Herbology

 

The Rise of G Herbo: A Voice from Chicago's Streets

In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, few artists have managed to capture the essence of their city as vividly as G Herbo. Hailing from Chicago’s East Side, G Herbo—born Herbert Wright III—has emerged as a powerful voice, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of his environment. His unique style blends raw storytelling with infectious energy, making him a standout in the rap scene.

Early Life and Influences

Growing up in Chicago, G Herbo faced the challenges of a neighborhood plagued by violence and hardship. He began rapping at a young age, drawing inspiration from local legends like Lil Durk and Chief Keef. These influences shaped his early sound and lyrical content, but G Herbo quickly developed his own identity. His experiences—filled with both joy and tragedy—became the foundation of his music.

Breakthrough and Success

G Herbo gained national attention with the release of his 2014 mixtape and my favorite rap album, Welcome to Fazoland, named in honor of his friend who was killed. The project showcased his ability to convey deep emotions and narratives that resonate with listeners. Tracks like "Kill Shit" and "Lord Knows" highlighted his raw talent and storytelling prowess, leading to collaborations with artists such as Lil Bibby and Juice WRLD.

His follow-up mixtapes, Ball
in Like I’m Kobe and Humble Beast, solidified his place in the industry, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. G Herbo’s music often addresses themes of trauma, resilience, and the realities of street life, making him a relatable figure for many.

Evolving Sound and Artistic Growth

With each project, G Herbo has evolved both lyrically and sonically. His 2020 album, PTSD, marked a significant milestone in his career. The title track features a star-studded lineup, including Juice WRLD, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Uzi Vert. The album delves into mental health issues, a topic that resonates deeply within the hip-hop community and beyond.

G Herbo’s willingness to be vulnerable in his music sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. He openly discusses his experiences with PTSD and the impact of violence on mental health, helping to destigmatize these conversations.

Impact and Community Engagement

Beyond his music, G Herbo is committed to giving back to his community. He founded the Swervin’ Through Stress initiative, aimed at providing resources for mental health awareness among youth. By using his platform to advocate for change, he demonstrates that hip-hop can be a force for good.

Herbo's impact goes beyond his lyrics; he serves as a role model for young artists navigating similar challenges. He frequently speaks about the importance of resilience, encouraging his fans to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.

Conclusion

G Herbo's journey from the streets of Chicago to the forefront of hip-hop is a testament to his talent, authenticity, and determination. As he continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, there’s no doubt that he will leave a lasting mark on the industry and his community. With each new release, he invites listeners to join him on a journey that reflects the complexity of life in Chicago—a journey that is far from over.

Finally Rich

In December 2012, a seismic shift occurred in the world of hip-hop with the release of Chief Keef’s debut studio album, Finally Rich. At just 17 years old, Keef had already made waves in the Chicago rap scene with his viral hits and raw sound, but this album catapulted him into the national spotlight and solidified his status as a key figure in the genre.

The Rise of Chief Keef

Born Keith Cozart, Chief Keef's journey began in the Chicago neighborhood of Englewood, where he was influenced by the realities of street life. He gained early recognition through his mixtapes, particularly Back From the Dead, which showcased his unique style and gritty lyrics. The breakout single "I Don't Like," produced by Young Chop, became an anthem for the city and attracted the attention of major figures in the industry, including Kanye West.

Finally Rich: An Overview

Finally Rich was not just an album; it was a cultural moment. Featuring a mix of trap beats and his signature vocal delivery, the project presented a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Keef's life. The album included standout tracks like "Love Sosa," "Ballin'," and "Hate Bein' Sober," which featured guest appearances from the likes of 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa. These songs encapsulated the hedonism and struggles of urban youth, bridging the gap between the streets and mainstream rap.

The production on the album was equally noteworthy, largely crafted by the talented Young Chop, whose beats became synonymous with Keef’s sound. The collaboration resulted in a cohesive project that resonated with fans and critics alike, earning a place in the lexicon of 2010s hip-hop.

Cultural Impact

Upon its release, Finally Rich sparked conversations about the rise of drill music and the influence of Chicago rappers in the broader hip-hop landscape. Keef's sound and style influenced a wave of artists who followed, helping to popularize a new aesthetic characterized by aggressive beats, minimalist production, and introspective lyrics.

The album's impact extended beyond music. Keef became a symbol of youth culture, particularly among fans drawn to his rebellious persona. His use of social media and platforms like Vine allowed him to connect with a generation hungry for authenticity, further solidifying his role
as a voice for the streets.

Reception and Legacy

Critically, Finally Rich received mixed reviews, but its significance cannot be understated. The album debuted at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 50,000 copies in its first week. Over the years, tracks like "Love Sosa" have transcended their initial release, becoming staples in playlists and playlists that celebrate the evolution of hip-hop.

As time has passed, Finally Rich has garnered a cult following, with many fans and critics recognizing it as a pivotal release that shaped the sound of contemporary rap. Chief Keef's unapologetic approach and commitment to his roots have inspired countless artists, making him a key figure in the genre's ongoing evolution.

