode. 

Theme music by the man himself, Evan Dawkins. 

Cover art and episode artwork: MC Blue Matter. 

Sponsored by Project FILO.

SEASON 1 PLAYLIST: 

SEASON 1 GOOD WORK: 

Ben talks with hip-hop collective L.O.V.E Culture of Duval County, Florida over Zoom about the hometown homages of their most recent album 1827 N Pearl, the different sides of the Jacksonville music scene and how they complement each other in the collective. Che Forreign, the lone female MC of the group, was unable to attend.

Make sure to send some money over to Forever Calcasieu and Imagine Water Works for Hurricane Ida disaster relief. Click here for causes and songs mentioned in this episode.

Theme music by Evan Dawkins. Cover art and episode artwork: MC Blue Matter. Sponsored by Project FILO.

SEASON 1 PLAYLIST:
SEASON 1 GOOD WORK: