The musician grew up in Chicago, a melting pot of perspectives that he funnels into his high-energy sound. He began rapping after a chance encounter changed his path. “I was a part of this program called the Chicago Freedom School when I was in high school. It’s essentially this nonprofit organization that brings kids from around the area of Chicago to this space downtown, where they would teach us about past social movements, how to become an organizing activist and identity workshops,” Wilson explained. “Every day when I went, I walked past an open mic workshop. I started going, and I would read my poetry. Then I started turning my poems into raps. It was the same open mic spot where Chance [the Rapper] would go, and Saba and lots of other up-and-coming Chicago artists.”
Wilson blends funk, disco-rap and soul across his discography, and he often holds live performances at The Metro and other local live music hotspots. “The Metro is a really dope spot,” the performer says, “I also like Lincoln Hall. It’s also an independently owned venue. Right now, everyone’s into Salt Shed. It’s our big venue.” On this particular day, Wilson decided to pop into The Empty Bottle, a venue that sticks out from the rest.
