What began on the shores of Sphere of Hip Hop and reissued on Uprok records in 2001 started a revolution of dusty boombap beats and strong lyrics. Enter into the CHH world, Manchild & Dust forming the group MarsILL and sailing on the album “Raw Material”
“…It’s not easy, but manCHILD’s here because you need me”
There’s truth in his rhymes that are colored around the edges by the “Pete Rock” of CHH producing DUST. Manchild was previously going by the name “Soul Heir” in a group called “Pride”, blossomed into “Dead Poets Society” and finally the legendary “MarsILL.” (if you were to look into the future at that point, you’d see that super group DEEPSPACEFIVE” streaming like an asteroid toward earth). Manchild has a distinct style of delivery, something not seen nowadays in Hip Hop. When he is featured on a beat or solo, you know it’s him and you revel in each word. He rarely misses.
“From beat breaks to the realms of deepspace where stars chill
The new edition, bump John Gill, it’s Mars ILL”
With CLASSIC albums like “Raw Material”, “Pirate Radio”, “Blue Collar Sessions”, and Pro Pain” MarsILL was a needed breath of fresh ears by way of production and lyricism. I would love to share with you my favorite songs, but it would be a disservice to Manchild. I believe he needs to be discovered like the New World, not an amusement park “best of”. Each song may hit you differently; each beat should be experienced without prior prejudice. My hope is that your experience with MarsILL will lead you to Manchild’s solo efferts, features, and other “raw material’ and become a fan. He just released in 2016 “Move Merchants II” with DJ Sean P. I’d say run out and get it, but honestly, do your homework and dig into his past before you experience the present. Know his history; you’ll be better for it.
“ I’m the underdog passed over in your brackets
But my cinderella story is true because it happens (that’s what happens)
Built the future sound on the back of the classics
Propain the album that now completes the hat trick – that’s it (that’s it)”
Albums of note:
MarsIll: Raw Material, Pirate Methods, ProPain
Solo: Manchild Insider Vol 1-5 (collection), Move Merchants 1&2
