Chicago-based label Futurehood is on a mission to elevate trans and queer artists of color in hip hop.
During a showcase at 2605 | the Red Bull house late last November, the creators debuted momentum, a documentary showcasing what Futurehood is all about. Via email, PRIDE had a chat with the creators about, well...the future.
PRIDE: What is Futurehood?
Futurehood is everything and nothing. At its core, it is a vessel, a spaceship designed to liberate and transport queer and trans artist of color to a higher frequency. We work toward a nucleus that benefits us all and right now, that has been established as a record label, but we have plans to develop Futurehood as an open source media platform and production house.
How did the label come to be?
The Futurehood label was founded by our super fab dad, aCeboombaP and COOL MOM aka Mister Wallace in February of 2016. Drawing inspiration from their previous project, the Banjee Report, a weekly Chicago dance party for QTPOC folks further evolved into a podcast, and then a rap squad, which ultimately became the skeletal foundation of Futurehood.
Why was it part of the mission to support gay and trans musicians of color?
Our mission to amplify queer and trans artist of color began with a simple rouge transmission: right the wrongs of the world by uplifting those of us that continue to be left behind.
What inspired your documentary?
The momentum documentary was serendipitous in its timing. Futurehood was approached to partner with Red Bull on their first Red Bull Music Festival to take place in Chicago. As our COOL MOM, aka Mister Wallace co-curated the Futurehood & Friends showcase—which featured performances Futurehood artists Roy Kinsey, Blu Bone, Hijo Prodigo, and more—Red Bull reached out to Futurehood about the work that we contribute to Chicago underground nightlife and culture. It turned out to be a lot of synergies because everyone featured in the film represents a family that we all love and support.
What’s next for Futurehood? Upcoming projects?
We’re always in the midst of a mission. Our current focus is the rollout of Mister Wallace’s debut album, COOL MOM which premiered at the Futurehood & Friends showcase during the Red Bull Music Festival and was released online last December.
As the Good Daughter and brand manager of the Futurehood spaceship, I’m in the process of putting together a tour that will bring our COOL MOM and all of her daughters from around the world to a club, venue or college campus near you very soon.
