When you think of Chicago hip-hop these days,, one name comes to mind: Kanye West. But there are a lot of emerging hip-hop groups coming out of the Windy City (such as Lupe Fiasco) and the six piece group Treologic is aiming to be the next buzz group from Chicago.

Unlike most hip-hop groups today, Treologic shows off their mettle by being a live group, complete with live drums, keyboards, much like the “organic” hip-hop juggernauts The Roots. The group creates a far more smooth approach to their music than the monotonous beats of much of hip-hop today.

MC BillaCamp’s flow is reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip, as he leads the group through the tracks from their 2005 release, Thank You, Lenny(out on Cigol Records). His rhymes define the enjoyable single-esque Clap, Clap, which has nice trumpet accents from Jordan Lopez. An avid skateboarder, BillaCamp has a brief cameo in the video for Lupe Fiasco track Kick, Push.

Treologic can weave an interesting story through socially conscious lyrics. On such tracks as Hamilton Yates, BillaCamp tells a story about a young man who watches the pain and suffering of a homeless man that he befriends. His rhymes hit a peak on Stick ‘Em Up, which turns into a proclamation of the band’s style and work ethic.

Jazz elements are thrown into their songs as well. Cheek 2 Cheek is the type of track that could find a home at smooth jazz stations, as well as the usual R&B outlets. Keyboardist (and the band’s head of booking) Lance Loisette and drummer Justin Boyd help their live sets blend the jazz and hip-hop fusion that makes them well known in the Chicago circuit.

The group has performed at the huge Summerfest festival in Milwaukee, and has opened for such hip-hop luminaries as Talib Kweli. The band has a series of dates around the Midwest this summer, which are worth checking out.

If you missed the band’s recent show at Fifth Avenue Downtown, you’ll get another chance on August 19th, when they’ll be there once again. After you are done looking at classic cars all day at the Dream Cruise, keep driving south on Woodward to check out Treologic, and see how hip-hop is done Chicago style.

Treologic’s tour dates available through jambase. Check out their home page at: www.treologicmusic.com.