Mike DFG is a powerhouse from Chicago’s West$ide, blending raw storytelling with anthemic energy to become one of the city’s most versatile and slept-on underground artists. Known for his distinctive voice, genre-spanning catalog, and captivating stage presence, he’s carved a lane that’s as dynamic as the city that raised him. His music reflects both the struggle and the soul of Chicago — unfiltered, unapologetic, and unforgettable. He solidified his sound with two of his most ambitious releases to date: the self-mixed & mastered Line Of Fire EP and his debut mixtape Love Letter To The West, which dropped in October and turned heads across the city. From packed sets at venues like Metro, Reggie’s, Subterranean, and SXSW in Texas, Mike’s live show proves he’s not just next up — he’s here. Outside the booth, Mike DFG is deeply rooted in community work. He serves on the Chicago Chapter Grammy Board, is a proud member of the John Walt Foundation, and runs his own nonprofit, Bigger Than The City, a platform dedicated to uplifting local creatives and giving them real opportunities to be seen and heard. His impact goes beyond music, proving he’s not just building a career, he’s building a legacy in real time.

Recoechi was born and raised on the south-east side of Chicago. He grew up during the Chief Keef era of Chicago Hip Hop. When he discovered other artists like Tupac Shakur, Lauryn Hill, Kendrick Lamar and J.Cole it unlocked another dimension for him and inspired him to use music as a way to describe and change his environment and those around him. Recoe is heavily involved in community organizing – working with Healthy Hood Chi and his own EastSide Collection , which was co-founded by the producer C-Sick. Musically, Recoe’s name has been bubbling in the Chicago music scene since late 2023 when he linked up with producers such as C-Sick, Renzell, and Thelonious Martin, as well as caught the eye of Sway Calloway and local outlets like Illanoize Radio and The Chicago Reader.

It’s been ‘All Gas No Brakes’ for SONNY since sharing his 9-track mixtape in February. Marked by co-signs from Chicago creative forces like Andrew Barber, LONEWOLF and Lyrical Lemonade among others, the “KILL BILL” artist’s sets are as lively and enigmatic as his music. Opening for renowned artists such as Dro Kenji, Midwxst and more, SONNY’s creative style thrives by staying “RISKY” — referencing his ‘AGNB’ hit with LONEWOLF’ — above all. A true descendant of Chicago’s drill roots, SONNY is at his best when in front of his home crowd.

Okdeazy is a 22-year-old artist from the North Side of Chicago, Illinois, known for his versatile musical style that blends mellow melodic vibes with high-energy beats. Drawing inspiration from artists like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Juice Wrld, Chance The Rapper, and G Herbo, he showcases unpredictability as one of his strengths, delivering both chill melodies and lyrically rich tracks. Known for his eclectic blend of mellow melodic vibes and high-energy beats, Okdeazy is not just a singer and songwriter but a true musician who speaks the language of music fluently. With a growing discography and an expanding fan base, Okdeazy continues to make a significant impact on the music scene.

Kamyah Williams (known professionally as Xella Red) born June 29, 2006, is an American recording artist and producer born in Chicago, Illinois. At 12, she began releasing music after recording with her family members (who were also prominent artists). While growing up surrounded by musicians, personally music became her only outlet. Her experiences help flesh out her identity and uniqueness as a solo act. In 2021, she made her appearance in the trap metal/experimental trap scene. Her videos on Instagram garnered thousands of views. Her online presence sky-rocketed in three years of being a studied artist.

https://www.instagram.com/hatekels/

$IC•PARVIS•MAGNA• Based & Created in Chicago, $.I. is a music collective with footprints already set in the Underground Chicago Music Scene #WarReady🪖

22 year old Chicago based producer, singer, and songwriter with an electrifying ethereal-like sound moving between the realms of triphop, electroclash, synthpop, and more .

Chicago artist, MVTE is known for her one-of-a-kind voice, effortless flow and poignant, relatable lyrics. Her music is a rich, diverse mosaic spanning sonic landscapes from jazz influenced slow burners to hard hitting anthems to dance floor favorites. Drawing inspiration from artists like Missy Elliot, Lauryn Hill, Anderson .Paak, and Amil, her music is unique, fun and filled with feeling, transporting the listener into her world. Since 2023, MVTE has been consistently performing and releasing new music including singles, music videos and an EP titled Mama’s House. She has graced the stage at iconic Chicago venues including The Promontory, House of Blues and Reggie’s Rock Club as well as festivals like Pride Parade and Market Days. MVTE’s starpower continues to grow with every release and performance, making her one of music’s most exciting and unique voices.

@young.in__ & @fydelemusic 

Waine Ghazi, a producer and engineer from Chicago, is celebrated for creating immersive worlds through sound and vision. Drawing from the legacy of hip-hop greats, Waine produces and engineers every track himself, crafting music that’s both authentic and boundary-pushing. Expanding into R&B and free music, Waine’s work carries powerful messages of self-discovery and finding oneself, while championing inclusivity and self-love in safe spaces for Black and Brown communities.

CRASHprez is a rapper from Fort Washington, MD, currently based in Chicago. These are the musings of a young Black man living, loving, struggling, and building a new world from the wreckage of whatever all… this is. “This” being this ugly world we landed in; CRASHprez raps about that ugly, and the beauty in that, too. CRASH is 1/3rd of the group defprez, with Defcee and knowsthetime. CRASH has shared stages with the likes of Chance the Rapper, Mick Jenkins, Vince Staples, Saba, JPEGMAFIA, and Slow Pulp among many others.

☆ MIDWEST MUZIK ☆

If Ajskells represents anything, it’s doing exactly what you want and striving to make it happen. As an artist & music producer, he’s been creating his own DIY music projects for the better part of a decade. Coming off his most recent project “TGEV: AFTERLIFE”, he continues to tell a story and create something bigger than just himself. At times he still takes time to remind you why he’s where he is, with songs like “WHAT YOU OWED” & “WALK ON WATER”. Sometimes Aj has to reflect and take a moment as an artist, which creates for songs like “hotbox my ride” & “everything i know”. Ajskells is an artist who wants to create a world and bring you as deep into it as possible.

count my demons, count my reasons, count my blessings… GREYISHERE