By Caley Chelios

A Medill Newsmakers Report

This edition of Medill Newsmakers looks at Chicago’s growing music scene through the eyes of influential music icons and emerging artists.

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0:00- A look at the current state of Chicago’s music industry.

1:22 Founder and owner of Metro, Joe Shanahan, discusses how the Metro has changed in the last 20-30 years. He dives into his own experience with legendary bands, and the current state of hip hop, rap and house music.

6:52- John the Author, a Chicago rapper, discusses his experience rapping and growing up as a young black male from Chicago. He introduces his new clothing line Blackenomics, and performs one of his own raps.

15:07- Chicago singer Johari Noelle speaks about her experience on BET’s Chasing Destiny and her new extended play album she’s releasing this summer.

18:24- LocalChicago radio host, Brooke Hunter discusses her experience covering and watching local and popular trends among today’s musicians.

25:55- Lead vocalist of the Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Corgan, talks about his experience cutting his teeth in Chicago’s music scene in the early 90’s and his latest tour.