A Chicago Lyricist Explains How Travel And Vulnerability Make Better Music

Send us Fan MailLosing someone you love can reorder your whole day, and sometimes the only way through is to build a routine that holds you up. We sit with Chicago’s own Teefa for a conversation that starts with grief and self-care and quickly opens into something bigger: what it means to be a real artist, a real person, and a real voice in Chicago hip hop. From sauna time and meditation to building a home that feels like a retreat, Teefa breaks down how healing becomes a practice, not a slogan. We also dig into her journey through the Chicago music scene, from early access to DJ gear and recording, to barbershop freestyles, ciphers, and first shows that made the dream feel reachable. The talk turns to how the city’s hip hop spaces have changed, how drill music reshaped attention, and why “balance” in music matters for youth, culture, and mental health. If you care about lyricism, vulnerability, and storytelling that reflects real life, you’ll hear why Teefa believes words carry weight and why growth should never have an age limit. Then we get practical about the music business: Chicago radio support, local artist ecosystems, fair opportunities, and why every step toward success can’t come with a price tag. We close on the joy of sound with “International” and Teefa's house music and hip hop blend that’s built to move a room without losing bars. Subscribe for more real conversations, share this with a Chicago music fan, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.