Valee + Kami + Qari

With a nonchalant, barely-above-a-whisper delivery and a catalog of sub-three minute tracks, Chicago rapper Valee is a trend-bucking emcee. Signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label, the South Side rapper is still working on his debut album, though he recently released the Runnin' Rich EP (adorned with a photo of his adorable chihuahua, dyed red with an "edible vegan" dye), which exudes the hyper-relaxed flow and casual boasts that have become his trademark. Before Valee takes the stage at Pitchfork Music Festival on Friday, he headlines a pre-fest concert at Thalia Hall, joined by hip-hop cinephile Kami and former Hurt Everybody member Qari.