Music is a powerful platform, connecting people together from all regions of the world. As different artist emerge from different areas, a glimpse of culture is shared. With sounds from all over changing the music narrative, Chicago still reigns supreme. Telling stories of perspective, experience and culture here are the #Trending Artist of Chicagoland.

Brittney Carter

The masterful storyteller herself, redefines the boundaries around “female” rappers. Hailing from Chicago’s Southside, Brittney Carter is the young inspiration captivating the hearts and ears of the world. Dominating the indie scene for years with timeless singles, her debut project As I Am, solidified her presence. Quickly following up with the incomparable project 3Peat, Brittney’s aura and “introspective” lyricism shine. Her most recent single “One of Them Nights” is a smooth and mellow release, adding to her known dynamic delivery.

Recently the superstar was chosen by the legendary Rapsody for the Inaugural Femme It Forward MUSE Mentorship Program. Furthermore, she collaborated with Slum Village on their new F.U.N album. Appearing on the “Welcome” intro, her “Southside” flare shines effortlessly. Lastly, Brittney graced the big screen in a major way. A song created by her was also featured on the HBO Max animation series, Young Love. With cosigns from Missy Elliot, Jay Versace, Natasha Diggs, and others, she continues to be a #trending voice throughout music.

Gold Haze

Embodying the essence of producer, artist and visionary, Gold Haze is one of Chicago’s shinning treasures. Delivering a hypnotic and confident flow, his music stands out significantly. Not to mention his skill of producing, that sets him in a completely different lane. Starting out as a producer, Gold Haze’s approach to music is on a visionary level.

Although he released multiple beat mixes, his 2021 album From Here On Out, proved he had more to offer. Taking things a step further, his 2023 album Your Pain Is My Pain, is a brilliant display of artistry and the creative culture of Chicago. Including features with Cassius Tae, Elijah Love, LaJé and others, the result is invigorating. As a top runner for producer of the year, he proves why he is a #trending artist in music.

Freddie Old Soul

A sensation to say the least, female rapper Freddie Old Soul is taking the world of hip-hop to another dimension. With a sound that is so unique yet familiar, Freddie taps into the soul of listeners with her indulgent wordplay. The 2019 album Soul Work, was an incredible introduction to Freddie’s insightful world.

Embodying the aura of dominance and wisdom while displaying all of the appeal of woman hood, Freddie is truly an experience. Singles like “All N*ggas Go To Heaven,” and “Influence” display an insightful view of raw culture. Following up with her 2022 album Water, Music & Love, she schooled fellow MC’s with her effortless bars. In addition to her flow, her unique combination of neo-soul, and hip-hop, is a thrilling display of Chicago’s roots. Freddie’s refreshing approach is something the hip-hop world is missing, which is why he is a #trending artist in music.

TACO

A name that rings bells throughout the windy city is the show stopper himself Taco. With a brand that is larger than life, Taco’s journey throughout music screams determination. Further highlighting the reality of growing up fatherless and violent surroundings, his purpose behind his music is greater. Stunning the ears of hip-hop lovers, his earlier works like The Truth 2, Never Doubt Me and Hot Winter, showcase his variety as an artist. Unafraid to share his reality, his music is relatable on multiple levels. Further adding to his impressive catalog, his 2020 single “Never Change Up” is an official anthem.

In addition to his musical influence, his stage presence is unmatched. The superstar is known for his cinematic productions, often having an entire dance team behind him. Taco’s passionate performances have headlined the stages in places like Bottom Lounge, Reggies, Subterranean, Bourbon on Division and the legendary House of Blues. Currently, he is preparing to head on tour, further putting the Chicago sound on the worldwide map. From his fly fashion to his polished yet raw sound, Taco is a top #trending artist in Chicagoland.

JayLifted

Taking hip-hop back to some of it’s playful roots, Chicagoland artist JayLifted offers a fresh vibe. Often referred to as “feel-good” music, the suave rapper wants listener’s to know how much fun creating is for him. Although born in Queens, New York, his upbringing is covered in the culture of Chicago. Stepping into the hip-hop scene with his first official in studio mixtape Lifted Meets The World, his expansive sound stands out. Creating an incredible musical bond with Jack Flash, producer of King Louie’s B.O.N., Jay’s musical catalog has become exceptionally unique.

