Official Sponsor 2025 Crazy Work Award is Crazy Work Awards — Where the Real Grinders Get Their Flowers The Crazy Work Awards highlights the true grinders, hustlers, and entrepreneurs whose work is too often overlooked. For 13+ years, TheCrazyRiotShow has been shining a light on the people who really go CRAZY in the city — and we’re proud to keep the tradition going in 2025. What makes these awards special? The people run it. Every category is created by the community, and ev

847 ZOO There’s a new young sound coming out of Zion, IL — raw, hungry, and built for the big stage. And if you’ve been hearing people yell “ZOO!”, that’s not just a slogan… that’s a mantra born straight from the city. A mentality. A movement. A whole new energy. At the center of it? 847 Zoo — the artist turning his hometown into a breeding ground for something different, something wild, something the industry ain’t ready for. Music grabbed him early, but by freshman year, 2

NoGo Bam: The Next Star Out of Eastern Lake County? NoGo Bam is making waves in the music industry and could be the first artist from Eastern Lake County in a long time to sign with a major record label. The North Chicago native has been gaining traction by collaborating with some of the industry’s top producers, artists, and social media platforms. His latest single, Lil Bae, is out now on all streaming platforms and has been catching fire. The track showcases his signature

Ty Swipe In the heart of Lake County’s rap scene, a new titan has emerged: TY SWIPE. His recent series of diss tracks has not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also solidified his position at the pinnacle of the local hip-hop community. The intensity began with a familial face-off against his blood cousin, Real Shotta MBK. The two engaged in a fiery exchange of diss records, capturing the community’s attention. TY SWIPE’s Facebook post featuring the scathing track “Blank

NoGo Bam: North Shore’s Hip-Hop Rebel Poised to Dominate 2025 Every so often, the hip-hop scene witnesses the rise of an artist whose story, talent, and grind captivates the culture. Enter NoGo Bam, a North Chicago native who’s been making major moves since stepping onto the scene in 2024. With his undeniable charisma, sharp lyricism, and compelling journey, Bam is gearing up to become a household name in 2025. From Trials to Triumphs Bam’s journey into music wasn’t your typi

Niqua Gordon: Waukegan’s Rising Fashion Star Meet Niqua Gordon, a 34-year-old fashion designer hailing from Waukegan, IL. Inspired by her family, clients, and the vibrant energy of her community, Niqua uses fashion as a way to express herself and tell stories. Whether crafting her own vision or bringing a client’s story to life through her designs, she sees fashion as a powerful art form. Her journey began with a single bathing suit design, sparking a passion that hasn’t stop

A Historic City at a Crossroads Nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan, Waukegan, Illinois, serves as the county seat for Lake County—one of the wealthiest counties in America. Known for its diverse population, storied history, and burgeoning cultural revival, Waukegan is a city with immense potential and an equally dynamic political landscape. Founded in 1849, Waukegan has seen its share of political turbulence. The mayoral seat, in particular, has been a revolving door, wit

North Chicago 2025 Mayoral Election: A Battle for the Future For over two decades, North Chicago, a tight-knit suburb of nearly 30,000 just north of Chicago, has seen the steady leadership of Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. Known for his calm demeanor and commitment to community development, Rockingham’s tenure has been marked by significant progress. Under his leadership, the city has experienced economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a steady rise in home values. According