Duro

Duro Wicks, professionally known as Duro, is a Chicago-based figure known for his foundational role in the city's hip-hop scene, particularly during its formative years in the 1990s. He is often regarded as a key catalyst in the development of Chicago hip hop and has been referred to as a “godfather” of the movement.

Wicks was instrumental in cultivating a local hip hop community through his involvement with Lower Links, a now-legendary venue that provided a platform for emerging artists, DJs, and enthusiasts. His work at Lower Links helped build a sense of community and fostered the growth of hip-hop culture in the city.

He is the subject of the 2023 independent documentary Catalyst: Duro Wicks & Chicago Hip Hop, which explores his contributions and the broader history of hip-hop in Chicago. Though Wicks retired from party promotion in the mid-1990s, he remains active in supporting Chicago’s music scene and continues to influence its evolution.

In 2023, a celebratory event at The Promontory in Hyde Park honored Wicks’s legacy and marked 50 years of hip hop, serving as a reunion for many figures associated with the Lower Links era.