The 17th Cipher, Rufus Sims, & IAMGAWD create amazing testimonies w/ release “Chicagospel”

The 17th Cipher has once again proven themselves to be one of those curators with an exceptional ability to bring together some of the best talent Chicago has to offer, not just for the sake of collaboration, but to create moments that actually mean something to the culture. So when you bring Rufus Sims and IAMGAWD together for an entire album, you’re not simply making another collaborative project. You’re documenting a piece of Chicago hip hop history. “Chicagospel” is proof of that. The bar play throughout this project is intentional, the production is pristine, and the creative direction is some of the strongest we’ve seen surrounding a Chicago hip hop release in quite some time. More importantly, the chemistry between Rufus Sims and IAMGAWD continuously reminds you just how dangerous both MCs are with a microphone. Neither artist has to sacrifice what makes them individually powerful for the collaboration to work..

With appearances from Ju Jilla, Panamera P, Shawnna and more, the project continues expanding without losing it’s identity. Every contribution feels connected to the larger world that “Chicagospel” is building. From the creative interludes and skits, to the language being used to describe the many worlds that makes up this project that also explains more about how the city operates. This album is truly a lesson in understanding the world of Chicago moves and how to respect it. That leads to our biggest critique, we need to see that world fully realized. There has already been a rollout, but a project of this magnitude deserves more. Give us the show. Give us the conversations. Give us the visual components. Give us more footage explaining how these records came together. Give us the stories behind the production, the features and the chemistry between these artists. Because “Chicagospel” shouldn’t be treated like an everyday release..

If you’re familiar with Rufus Sims and IAMGAWD separately, then you already understand that both artists have spent years establishing their own standards for what quality MCing looks like within Chicago’s music ecosystem. Bringing those two worlds together under the direction of The 17th Cipher deserves to be documented accordingly. Unfortunately, everybody isn’t going to immediately understand how important a project like this is. That’s exactly why the storytelling surrounding it matters. “Chicagospel” feels like one of those projects we’ll eventually look back on when discussing this particular chapter of Chicago hip hop, who was creating, who was pushing the pen, who was preserving the foundation, and who was helping move the city’s creative direction forward. The music is already there. Now build the universe around it..

Until then, take a listen and let us know what you think..