Gods’Illa

Three blood brothers, all with awesome names, come together to form the lyrical trinity that is Gods’Illa. Who is Gods’Illa? Not a giant monster tearing Japan apart, that’s for sure. Rather, Gods’Illa is a giant family tearing up over-privileged, underwhelming emcees. Their intentions are to destroy and rebuild, and with their first full length, self-titled album, I’m excited to say that they made an amazing start at doing just that.

Acem, Truth, and Powerful, are all the types of emcees that we all love. Clear, concise, articulate, creative, intelligent, but still a bit raw. The type of dudes who would whoop you on a bad night, and then sit down and try to figure out a way to build some sort of community organization with you. Three Rakims. Better yet, Three Black Thoughts. Three young men who, without being overly explicit, make it clear that they have a purpose and a mission, coupled with the everyday carnality of regular life. Oh, and they love hip-hop. A lot.

I know, I know. These are all pretty bold statements about three men, I’ve never met. But from the very beginning of their album, these poignant characteristics burst through vividly. The first song “Glory,” they repeat the mighty mantra, “Who can be against me, if I got God for me” while explaining and exhibiting that they are thorough emcees, due to God, without sounding preachy. Hence the name Gods’Illa. The song that follows, “Who Is…” strengthens the introduction as Acem runs through the stereotypical questions about a group like Gods’Illa, such as whether or not they stand on the Africa soapbox, and whether or not they have songs for the club. It’s a short clever song that really drives home who they are – young brothers, trying.

Balance is shown on the mild tempo’d “Stuck,” which as an interesting song about relationship trouble. Each brother tells a different story. Their personalities are all different, as are their perspectives. This fact makes for a really dope, dynamic song. Not to mention the track is an amazing, Dilla-esque groove, reminiscent of old Slum Village. But, I must say, my personal favorite on the album is probably one of the heaviest. “Glaciers,” is the epitome of a hip-hop song. A driving beat, complete with a stinging snare and stuttering bass drum, serves as the backdrop for Gods’Illa and the feature, Joe D, to give an amazing performance. The lyrics are laden with spiritual teachings, revolutionary rhetoric and struggle talk all being disseminated without pretense or prejudice.

All in all, Gods’Illa’s self-titled debut album sounds good. More importantly, it feels good. It feels real. Sincere. The familial connection is as evident as their lyrical ability, which makes for quite a stew. They are focused and mission oriented which is always a good thing. Hip-hop doesn’t have much space right now for art for art’s sake, in my opinion. So it’s refreshing to hear what can be created when family holds tight to one another, and builds. It’s funny, when I think about it, some people will be as frightened of them as the Japanese were of Godzilla in the movies. If truth is fire…I can understand the fear. Be afraid.

-Jason Reynolds