Local hip-hop group He Who Walks Three Ways played a big role in developing the Chicago scene in the early 90s. In 1992, cofounder Duro Wicks launched a short-lived but crucial hip-hop weekly at Lower Links, which put a spotlight on HWWTW—they were big enough to open for the likes of the Pharcyde, Arrested Development, and A Tribe Called Quest. (Lori Branch, the DJ for the four-person outfit, had already secured her own legendary status when she became the first female house DJ.) Unfortunately, the group’s music has been difficult to hear for decades, but last week HWWTW rapper Juba Kalamka posted Technology Delivered 91/94 to Bandcamp. The name-your-price download compiles two demos: 1992’s Check Your Lips at the Door and 1994’s Me, IBM and the Baby Jesus.
Last week, Chicago MC Myquale dropped the EP Passport Package, where he swerves suavely between rapping and singing atop a blend of Afro-pop, modern funk, and minimalist R&B. Myquale has the talent to transport you to serene climes, and we could all use a little vacation right now. v
