The 17th Cipher Presents Chicagospel From Rufus Sims and IAMGAWD
The 17th Cipher presents Chicagospel, a new 14-track project from Chicago emcees Rufus Sims and IAMGAWD, curated by Harmoni Equality, set for release August 22, 2026.
Chicagospel is a statement about the depth and diversity of Chicago Hip-Hop beyond the city’s drill sound. Combining thought-provoking lyricism, street narratives, soulful production, and stories of struggle, ambition, survival, loss, and resilience, Sims and IAMGAWD deliver a project rooted in the culture and realities of their city.
The project features Shawnna, Vic Spencer, Philmore Greene, Ju Jilla, Panamera P, Jae Haze, Josh K, MAR, Kid Breeze, and Liym Capital, with production from Billionaire Boyscout, Scripz the L.O.T, Work Scorsese, Jagwar Dot, Doc Da Mindbenda, The Black Depths, ILL City, and Clypto.
“Chicagospel represents the presence of thought-provoking, high-level lyricism and musical creativity that still thrives in Chicago Hip-Hop despite the city being boxed into the ‘drill’ sound,” the artists state. “It tells the struggles, the wins and losses, successes and failures, hopes and aspirations of two artists from a city rich in history, culture, talent as well as struggle and hardship.”
Artists: Rufus Sims & IAMGAWD
Label: The 17th Cipher / RAN / NXMEDIXCRE Recordings
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered: Doc Da Mindbenda at The Grindhouse
© 2026 The 17th Cipher. All Rights Reserved.
