The Forecast is a music series, hosted by sibling duo Rome J & Morgan Elise Johnson, which predicts the next wave of Chicago artists. This episode includes rappers Magix King, Bianca Shaw and our feature artist, Ty Money.

Chicago legend Twista likened Ty Money to rap’s timeless storyteller, Slick Rick.

Street chief Bump J crowned him the next king out of the Chi.

And the people of south suburban Harvey, IL exalt their native son as the savior of rap’s most valuable possession, lyricism, in the age of mindless mumble rappers.

There’s no better time than now for Ty Money to shake up the industry, and that’s exactly what he plans to do as he rides the wave of the latest release in his mixtape series, Cinco de Money 3.

On Sunday, the self-proclaimed King of Sibley will hit the stage at Reggie’s Chicago, his first headlining show, at 7 PM ($10). Other notables on the bill include his homeboy and “Shell” rapper Valee, Reggie Bonds, Weasel Sims and Chimeka, who is featured on his tape.

“I started rapping about 10 years ago, but I didn’t get serious until I got released from prison in 2013,” Ty Money says. His ability to turn the gritty reality of Black life in neglected communities like his hometown Harvey into witty bars with masterful cadence is what made Chicago rap sensei Bump J pay attention.

Photo by Mike Bonds/40K Productions

“Bump reached out about a year ago from jail,” Ty Money adds. “When he came home, his brother was the first to hit me, like, ‘Bump ‘gon call you tomorrow.’” Just before Cinco 3’s release, Bump J sent over his verse for “Yes or No,” his first appearance since his April 12 prison release.

The track is a standout on Cinco 3, alongside “Fraudulent” and “Wuwopdabam,” a TRiiBE favorite. However, “Yes or No” and “Fraudulent” feel unfinished in their own ways, leaving the listener craving for more. As Ty Money rises in popularity and, hopefully, moves toward a debut album, opting for more diverse beat selections and song completeness will make him invincible. Cinco 3 is Ty Money’s testament that he’s here to stay.


Rating: 3.8/4