LEGENDS OF CHICAGO HIP HOP

Veno the Narrator is a Hip Hop legend hailing from Chicago’s South Side. A standout talent from Simeon High School, where he rubbed shoulders with rap icons like the Legion of Doom and Severe Damage, Veno carved out his own legacy with his smooth flow, witty lyrics, and razor-sharp wordplay. His unique style set him apart and solidified his place in Chicago's vibrant Hip Hop scene. 

Ice Cold The Ultimate Warrior aka Blaq Ice, a pioneering figure in Chicago's artistic and political spheres, made waves as the first Hip Hop/Spoken Word artist and poet to delve into local politics. His bid for Alderman of the 17th Ward in 2001 marked a significant milestone, securing an impressive second place. In 2017, Blaq Ice etched his name in history by establishing the groundbreaking National Spoken Word Awards, which swiftly gained acclaim as the foremost recognition for performance poets, akin to the Grammys.

A pivotal member of the Black Heroes Matter Movement, Blaq Ice played a crucial role in the renaming of the famed Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive in 2021, finally honoring the city's overlooked founder after two centuries.

 Trill McCoy is a dynamic hip hop artist hailing from the South Side of Chicago, specifically Englewood. A true renaissance man, Trill is not just an urban speaker but also a content creator, producer, and fashion designer. His animated and influential performances, combined with a style and voice that deeply resonate with the people, have made him a major force in the culture. Tril's music is characterized by melodic yet gritty rhymes that tell powerful stories, delivered through dramatic performances that leave a lasting impact. A true visionary, he continues to push boundaries and provoke thought through his art. As a Chicago hip hop legend, Trill McCoy's impact on the culture is both profound and enduring, 

 Lord Cashus D is as much a teacher as he is an artist. The Universal Zulu Nation, under founder Afrika Bambaataa, set up its first Chicago chapter under Cashus in 1978. With his unique style of teaching, combined with his knowledge of African-American studies, world history and hip-hop culture, he has been teaching both young and old in Chicago and at such prestigious institutions as Harvard University, Northeastern Illinois University and Chicago State University for over 30 years. As an emcee, he has shared the stage with such artists as Public Enemy, Arrested Development, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, The Last Poets, George Clinton and KRS-One.