Say what you will, but I’ve severely struggled to appreciate the hip-hop works of most artists who hail from overseas; my hope is that this dislike does not stem from some strange thought process that coincides with racist undertones (of this I am doubtful, but the accents of foreign rappers admittedly serve as the biggest barrier barring my potential fandom). Regardless, hip-hop music without the good ‘ol, self-projected “Made In America” emblem often fails to convert my skepticism into support.
Yesterday, that trend turned moot and I have kicked with my boot to the curb any prejudice held against international acts. I have the beautifully artistic and modernistic rap trio Hawk House to thank for the change of heart; specifically, their stunning visuals for “Chill Pill (Experiment 2)” captured my attention like few other videos have in recent memory.
Like a tri-jointed bodily extension, the trio’s three members – rapping brothers Sam and Eman Croydon; the luscious songstress Demae – work together in such a seamless way, both spurring and reacting to action partaken by another. The monochromic, cinematic affair bears the fruit of progressive direction and impressive music. Delving into the spoken word and delivering multisyllabic, poetically composed rhymes, lines and melodies, the group boosts an already astounding song with clever eye trickery – a succession of optical illusions.
Watch the video for “Chill Pill (Experiment 2)” below.