In an effort to expand multimedia journalism efforts, “The Parker Weekly” is experimenting with a “Playlist of the Weekly.” This 11 song playlist features new music that has come out of Chicago this past summer. Complementary to each song, there is a short explanation of the song and of the artist(s). Check out this playlist as you do your homework or if you want to hear new music. As you listen feel free to read about each song.

1. “Like U” by singer/rapper/vocalist Appleby, released in late July, is the ultimate chill-out song from his new album, Happiness. Appleby previously never associated his face with his music, but now that he is no longer anonymous a new side of him is shown.
2. “Frequency” by the Burns Twins, Bedows, Elton, and Jean Deaux was produced by three Parker alumni. This song blends jazz and hip-hop perfectly, with the horn lines complimenting Elton’s and Jean Deaux’s vocals.
3. “Work Out” by Chance the Rapper was one of the four surprise singles released in July. It is classic Chance, telling the listener that everything is going to be okay. The chemistry between Chance and one of his go-to producers, Nate Fox, is crystal clear on this track.
4. “Tear U Down” by Iris Temple is the ultimate summer song. A music critic for the Next Wave, Farouk Kannout, says this song sounds like “a nice day at the beach with perfect weather,” exemplified by the jangly guitar and vibraphone-like keys. Iris Temple is made up of two members who both currently live in Chicago, and their music blends soul, hip-hop, jazz and rock.
5. “Karen’s Song” by Joseph Chilliams is very different from the Joseph that Chicago is used to. It highlights his vocals instead of just his rapping, and it being self-produced shows off his skills on the keys. The consistent Mean Girls references all make sense once you hear the outro of the song.
6. “Legends” by Juice Wrld pays homage to the rappers XXXTENTACION and Lil Peep, both who passed away recently. Juice Wrld blew up this summer after his song “Lucid Dreams” went viral, and now he has to adjust to this new life of fame. Juice Wrld graduated Homewood-Flossmoor high school in 2017, and hasn’t looked back since.
7. “Icon” by Ohmme goes past any one genre. It blends folk, rock, and techno. Macie Stewart, one half of Ohmme, graduated from Whitney Young and was part of the band Kids These Days, alongside Vic Mensa and Nico Segal. She since has bounced around, forming various bands, and this is her latest endeavor.
8. “Coupe Se’ Yern” is a self produced song by Chicago-based rapper Smino. This song is a perfect example of Smino’s soul rap, and shows his skills as a producer. The bass line and the keys in this song fit perfectly with his flow.
9. “Be Yourself” by Taylor Bennett tells the listener to do just as the title says: be yourself. He raps about the struggles of being bisexual and black in America. It is one of the most lyrical songs of the summer, but the beat produced by Social Experiment producer Stix keeps it catchy.
10. “Metaphysical” by Vic Mensa “is a song about desire. Admiration. Respect. Uncertainty. Surrender,” Vic said in a press release. “Musically it’s African, tribal. My father is Ghanaian so I’ve wanted to take it there for a long time. I got Stefan Ponce who did ‘Down On My Luck’ for me and Papi Beatz and just spoke my truth into song.”
11. “Stay There” by Brasstracks and Xavier Omär is a feel good, happy sounding, summer record. Xavier, who lives in Chicago, adds his distinct sound to this song over the amazing horn filled instrumental created by Brasstracks.