There was a time in Hip-Hop when a song like Pill’s “Trap Goin’ Ham” was de rigueur. Yet admist all the, outerspace rap, dance-influenced tunes & the like, the song & accompanying videos strong sentiments are a drink of water in an oasis, a refreshing sound in today’s musical landscape. Pill (along with young Freddie Gibbs & Mikkey Halsted) are bringing rap back to a more grounded place, what I’ve begun to call “regional rap,” music that doesn’t aim for the stars but stands propped high yelling for those without a voice. The forgottens and poor who, despite our country’s advances in all arenas, are still left behind dealing with the same troubles that have plagued them for years.

I keep telling Whiteboy D. that Pill’s time is coming. It may not come on the mainstage, but they will have a stage & a platform. People are starting to pick up on the music & the message, as evidenced by Pill making a mention in the NY Times for “Trap Goin’ Ham.” Yep, the people are talking and it’s not idle conversation any more. It’s focused dialogue on the voices we need to hear more from.

Congrats to the fam & the whole GTO movement.

Ham, Faith and Synth-Pop [NYT]

Download — DJ Burn One & Pill – 4180: The Prescription