Hailing from the southside of Chicago, Ric Wilson is releasing his fourth project, BANBA. This EP is a funky production full of wavy synths that flow alongside Wilson’s melodic raps. He is following up from his 2016 releases The Sun Is Out and Soul Bounce, as well as last years Negrow Disco. These three releases have created a strong following for Wilson, both at home and further a far. The Chicagoan comes from good stock too, honing his art at Young Chicago Authors, the same place rappers such as Chance The Rapper and Vic Mensa started out. Wilson is spreading a positive message, one that goes hand in hand with his activism is his city, no more so than on the title track Banba (Black Art Not Bad Art). The final track on the record, Split, highlights the philosophical crisis that many youth face today, finding what you stand for and holding yourself to that standard. This message is coupled with bouncy drums and funky synths that lay down feel good vibes to close out the record in the right way. It’s an extremely mature message from the 22 year old, who’s self described “disco rap” is a fresh sound that is deep with substance. © Aidan Nickerson/ Qobuz