Chicago's new cultural wave

Keion Mcneal

Chicago, The heart of the midwest, is known for its skyline, amazing food, and diverse neighborhoods but did you know Chicago was the next big pop culture  mecca. In recent years chicago has begun to emerge as a cultural powerhouse. Young visionaries have emerged in the fields of fashion, film, and music. The place where mega star Kanye west calls home  has given us an array of music artist, those of which include Chance the rapper and controversial rapper Chief keef. Both of which are from the south side of Chicago but in someway represent two different sides of Chicago's hip hop music scene. Behind these two artist are numerous talents ranging from ages 16 - 25 that are setting the local music scene ablaze. It wouldn't be a surprise to see venues such as the Metro on Clark street and reggies rock club on State street jam packed on a weekday to see a performance card full of nationally unknowns. That's just how Chicago works. An artist might not be known around the country but in “the city” the underdog gets there shine.

Chicago's new wave of culture has also been evident in fashion. Urban designers such as joe fresh goods have become a local legend delivering clothing that blends popular topics within fashion ideas. His latest works have capitalized off the chicago's cubs recent World Series win. Joes goods are respected amongst the youth and it wouldn't be a surprise to bump into a teen wearing one of his popular tshirts on the streets of Chicago.

Chicago has also seen an emergence of other creatives specifically in film. Directors such as Austin Vessely (Chance the rappers videographer) over recent years have been working on numerous projects even accumulating a MTV music video nomination this year.

The creatives in film doesn't end there. The work of filmmakers like Austin vessels have opened up doors for young aspiring filmmakers such as 19 year old Cole Bennett. Cole Bennett is a young leader of what some chicagoans say is the new wave of creatives in Chicago. Bennett, who is the founder and owner of lyrical lemonade, a company that dedicates itself to music, film, and event coordination. Young cole has helped give notice to multiple up and coming artists in the city with lyrical lemonade being a banner to stand behind. 

All in all Chicago has become a hub for young creatives in many fields. The city known for its skyline and good food is now becoming a pop culture Mecca mirroring that of LA and New York City.