How pioneer Wildstyle and Crucial Conflict put Chicago hip hop on the map

Chicago, IL -- "Hip Hop saved our lives."

That's how Wildstyle, producer/rapper in the 90s breakout group Crucial Conflict remembers it.

Born and raised on Chicago's West Side, Wildstyle was trying to survive the inner city. Growing up where gangs and selling drugs were part of everyday life, he started to hustle, selling drugs and ended up in a juvenile detention center.

But when rap dawned, it changed his world.

"I can't sing, but I can rap," he said. He admitted that had it not been for rap, "I'd probably be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Wildstyle and Crucial Conflict came up with a unique timing and rhythm unheard of at the time. They doubled the beat and created a "flow that had a bounce," based on Chicago's house music and dance scene. Crucial Conflict made a name for themselves and homegrown music from Chicago when their song "Hey" became a smash hit.

Wildstyle is immensely proud of the fact that "Hey" became a staple in hip hop from Chicago to the world. Their Chicago style sound gave Crucial Conflict the distinction of being the first group to garner platinum and gold for hip hop out of Chicago.

In the summer of 2023, the city of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated 50 years of hip hop and recognized Chicago's native son, Wildstyle, for his contributions to the genre.

Crucial Conflict has definitely made its mark and has been asked to perform with major artists like Snoop Dogg and Jay-Z.

Wild says when that happens, "Little ol' us from Chicago, we gotta show up. We're going to sweat, were not trying to look good, we are trying to rock the whole place!" And they do!