Industry Nights at the Lab: Brings Chicago's Underground Artists Together for a Great Cause

Chicago's the breeding ground for many great artists. Home of Chicago's Twista, R Kelly and Donell Jones, it is a place that is saturated with an underground artistic scene that has birthed new artists in the area of spoken word, rap, hip hop, and rhythm & blues artists. It was on a recent night in Chicago, where I got a chance to hear some underground artists, some who were established and others emerging.

A colleague of mines, Latoya Madlock, who also hosted this wonderful event, brought together an eclectic group of artists, to be highlighted. It was hosted by Chicago's Bionce Foxx, a female deejay from the hottest urban station in Chicago, WGCI. I was delightfully surprised by all the wonderful talent assembled. Music was provided by DJ Phantom, one of the most successful deejays in Chicago while food was provided by MacArthur's, a west side soul food favorite.

Madlock's entertainment group, Leazon, Incorporated, is an artist-friendly organization that works with new and budding artists and gives them several tools to succeed in their young careers. Her company helps artists by providing links for artistic development, such as image consulting, with resources to photographers, a media component that creates customized electronical press kits and access to studio engineers. Nine Leazon, Inc, artists were highlighted at this Industry Night which also raised money in honor of the Aids Foundation of Chicago.

The night was full of embracing the artistry, but also raising the awareness of Aids and it's impact on the African American community, not just in Chicago but nationally.

Some of the artists that shared their wonderful talent were Sean Lett, Bigg Ill, Averi Scott, and Phil G. Phil G has been an opening act for Chicago's Kanye West whose talent has been recognized by the industry and he's pretty well known. I found Phil G's music to be very inspiring, balanced, and a true hip hop lyricist who had positive musicality. Bigg Ill reminded me of Big Pun by his delivery and his huge entourage of hip hop family members who spread themselves across the stage.

But it was all good because the talent was definitely in the house. Headliner Averi Scott's romantic and love ballads, were embraced by the throngs of young ladies at the front of the stage. Sean Lett's music was very balanced and I could tell by the way he used his microphone that he had a love for the game of music. He wasn't just there to "shine" but more to share his love of his craft. A veteran whose been around for a while, he definitely was a bright spot at the end of the show.

This industry night was designed by Leazon to highlight Chicago artists and it was a night that was well attended at the Lab. The Lab, a beautiful space that has resources for artists, is located at 500 West Cermak, and it has an onsite studio, conference and entertainment area that had two bars, a movie projector and complete analog and mixing systems.

If you are an artist and wanted to go to the studio to cut a track, you could do that. Or if you want to host an event at the Lab you could also use the well kept and up to date facilities. It is well equipped with top of the line equipment and it was also designed by an architect with a contemporary design that is absolutely amazing. The interior of The Lab is so comfortable and classic at the same time.

As far as the artistic talent, I loved the solo vocalist whose name escapes me, but she was the only female artist to hit the stage and her vocal ability was at a high range. There was heavy amount of hip hop artists who rapped about life and urban themes. Each artist performed two songs, but there were one or two artists who did more than the 2 song limit, which costs the talent showcase to be expanded. Besides that, I really enjoyed the music of the night and networking.

With subsequent events, I hope there will be more vocalists and hip hop artists, collectively. I think the artists should stick to a certain song limit to make the show case shorter, and for more networking time.

During the night, the audience is encouraged to network, but there was only a brief break between the artistic sets and that limited any time networking. But I did get a chance to pass around a few cards myself.

If you are interested in the next showcase, email Leazon at admin@leazon.net or visit Leazon, Inc at www.leazon.net. Artists interested in artistic development should call 1-866-388-7634.

Those wanting to use The Lab's space should call 1-312-226-1717 or visit The Lab at 500 West Cermak, Suite 501, Chicago, IL 60616.

You won't find a more suitable place to master your work or expand your aspiring career.

If you want to donate money for the Aids Foundation of Chicago, please log on to www.aidschicago.org.

Leazon, Inc. not only brought together artists for a cause, it also reminded that mixing talent with a cause can be a good thing. Music, knowledge and remembering those afflicted by the deadly disease was the main focus. Positivity was the outcome of the night.