“Told Y’all: The Chicago Underground Music Scene Ain’t What You Think” By GerryPthaDJ

Let me start by saying this ain’t hate. This is truth. And if it hits a nerve, maybe that’s the part of you that knows I’m right.

I’ve been telling y’all for years—Chicago’s underground music scene isn’t a movement, it’s a mirage. What looks like unity is often just a photo op. What feels like support is just temporary applause, usually followed by silence—or worse, sabotage. You might think you’re building with folks, but the whole time they’re measuring your reach, plotting your downfall, or waiting for a misstep to weaponize it for clout.

Let’s be real. What we have isn’t a thriving music community—it’s a popularity contest disguised as culture. And the judges? Groupies, bullies, and keyboard gangstas who’ve never made anything move except rumors. Male or female, they all run the same tired play: find the real talent, isolate it, mock it, gaslight it—and if that don’t work, weaponize gossip to damage your name.

Then sit back and laugh while everyone else watches, quiet.

Like it’s just entertainment. Like that person’s whole career and peace of mind ain’t on the line.

Like it won’t spill over into something darker.

This ain’t just about music anymore. The scene’s messiness mirrors the streets—disloyalty, jealousy, attention-hungry chaos. And if you’re “real,” if you stand on business, if you actually care about your craft, you become the target. That’s backwards.

Worse, some of y’all profit off this drama. You build platforms around mess, then turn around and talk about “peace” and “unity” when the blood spills. You can’t play both sides. If you’re adding fuel to the gossip, celebrating the downfall of real artists, or turning your head when it happens—you’re part of the problem.

Here’s the truth nobody likes to admit:

There ain’t no friends in this game, just opportunists. Competitors.

Most of these folks don’t want to win with you—they want to win over you.

It’s not about building real businesses or making timeless music—it’s about who can be the loudest, the messiest, or the most viral for the moment.

And I know, because I was fooled too. I thought there was something magical happening here once. That this scene was special. That it was ours. But magic is an illusion, and illusions fade fast under real light.

So if you feel like you’re losing yourself trying to “make it” in Chicago’s music scene—walk away with your dignity.

Your purpose is bigger than their cliques.

Your talent doesn’t need their validation.

And your soul is worth more than a shout-out from people who don’t even value themselves.

Sometimes, “I told you so” hurts—but it saves lives too.

Stay focused. Build real. Be more than what this scene offers.

Because the truth is—Chicago doesn’t need more music. It needs more healing.

— GerryPthaDJ

BootCamp Radio / Fab 94.5 The Hitz

#ChicagoTruth #UndergroundMyth #GerryPthaDJ #NoMoreGames #BuildRealOrBeGone