







Rapper Robert “Bobby California” Earl released the official music video for “Hawk City” this Thursday, adding another track to the (relatively) small pile of Iowa City hip hop anthems currently floating around the internet. This begs the question, which anthem is the anthem? Has TayBeez Fasheez been ousted? Is Earl the freshest black-and-yellow emcee out there? Oh, the drama of it all!

Below, you’ll find a number of these anthems (including a nod to Cedar Rapids and Rock Island, because something something corridor). You should watch them, not just because they’re well-made, but because there are few things more satisfying than locally-produced music videos filled with familiar haunts and imagery. It’s the best kind of municipal narcissism.

“Hawk City” by Robert Earl Nelson II


Iowa City is Hawk City, as Earl confirms. Filmed mostly near the intersection of Burlington Street and Riverside Drive, “Hawk City” is essentially a fan letter to Iowa City and the Hawkeyes. Earl acknowledges a few of Iowa’s more recent historic events (shots of the flooded campus make a cameo), paired with numerous shots in and around Kinnick Stadium.

Discussed: The Hawkeyes, Tailgating, FAC, pre-drinking, Iowa girls (“classy,” but “down to get nasty”), The 2008 floods and Iowa City’s status as the former capital of Iowa. Copious amounts of getting “pissy.”

“I’m from Iowa City” by TayBeez Fasheez

TayBeez Fasheez’s “I’m from Iowa City” is probably one of the more familiar Iowa City-based hip hop videos, reaching more than 20,000 views since its release last year (not bad for a city of 70,000, right?). The production quality of this track is second to none, boasting a number of gorgeous shots of the UI campus while Fasheez and fellow emcees lay down their respective verses. The track is missing a solid hook, but a heady flow from Fasheez moves things along.

Discussed: Twitter, Iowa girls (cause him erections), rolling up kush, sexting, falling in love with a “dike hoe,” and Kinnick Stadium (“All real, no gimmick”).

“Cedar Rapids (Won’t Let You Down)” by Big Bang

Yes! Cedar Rapids makes its debut with the track “Cedar Rapids (Won’t Let You Down)” by Big Bang. In addition to a host of visual and vocal shout-outs, Big Bang and his supporting artists do a great job representing the City of Seasons. It’s heartening to hear emcees acknowledge their love for a city that, if we’re being honest, is subject to countless insults.


Discussed: Girls getting ratchet, downtown Cedar Rapids, the River Raiders (former Cedar Rapids semi-pro basketball team), the Hawkeyes, Rockwell Collins, First Avenue and assurances regarding the ability of Cedar Rapids to be there for you.

“A Nite in Rock Island” by Chief Big

SIGN UP TODAY Subscribe for daily news updates from Little Village SUBSCRIBE

Rock Island is in Illinois, this is true. That said, this track from the Quad Cities is probably the most catchy songs on the list and absolutely must be included. You’ll be humming the hook all week, and soon find yourself wondering why you haven’t yet tried the wings at Lonnie Ray’s. If you’re from the Quad Cities, this is a must-watch for the b-roll shout-outs alone.

Discussed: Swisher Sweets at Gas Land, Mobil gas station shout-out, haters off the chain, dubs, locally made breakfast (made with love), white T’s from the Quick Stop, quarter bags, Jimmy’s, the District, wings at Lonnie Ray’s.

“HawkEye Yellow” by 1iA

Our final track is a sort of variation on “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa. This particular video is probably the most party-heavy when it comes to shoot locations, featuring a number of downtown bars and general shots of Iowa City’s “party scene.” Bonus: There’s a reggaeton verse in this track, straight-up 2004-style.

Discussed: Showing people “how the birds walk,” the Hawkeyes, being in “IC with no ID,” Interstate 80, “hitting them with the bird call [hawk noise],” Union Bar and a reference to the 1959 Rose Bowl followed by a reggaeton verse out of nowhere.

Speaking of ‘party scene’…

Youtube user “Iowa City Pride” uploaded the following video last month showcasing Iowa City’s party scene. You’ll either love it or hate it — I’m pretty sure there’s no middle ground, here.

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!









Thoughts? Tips? A cute picture of a dog? Share them with LV » editor@littlevillagemag.com