Directed by Sense Hernandez for Beast Factory

Beats and Bars embodies the true essence of Hip-Hop to its core. It provides young minorities a place to find their voice, encourage creativity and become more aware of their communities. So much is evident in “Who They Wish I Was,” the first official single/video released by the kids enrolled in this after-school program at Lawndale High School in Little VIllage.

Filmed in and around their school by Sense Hernandez, “Who They Wish I Was” features teenagers who barely started rapping a few months ago, but now sound at home behind the mic and ready to tell their stories. The song touches on deep topics emphasized by the type of candidness one can only find amongst the youth. Focusing on the labels and expectations given to them by society, and the struggle to break free from them; Bravo, Cee'Jay, Seloner, and Akua all go in with poignant bars about survival, family and hope over cunning production by CashmoneyAP.

Mentored by Navarro (f.k.a. Scheme), an extremely respected emcee in the local scene, these young artists have proven in just their first release ever that their potential is limitless. Their forthcoming debut project should be a must download once it drops June 14th.