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Towkio's guide to the best places to hang in Chicago

22 June 2018 | 9:51 am | Emma Jones

Being the first rapper to be signed by none other than RICK RUBIN is certainly something everyone wants to have on their resume, but for Chicago rapper TOWKIO, that is actually a reality. From a mixtape and an EP, Towkio's name spread like wildfire all over the world, propping up the artist in a very good position for the release of his official debut album earlier this year.

WWW was produced by LIDO and recorded at Rubin's legendary Shangri-La Studios, but the hefty credits don't stop there with additional production from Knox Fortune, Peter Cottontale, Nico Segal, Carter Lang, Nate Fox and features from Vic MensaTeddy Jackson, SZA and more. It's a versatile, intricate record that highlights Towkio resisting fitting into boxes or categories, and instead building a lane all to himself. Never forgetting the early days of mixtape .Wav Theory or his EP, Community Service 2, he sounds truly evolved and his open-minded approach saw him deliver one of the year's most impressive releases.

Now, he's finally making an appearance on Australian soil, hitting Splendour In The Grass as well as two sideshows. Before he does, however, we got to know him a little better with a personalised guide to Chicago and his favourite places to hang. Check it all out below!

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[caption id="attachment_77673" align="alignnone" width="300"] Image via Eartunes[/caption]

1. Downtown on Chicago Ave - It's where we used to kick it as kids and get in trouble. There's always a lot going on and it's a great place to people watch. 

[caption id="attachment_77674" align="alignnone" width="500"] Image via Tara and Karina Go Out[/caption]

2. Saint Alfred's - Saint Alfred's is my favorite place to shop in town. They always have the freshest clothes and they help keep me flee. All of the homies work there so it's a place I can go and see my friends.

[caption id="attachment_77675" align="alignnone" width="710"] Image via LPZ Studios Tumblr[/caption]

3. LPZ Studios - This is mainly where I spend my time recording music in Chicago. I recorded my project .Wav Theory here and it will forever be a special place to me. 

[caption id="attachment_77676" align="alignnone" width="651"] Image via The Hundreds[/caption]

4. Nini's Deli -  This is my homie Juan's restaurant. They have the most fire Cuban sandwiches and the customer service is the best in town. Definitely stop by and say Towkio recommended it if you ever find yourself in Chicago

[caption id="attachment_77677" align="alignnone" width="636"] Image via Chicago Tribune[/caption]

5. MCA/Art Institute - I really appreciate art and both of these places constantly have amazing exhibits. Takashi Murakami had an exhibit at the MCA last Fall and it was one of the most fire things I've ever seen. 

Catch TOWKIO in Australia:

Splendour In The Grass - SOLD OUT

Thursday 19 July – Howler, Melbourne

Friday 20 July – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Intro by Emma Jones

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