EAST LAKEVIEW — Two weeks ago, Chicago rapper Towkio released his album, ".WAV Theory" On Saturday, he headlines at Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark St., which he defines as one of the iconic three clubs in the city.
The 21-year-old Irving Park native who grew up in Avondale got his start in high school as part of the SaveMoney collective that launched the careers of Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa.
Here's what Towkio had to say about his upcoming show, his dream collaboration and what Chicago hip-hop is all about:
Q: You made ".WAV Theory" available for free download. Is that becoming more of a trend?
A: Nowadays, music is changing. It's about getting out there. You get more music out there when you give it out for free. You make that investment, and you get it back. I feel like to get it out to the masses, it has to be free and accessible, and I think that's where the future of music is.
Q: What are your thoughts on SaveMoney's successes?
A: I think it just might be timing. I think it's up to the greater gods of the universe. We met people who were like-minded, which made us grow. We were always one-upping each other, and that made us grow faster.
Q: What are some of your favorite Chicago venues?
A: Reggie's, obviously, is the home base, and then you've got to go to Lincoln Hall. I feel like everybody's first [big] show is at the Metro. It just has that historic vibe — everybody stops through there when they get to Chicago.
Q: Define Chicago hip-hop.
A: I feel like it's a blend of so many things, but for me, it's like everybody takes notice of things more in Chicago, and you can hear it all in the music. It's from a perspective of people who see it's OK to have a little ghetto gangsta in you. You can do it in a smart way, tell it in the right way. You can be yourself and carry yourself like a smart man, but it's OK to let people understand who it really is.
Q: What's been your favorite collaboration so far and who's your dream collaborator?
My favorite collaboration so far has to be the Chance and Lido [for "Heaven Only Knows"]. And honestly, the dream dream dream collaboration would have to be with Kanye West and Daft Punk. That would be crazy.
DJ Spinn and Kehlani will open for Towkio at Metro Chicago at 7 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit metrochicago.com.
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