Other projects like Better Late Than Never, In Due Time and All In Good Time further add to his confident allure. Skillful with beat selection, his music is contagious on so many levels. Recently his 2024 album Remain Solid, proved to be an exceptional release. Also throwing a phenomenal album release party in front of his family business Tase of Belize, his diverse fanbase proves how unique he truly is. JayLifted doesn’t follow trends, he sets them, easily making him a #trending artist in music.

Check back in for next month’s #Trending Artist list, r&b edition. Follow @Robbine93 to tag potential #Trending Artist.

Following a well received headlining performance at DMV Summer Jam over the weekend, Washington D.C. wordsmith Fat Trel continues his Boosa’s Keeper campaign by dropping the music video for “Anything.” The HD clip for the Hollywood Bangers‘ produced track finds the green-eyed entrepreneur and his posse enjoying the warm weather as Summer comes to an end. Trel’s latest body of work serves as an homage to slain childhood friend Darrell “Boosa Da Shoota” Marshal and includes guest appearances from IDK, EST Gee, Skilla Baby, Millyz, NSC Kai, and Almighty.

“This album is dedicated to my lil brother Boosa, who passed away when I was locked up. I put a lot of time into this album and was going through a lot while making it. I got sober and went to therapy as well. So you will hear a lot of pain and just a better version of me throughout each song. I’m introducing the world to an older, better, and evolved version of FAT TREL,” the MGE recording artist reveals in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about the project.

Martrel Reeves PKA Fat Trel was a child far more ambitious and cognizant of his surroundings than the norm. At age seven, he professed ambitions to be a rapper, while peers delivered the proverbial “I have a Dream” Speech about aspirations to be nurses, doctors, lawyers, and fire fighters. As peers sat excited by the endless possibilities of the future, Fat Trel sat perplexed by the harsh realities of DC; the place he called home. Fat Trel exited high school at age 15, caught up in the lure and necessity of street life; a road more traveled when the have-nots impose an immediate call to action. Unconvinced high school education would support his family or cultivate his ambitions, Fat Trel hit the ground running in pursuit of being an emcee and has not stopped running since.

Fat Trel has nurtured and grown his organic storytelling ability with creative word play and pulverizing flow. Taking a raw approach to music, some would say as graphic and grimy as the streets of DC, but equally memorable and captivating nonetheless. He holds no punches and tells each story with such relativity they appear verbatim, in a matter of fact nature, that illustrates he is genuinely home grown and not caught up in the idea of being from the streets.

Watch the BeDifferent Media directed visual for “Anything” and stream Boosa’s Keeper in its entirety below via ONErpm.

Platinum producer Reazy Renegade made his debut as an honorary MLB player this past Wednesday (September 4th). Alongside mascot Billy The Marlin, the seasoned musician joined Inter Miami CF ‘s Robert Taylor and Fort Lauderdale United FC’s Cosette Morché in throwing the first pitch ahead of the Miami Marlin’s win against the Washington Nationals’. The milestone event follows the release of his latest single “Peep Show” featuring Slim Jxmmi, Sukihana, Real Boston Richey, BRS Kash & LPB Poody and should hold fans over as he gears up to drop his Kranium, Bad Boy Timz, and Richie Campbell collaboration “Your Mine” next month.

“Growing up throwing the first pitch at a major league game was every little boy’s dream. It was both an honor and surreal to actually do it,” the Hits Only Music Ent. co-founder reveals in a press statement to Medium Creative Agency about the experience.

Reazy Renegade is a renowned instrumentalist celebrated for his distinctive sound and chart-topping hits. He gained prominence with his breakout and debut works on DJ Khaled’s “Welcome To My Hood” and Meek Mill & 2 Chainz’s “Freak Show.” Known as “Mr. Hits Only,” Reazy is recognized for his unique production style and signature producer tag, the “Renegade Dance.” Some of his viral hits include “Lottery (Renegade)” by K Camp, “Get Paid” by Young Dolph, “Balenci” by PnB Rock, and “Phone Jumpin” by Dave East & Wiz Khalifa.

A career-defining moment for Reazy was the opportunity to collaborate with Kanye West, a legend in the music industry. This experience significantly impacted his journey and artistic direction. In addition to his production success, Reazy has also ventured into the artist realm, releasing singles like “C.O.D.” and “Ballin” featuring artists such as Tory Lanez, K Camp, and Rich The Kid. These tracks have propelled his artist career to new heights, solidifying his position as a multifaceted talent in the music scene.

Watch Reazy Renegade throw the first pitch for the Marlin’s | HERE and stream his latest single “Peep Show” via Vydia on your DSP of choice below.