While the #treatedcrew has been a staple of Chicago’s scene for the last few years, next month will see them go national with the release of the #treatedcrew album, as well as the official #treatedcrew snapback.  The album and the hat have been guided greatly by the efforts of Million $ Mano, who produced and coordinated the entire project that features Hollywood Holt, Mic Terror, Gzus Piece, Chuck Inglish, Jon James, and many more from the deep Chicago crew. Earlier this month, during a mixing session at SoundScape, I spoke with Mano about the making of the album, as well as it’s purpose.

“The Treated album was made to put a real face on the new Chicago, and everything that we’re doing to push this real scene and this lifestyle that we have,” he said about the LP, even viewing it as his duty to bring more shine to his talented crew.  “I come off these tours playing for all these people, and then I come home and I do the things with my friends that are on a smaller level, but it’s everything that’s being portrayed to the masses by a lot of people that are peaking in and seeing what the kids like.  I’m taking my responsibility that I feel for knowing so many incredible artists and having the place that I do in Chicago to push some straight chicago shit that’s global. Everywhere we went, we tour everywhere, beyond the huge things I’ve done,” he told us just after completing the Watch The Throne tour, and before setting out on his current tour of Australia with Kanye West.

While the album is in its final stages of mixing, pics of the snapback (made by Starter) have been seen all over twitter and instagram thanks to shots featuring the likes of Mike Dean, Timbuck2, and last night, Kanye West, all sporting the treated crown.  We’ll have more on the album as it’s available, and we also have a full interview with Mano coming next week in which he talks about touring with Kanye West and Jay-Z, staying patient, and what’s he learned from some of music’s best.  Stay tuned.