Shot at 14, Pulled the Trigger at 15 — Wesley King Tells the Truth About Chicago Streets

How Jamal Smallz Built His Name in Chicago's Music Industry

Chicago's own Jamal Smallz joins the Chicago Blueprint Podcast for an in-depth conversation about his journey as one of Chicago's respected DJs, the evolution of the city's music scene, radio culture, breaking new artists, and what it takes to stay relevant in a competitive industry. In this episode, Jamal Smallz shares stories from his career, his perspective on Chicago hip-hop, the challenges artists face today, and valuable insights for anyone looking to build a brand in music and entertainment. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, music fan, or someone who loves Chicago culture, this episode delivers real conversations, real experiences, and real game. Topics Covered: ✔️ Chicago Music Scene ✔️ DJ Culture & Radio ✔️ Breaking New Artists ✔️ Music Industry Insights ✔️ Entrepreneurship ✔️ Chicago Hip-Hop History ✔️ Building a Personal Brand Subscribe for more powerful conversations with business leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and changemakers shaping Chicago and beyond. 🎙️ Chicago Blueprint Podcast Hosted by B. Buchanan #ChicagoBlueprint #JamalSmallz #ChicagoDJ #ChicagoHipHop #Podcast #ChicagoCulture #MusicIndustry #DJLife #Radio #ChicagoMusic #HipHopPodcast #LionEyeNetwork Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

The Blueprint of a Legend: TWISTA's Journey From Chicago to Hip-Hop Icon

Chicago hip-hop pioneer and legendary lyricist Twista joins the Chicago Blueprint Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about his rise from Chicago's West Side to becoming one of the most respected and recognizable artists in hip-hop history. Known worldwide for his unmatched speed, lyrical precision, and longevity in the music industry, Twista shares the blueprint behind his success, the challenges he faced coming out of Chicago, and the lessons he's learned throughout a career spanning multiple decades. In this exclusive interview, Twista discusses the evolution of Chicago hip-hop, working alongside some of the biggest names in music, building a lasting legacy, navigating the music business, and what it takes to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. This is more than a conversation about music—it's a masterclass in perseverance, discipline, vision, and staying true to your craft. Topics Covered: • Twista's early beginnings in Chicago • Building a career before social media • Chicago's influence on hip-hop culture • Working with industry legends • The business side of music • Longevity and staying relevant • Advice for the next generation of artists • The legacy Twista wants to leave behind Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, creator, or fan of Chicago culture, this episode provides valuable insight from a true icon who helped shape the sound of a city and inspired generations around the world. Subscribe to Chicago Blueprint Podcast for powerful conversations with influential leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and visionaries who are changing the game and leaving a lasting impact. LION EYE NETWORK Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

Jimmy That Guy: The Truth About Going Viral, Branding & Staying Relevant in Content Creation | Chicago BluePrint Podcast

On this episode of the Chicago BluePrint Podcast, we sit down with content creator Jimmy That Guy for a real, unfiltered conversation about building influence in the digital space. We break down what it really takes to go viral, stay consistent, and turn attention into a real brand and business. From content strategy to mindset, pressure, and authenticity, this episode gives a clear look at what separates people who last online from people who fade out. We also talk about monetization, audience building, and how creators can move smarter in a fast-changing media world. If you’re serious about growing a platform, podcast, or personal brand, this episode brings practical insight and real experience—not theory. Subscribe for more interviews, business talk, sports, and culture from Chicago BluePrint Podcast. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

Charles McSpadden on Fixing Chicago Schools, Returning to Coles & The Real State of Education

Charles McSpadden sits down with Chicago Blueprint for a real conversation about education in Chicago—no sugar-coating. From his early beginnings to his journey back to Coles, McSpadden breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what it really takes to lead in today’s school system. He speaks on the current state of education in the city, the challenges schools are facing, and the role the community must play if real progress is going to happen. This episode dives into: His path in education and leadership Returning to Coles and what it means now Key accomplishments since coming back The biggest problems in Chicago schools today What parents, alumni, and the community need to do next His vision for the future of education If you care about the future of Chicago, this is a conversation you need to hear. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]

“They Took My Son… Now I’m Taking Back the Community | Tonya Burch Tells All”

This is not just an interview — this is real life. In this powerful episode of Chicago Blueprint, we sit down with Tonya Burch, a mother who turned unimaginable pain into a movement. After losing her son, Deontae Montreal Smith, to gun violence, she refused to let his name become just another statistic. She built Taking Back Our Community In Honor Of Deontae Smith — a platform focused on healing, awareness, and real change in Chicago’s hardest-hit communities. We talk about: * The day everything changed * The reality of losing a child to violence * Why the system keeps failing families * The truth about what communities actually need * How she’s bringing mothers together who share the same pain * Turning grief into purpose and leadership This episode also honors the lives of Javier Burch and others whose stories deserve to be heard, not forgotten. Featured and recognized by outlets like WGN-TV, ABC7 Chicago, and CBS News Chicago, her voice is one that demands attention. If you care about real conversations, real solutions, and real people making a difference — this is an episode you need to hear. Watch. Share. Be part of the change. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2397830/support]