Movers & Shakers: ill Hill Society
*I’m excited to announce my newest series “Movers & Shakers”, these blog posts will showcase talented individuals who positively contribute to the community.*
Whenever I think of talent within the Hawaii hip hop community, I immediately think of Ill Hill Society. These guys are seriously talented and they’re always willing to help me; they’ve supported every major Rise Up Hawaii event, and even performed at my blog’s 1st birthday party. I couldn’t believe my ears when I discovered this was their very first interview and I’ve never felt more honored to share someone’s story.
Get Sweet Lychee’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
It takes a brave person to be vulnerable and perform in front of strangers; that’s why my jaw drops, whenever I witness Ill Hill Society perform onstage. I’m hypnotized by the group’s ability to express what’s relevant in and around their lives, by transforming those experiences into words, adding a beat and connecting with the audience for the duration of their songs. Ill Hill Society’s members include: Christian Dang Viernes, Jon Sucaldito, and Kevin Richie, a trio of friends who love rapping and hope to one day to make a living off their passion.
Ill Hill Society has evolved since they posted music on their Myspace page three years ago and feel their level of confidence has improved through the years. Everything starts with their music-making process: deciding on a theme, individually writing verses, and sharing them with one another; there’s friendly competition between the group (the best verse gets chosen it collectively causes the group to progress). Ill Hill Society also strives to flex their lyrical abilities by developing a story for each of their songs, instead of solely writing about the ladies (by the way, Ill Hill Society LOVES the ladies.
Even though, Ill Hill Society enjoys the success from their “Rap Better” EP Release Party and their fans continue to tell them, “It’s one of the best shows they’ve attended”, the guys don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. The group is currently working on their latest mixtape entitled, “A Girl Named The Power,” brainstorming music video ideas and planning their Valentine’s mixtape dropping February 14th. I’m positive these guys are making Hawaii hip hop history and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world joins Ill Hill Society’s die-hard fan base.
Witnessing an Ill Hill Society performance will leave you wanting more and I’m happy to announce they’re performing at November’s Shake & Pop (Hawaii’s best monthly dance party).
Originally published on September 15, 2011.
