Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Crack (Harris).
Chris is a hip-hop artist that hails from the west side of Chicago, Illinois. In recent years, the Chicago area has birthed some formidable talent into its hip-hop community. Artists whose styles range from manically murderous to overtly emo. Then, there’s Chris Crack, whose sometimes frantic, sometimes breezy delivery sets himself outside of that range into a box that only he resides in. That, along with his consistent barrage of musical output, has been the leading factor as to why Chris’ career has taken off over the past few years. Releasing several full-length projects, EP’s, numerous loose songs, and a couple of joint efforts with frequent collaborator Vic $pencer, as ½ of the hip-hop super-group Chris $pencer, Chris Crack has kept his name in the conversation as one the best up-and-coming artists in today’s oversaturated industry. He, along with his longtime friend, collaborator, sound engineer, and New Deal Crew member, Cutta, has been recording and releasing music for nearly ten years but his first official full-length project came to fruition in 2012 with “D.O.P.E. [Doing.Our.Part.Effortlessly]”. Since that first project, Chris has released a ton of music, including collaborative efforts with the creator of the “Soul Trap” sound, rapper/producer Tree. This working-relationship-turned-brotherhood emerged from both artist’s affiliation with the Chicago area hip hop staple crew Project Mayhem and the Mayhem Machine brand.
In 2016, the release of his first collaborative project with Vic $pencer under the appropriately meshed group name Chris $pencer, garnered high praise, landing at number 28 on XXL Magazine’s “50 Best Hip hop Projects of 2016”. The two followed that success with their critically acclaimed project “Blessed” in 2017 and are already in the studio working on their next collaborative effort.
Chris’ music has been featured on almost every major online publication, including Pitchfork, Noisey (Vice Media), Fader, Complex, XXL Magazine, and many more.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course gaining traction in an over-saturated industry, such as the music business, comes with its challenges but Chris has managed to take on those challenges and continue to heighten his stock.
New Deal Crew – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
New Deal Crew is a collective of artists that range from musicians & producers to designers, videographers, and writers & actors, covering all aspects of the entertainment industry. The eclectic group was featured in Pitchfork’s print magazine for an event thrown at their former residence, which a majority of its members once resided in, aptly nicknamed The New Deal Mansion.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Chris’ definition of success in the music industry has less to do with album sales and more to do with making a contribution to the culture of not only hip-hop but human culture as a whole. Chris makes music inclusive of all backgrounds in hopes of the energy being transferred and transplanted into society.
Contact Info:
- Email: bookchriscrack@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscrackndc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewDealCrew/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriscrackndc/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wws8s15DuuQWiG2xct414
Image Credit:
blkwndr (New Deal Crew)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