Conclusion

In retrospect, Finally Rich is more than just Chief Keef's debut album; it's a cultural artifact that encapsulates a moment in time where authenticity in hip-hop was both celebrated and scrutinized. As we look back at the album’s legacy, it’s clear that Chief Keef not only carved out a space for himself in the industry but also paved the way for future generations of artists. In the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop, Finally Rich remains a defining work that continues to influence and inspire.

Drill, like the tool?

The development of slang and vulgarity is crucial to the fruition of rap in Chicago, as at some point the songs sound less and less like proper English and more like a different language. This use of slang is great when having a conversation with a close friend, but to an unassuming listener the music itself can come off as indigestible. While rap happens to be a polarizing genre, it doesn't have to be incomprehensible to the average listener. In this article I'm looking to break down some of the variables that make the subgenre so unique, from the vocabulary to the content of the music.

(Chief Keef circa 2012)

"Trap" is a subgenre of rap music that focuses on a lineation of music from Atlanta in the 90s and 00s that took from the slang term "Trap House". The content of the music is usually NSFW, with frequent mentions of illegal operations, the life in the city, and occasional disses and tributes. At surface level most of this music should be shielded from the younger demographic, and while the argument is valid, understanding why people make the music is key to understanding the genre.

(Lud Foe & Lil Durk)

Most rappers, especially out of Chicago are rapping because they've expanded every other opportunity to make money. The glorification of the industry is easily done with the digitalization of music, however listening to the songs in depth usually provide a disturbing realization of the conditions. People usually listen to "Trap" or "Drill" music are not only listening for the catchy productions and rhymes, but the sheer emotion (positive & negative) that manifests itself in a musical production. 

(L'A Capone- "Play For Keeps" A Local Anthem)

Many of these productions are homemade, with local businesses or friends helping with the video. "Play For Keeps" as shown above was a popular song locally during the time of its release in 2012. One line stood out during the barrage of words, reading: "If he can't break bread he fake, I had one more buck on my plate, it was me & bro we was at the store and both of us got fifty cent cakes". One of my favorite quotes of all time, and a recognizable one for most Chicago natives. The line doesn't read too deep but the message is powerful, the hardships of growing up in an underprivileged and underserved community lead to seemingly menial decisions of splitting your last dollar, but these messages resonate with the community. These lyrics mixed with the amateur production and location make for a strong sense of emotion and a very catchy song. 

-D.B

West Side Best Side

 

*DISCLAIMER*: This blog contains sensitive topics, if this makes you uncomfortable please refrain from reading past the second picture

A little bias sure, but when you take a step back to look at where the musical influence originated from, you can't ignore "OutWest". People feel very strongly about where they come from within the city and stark differences between each area of the city helps to perpetuate that notion. To understand how people unofficially classify the city we have to look at the designated community areas (neighborhoods) and how Chicago uniquely classifies which streets line out where you are in the city of 2,600,000 residents.

This is one of the best visual maps I could find that helps to understand the clumping of neighborhoods as the city does very little to label the grouping of communities. Usually in the traditional view the city is split into 3, being the North, South, and West sides which are all divided by the river. This helps to generalize where you are referring to as not everyone knows where all 77 neighborhoods are located. When viewing the city in terms of musical influence the West Side has never been front and center, but consistently produces a wide range of vocal talent from the least publicized side of the city. 

Taking a closer look between the streets we can find artists like Twista, Lucki, Lud Foe, and VonOff1700 as of recently representing the communities they grew up in. Twisa represented the Garfield Park communities heavily throughout the 90s and 2000s after gaining notoriety from his 2004 album "Kamikaze" produced by Kanye West. Twista has the first certified platinum & 2x platinum rap album created by a West Side artist. This influence echoed hard throughout the community, as in the coming years everyone and their sister wanted to be a famous rap artist just like Twista. Being able to relate to an artist is one thing, but knowing them personally skyrockets your interest exponentially. Going to OPRFHS located just blocks west of city limits, I was immersed in the development of the genre over the years, befriending industry names and understanding differences between subgenres. 

  I personally knew 2 artists during my time at school and befriended one before his passing in 2023. Swagg2100, real name CJ was a rapper during the years of 2021-2023 where he released numerous singles, EP's, and albums before he overdosed on pressed percocet pills on august 29th 2023. I considered CJ a personal friend from 2020 and on, and I enjoyed his company and music in the time we knew each other. He still has a impressive listening on Spotify given the lack of releases, and has songs garnering over 200,000 plays over multiple platforms. Swagg left behind a baby girl, who is in good care with her birth mother in his home neighborhood of North Lawndale. In conclusion, not only am I a fan of the genre, but my personal life has found its way into the industry and I feel the need to raise awareness of the unrecognized artists representing for their underrepresented community. 

"Loyalty over love they only love you when you die" - Swagg2100

Check out CJ's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3u88tAjGNyji0zwdU0Wnjs?si=6YQcYiMCSU-rSuJi0usTew

-DB