For ten years now, Galapagos4 has been one of the most respected and notorious independent, underground labels around, redefining the genre and setting standards for underground hip hop in the city of Chicago. Known for experimental production and top-knotch lyricism, it’s a more cerebral craft to these guys than other contemporary heavyweights in the industry, and this week we can celebrate their decade long footprint in the windy city scene.
what: Galapagos4 10th Anniversary Party [tickets]
when: Saturday, June 6th
where: Reggies
why: Typical Cats, Offwhyte, Robust, Mestizo, Outerlimitz, Pugslee Atomz, Himself, Rift, Royce, Dirty Digital, DJ White Lightning, Denizen Kane, Qwel, Dallas Jackson, Dr. Jones and Maker
From the ashes of WHPK’s Wednesday Night Rap Show rose Qwazaar, Qwel, Denizen Kane & DJ Natural as the Typical Cats [buy] with their self-titled debut that dominated my headphones for months steadily at the beginning of the millenium. “Thin Red Line” always stood out for me properly as a dedication to their roots and our pulic transportation.
Touching on Typical Cats I’ve got to give Qwel [buy] his due praise. The mad-scientist on the label, Qwel has worked alongside Maker, DJ Meaty Ogre and DJ White Lightning. Below is from a collaboration with Maker.
DJ Whitelightning’s [buy] earlier release White on White Crime has one of my favorite Pugslee Atomz drops titled “5 From Every Dime” that has some of the best lyrics in any song I can think of.
DJ White Lightning – 5 From Every Dime (feat. Pugslee Atomz)
Another album that I listened to on repeat for months back in the day was Providence Plays No Favorites by Himself [buy]. Haven’t heard much since, but that album is great.
In closing with a memory; A few years ago I caught the Galapagos4 roster swinging through Tempe while I was out in Arizona. The Tempe arts community out there had a lot of love to give to the Chicago underground and on that trip I caught Mike Gao & Mestizo [buy], hailing from LA, having just released an album together.
Mestizo & Mike Gao – Pickup 52s
