Genuine Draft

Genuine Draft (born as Donnell Hudson) is an emcee from Chicago, Illinois. Known for performing on the city’s ‘L’ trains, particularly the Dan Ryan line, during the 1990s. Raised in Cabrini-Green and later on the South Side, Hudson experienced a troubled youth marked by violence and incarceration. After his release, he redirected his focus toward music, developing a rap style centered on storytelling and social commentary.

Performing six days a week on trains, Hudson used public transit as an unconventional stage to reach everyday audiences, often addressing themes such as fatherhood and urban life. His performances occasionally drew attention from CTA authorities, but he remained committed to his grassroots approach. With support from his father, Ron Williams, a former music promoter, Hudson began working on recorded material, including the formation of a group called the Untouchable Rap Rebels. Known for his laid-back, reflective delivery, Genuine Draft represents a unique figure in Chicago’s hip-hop scene, blending street performance with personal transformation.