Brian Fresco – Twenty Five [Stream x Download]

Oft imitated but never equaled, the DJBooth Freestyle Series ran from February 2009 through June 2011. Its 250 total entries were the work of a veritable who’s-who of underground and emerging emcees, including rising stars like Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. Now, it’s back for a second round. The 40th entry in the relaunched series comes courtesy of Brian Fresco, the Windy City buzzmaker who introduced himself to the Booth with September’s reader-approved Bae. On Twenty Five, the unsigned emcee flexes his lyrical muscles over an original beat by SaveMoney-affiliated rapper and producer Vic Mensa. Fred Lozano provides original artwork to accompany the freestyle. Twenty Five is dedicated to the artist’s son, Zion, who celebrates his birthday October 25. Fresh off the September 25, release of SoulMoney, his 10-track collaborative EP with “Soul Trap” originator Tree, Brian and his collaborator recently traveled out west to perform a November 25, show as part of Red Bull’s “30 Days in L.A.” concert series. He currently has no forthcoming projects on the agenda, but we’ll keep you posted as we learn more about his plans.