It's like Action Jackson and Charles Bronson had a baby... oh wait.
Straight from the state of NY, the albanian beard (which only ladies can touch) came to rip another stage in the city of Ottawa. With a
spliff in one hand and a mic in the other, Action Bronson rocked the crowd at Babylon Nightclub with an intimate, unforgettable
performance. He performed "Tan Leather" from his Blue Chips collaborative project, "Shiraz" off his debut 2011 Dr. Lecter album, and
more while enthusiastic fans shouted every word back at him. Before his set, ENVY staffies headed downstairs to find Action laid back
with a magic cloud of smoke above his head. We sat, we chilled, and we asked some questions. Action spoke to us about why he loves
Ottawa, how rapping "saved" him, his upcoming project with The Alchemist, and more. Hit the interview and the photos to see what went
down.
What to do in the 312
Lollapalooza is over for another year, but it's likely you've still got some time left before your return to the real world (aka home). Whether it's a few hours, or a few days, here are some suggestions of what to do when you're downtown Chicago with some time on your hands.
THE MUST DO'S
Buy a CTA pass
For anyone used to Toronto's pathetic subway system, Chicago's L-train will look like heaven. The CTA system uses fare cards that are pre-loaded instead of dealing with cash, so be prepared. You can buy fare-cards at L-train stations and you can get weekly, unlimited usage cards at some of the L stations too. At $23.00 for one week's unlimited transit use, this is the way to go. Get it at the station when you get off the plane at either Midway or O'hare.
Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise
Even if you're not an architecture nerd in the slightest, you'll still have a good time on this boat. Being on the water, cruising up the river's arteries, getting a cool breeze in the middle of the Chicago summer, and sipping a cold drink is always a good way to spend the afternoon. Instead of zoning out and enjoying the ride, listen to the astoundingly knowledgeable guide and check out some of the city's most amazing buildings. Also make sure to hit up the bar for one of their killer vodka lemonades! At $35.00 for an hour and a half long cruise, it's not a bad deal either.
Check out architecture.org/rivercruise for schedules and advanced ticket sales, though you can also buy tickets at the dock.
Second City Chicago
At only twenty-ish bucks a person, this actually surprised us cynical ENVY staffers because it was so much better than expected! Second City puts on a number of different shows; some pure improv, some mixed improv and sketches, and some travelling shows-- you can't go wrong with any of them. Outrageous, ridiculous, and insanely hilarious all at once. To put it bluntly, these guys are actually piss your pants funny!
Food and drinks are available from servers that work the room and a dinner package before the show is available. Be prepared to sit in cabaret style seating though (read: very, very intimate. You will get to know your neighbours quickly). Check out secondcity.com/performances/chicago/calendarandtickets for show schedules and ticket sales. Buy your tickets early because the room was packed on a Monday night!
THE MAYBE'S
Shedd Aquarium
Don't get us wrong, Shedd Aquarium is amazing in it's own right. The only reason it's in the maybe section is because it's an aquarium like most others in the world. If you've seen an aquarium before, you're better off spending your time and money on a unique Chicago attraction. If this is your first aquarium visit, buy your ticket for around $35.00 (depending on what attractions you want to see) and have your mind blown by some awesome creatures. Don't miss the jellyfish! sheddaquarium.org
Willis Tower Skydeck
You'll know it as the Sears tower, but what you won't know is that the new owners have added two glass boxes that cantilever out on the top of the city. A little expensive for what is really about 5 minutes of standing in a box but it's probably the coolest and highest glass box you'll ever stand in. More info and pictures at theskydeck.com
Magnificent Mile Shopping
If new threads are your thing, this is pretty self explanatory. Michigan Avenue north or the river will be heaven for you.
THE MAYBE-NOT'S
John Hancock Centre
It's not that the observation floor at the top of the John Hancock Centre isn't spectacular, it's just that in Chicago you're a bit spoiled for choice when it comes to tall buildings with great view and at $17.50, the aforementioned Willis Tower with it's step-in glass boxes offers a heart-stopping experience, at the exact same price. jhochicago.com/en
Navy Pier
One of Chicago's most popular attractions is on the maybe-not list?
If spending your day with thousands of screaming children, all for a ride on a ferris wheel, is your idea of fun, check out Navy Pier. Otherwise, stay clear! If you're going to go, go at night. There'll be far fewer children and the rides are lit up awesomely! navypier.com
The best part about this list, is that it's only a start. Chicago is filled with places to fill your Lolla down time and make your wallet a little lighter. Check out choosechicago.com for a full list of what's happening in chi-town at all times of the year. In the 312, Lollapalooza is just the start!
Written by: Matthew Banks
The Cave, simply put, is a collective of hard working artists all reaching toward the same dream. The LJ, Sarju, JR, Kid JD, Aaron Bell, and Rello make up The Cave movement. Envy had the opportunity to spend the day at The Cave studio and observe how things went down. It started with a sample from a random record that soon turned into an incredible beat and, in the end, turned into a song that we can't get out of our heads. The LJ talks with us about the team he rocks with, what you can expect in the studio, what goal they're trying to reach, and more.
This brand new "Studio Life" series follows a day in the life of truly inspiring artists, showing you how they get from point a to point b with their craft. An insight into the behind-the-scenes that you rarely get to see.The Cave Links:website | facebook Follow the Team:@theincrediblelj | @xKidJDx | @aaronbell | @ggrello Feature By: Chizzle | Website:ChizzlePhotography.ca
Envy Magazine x WYWCM Mixtape | Volume Four
[Coming Soon]
Contributer: Riki P. | Website:WYWCM.COM
