Hip-hop's culture has always spawned a numerous amount of shocking and scandalous acts and performers. Whether it is the Geto Boys talking about the pleasures of dismemberment and sexual warfare on "Mind Of A Lunatic," or the admitted gang violence on law enforcement of N.W.A.'s "Fuck The Police," the ability to shock listeners has always been a prominent force behind the negativity of hip-hop's necessities. In fact, it has created an enormous amount of success for many of its forefathers, including Ice-T and Ice Cube. Today's hip-hop culture stands firmly behind its astounding performers, due to an overwhelming calmness towards the intent of the performer. While Eminem fabricates another sexist or racist remark, most listeners envision his sensitive demeanor and disregard the effects of his personal attacks. Look at Ice-T and Cube, TV, and movies. This is new in hip-hop, thanks to the struggles of such artists as N.W.A., 2 Live Crew, and even Public Enemy. Their voices will be heard, but today, who is really listening or believing?
Ill Bill has created a homage to hip-hop's dying culture with his solo effort, What's Wrong With Bill? Sounding commonly like an underrated group from the Queensbridge named Screwball, Ill Bill head butts his way through 16 tracks filled with blatant social commentary and an ill-mannered disposition. Legendary from the group Non-Phixion, Ill Bill has taken every element from hip-hop's 'gangsta' culture and pureed a mix of hard-nosed and uncompromising hip-hop. Encompassed with tales of sexuality, racism, violence, hatred, and politics, What's Wrong With Bill? is a deliberate and unashamed look at today's deteriorating society. While most will gasp at his chosen wordplay, Ill Bill has come to do it his way. On "American History X," he chants "If I offend you with my words/ I meant it/ I'm protected by the first amendment," advising listeners that he's got a lot on his mind. And most of what is on his mind is laid out ferociously on this album, never compromising his intensity or passion.
While most will be distracted by Bill's jousting, the soundtrack of What's Wrong With Bill? is a gorgeous reverence to hip-hop's prominent production pioneers. With cut and paste drum progressions, DJ Premier is certainly a memorable influence on the album, as is the drum manipulation of Pete Rock and the synth of Warren G -- and Ill Bill's beat monger Necro has mixed and diced an impressive score to Ill's madness. In fact, as the record's lyrical content becomes overbearing during its long play, Necro's fresh and innovative beats keep the record on -- a feat reminiscent of N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton.
Shock value is unnecessary and meaningless in today's hip-hop culture. Ill Bill's words set out to create a sense of unease or agitation, but our society is dulled to these erstwhile attacks, rendering its content almost completely futile. You can thank Eminem and countless others for society's numbness to vulgarity or offensiveness. And while hip-hop's 'gangsta' sub-culture diminishes slowly, the beats will always prosper, because the foundation of hip-hop has always been successful at making you move, not react.
1. What's Wrong
2. Overkill
3. The Anatomy of a School Shooting
4. Glenwood Projects (feat. Uncle Howie, Necro & Goretex)
5. Peace Sells
6. Unstoppable
7. Death Smiles At Murder (feat. Mr. Hyde)
8. Chasing The Dragon
9. Alien Workshop
10. Canarsie Artie's Brigade (feat. Necro, Q-Unique & Goretex)
11. Porno Director (feat. Goretex & Sabac Red)
12. American History X
13. Uncle Zowie
14. Legend Has It
15. The Final Scene
16. Chasing The Dragon (Moshpit Mix feat. Necro)
More about: Ill Bill
