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Blue collar gets dollars too, Visual says. The Chicago born, Chicago raised, Chicago dwelling emcee will be releasing "Working Class Legend" 1.27.09 after a brief hiatus from the always volatile hip-hop scene.

Though a regular guest-spot emcee with a couple mixtapes under his belt, Visual's professional foray into the Chicago scene started in February 2006 with his debut album, Figured it out. It was met with a response that was, by and large, positive and appreciative. It moved a few units; put him on a little bit. That was followed by a slew of mixtape appearances and shows.

For awhile, he was on. Then the music slowed down a little bit, and you didn't hear from him for a minute. He was still moving, he just wasn't talking. It's not where you're from, though, it's which way you're leaning, and the few things that are constant about Visual and his music are what make him and his music so attractive to listeners.

Things have changed, though. He's put a few years into this and his style has changed as a result. Not just how he raps, but the way he carries himself and how situations are approached. His analytical mind translates into well-thought out verses that stay on topic and speak to the situations working class folks approach on a daily basis.

Visual doesn't name drop. He lacks the voice self-entitlement that a lot of rappers drip with, and he's the owner of an independent streak masked by constant humility. It comes through in his music, and the contrast that it creates is truly inspiring.

Proof of that independent streak can be seen in his early-career, knuckle-headed decision to pursue music without the help of his brother Panik of Molemen fame. He wanted to make it on his own, pay dues and advance on his own merit, and as a result of that, the discussion to get with Moles never happened. His style of thinking that put personal growth over short-term success is revolutionary in the Hip-hop scene and is evidence of immense personal maturation.

With the maturity the last few years have afforded him comes the simple realization ... there's no petty rap beef anymore. He's had his share of that in his younger days, but that's just not where he's at right now. And don't ask him about Chicago hate; the man isn't hearing it. He's grown up a bit.

The last year or two of my life has been way different than before. I'm doing my music thing, I still have a regular gig, I have kids, I have a wife, Visual says. I've gone through all those changes in the past year and a half.

He's a regular working class guy with a steady day job, who happens to rap. Not a rapper with a day job. This is an important distinction to make. He is free from the pressure of making music to support a family, his music reflects a comfort level that a lot of rappers aren't afforded.