Tony Tillman – The Tillman EP

Tony Tillman

Reflection Music Group (release date: June 25, 2013)

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

One thing about Christian hip hop artists: they almost universally tackle issues of the here and now, even when—as on Tony Tillman’s The Tillman EP—the solution may be more aligned with the eschatology of the spirituals.

“Heaven,” a track from Tony Tillman’s second national release, does just that.  After shaking his head about school shootings and the death of an innocent person at the hands of the police, Tillman wonders whether there is “no hope in this life” and turns his thoughts to a happier place: Heaven.  In Heaven, Tillman shares with Sho Baraka and Jordan Love (and with Out of the Dust on the acoustic version), there will be happy reunions and no need to feel unsafe on the streets.  Just like the spirituals, the only hope for peace appears to lie beyond the River Jordan.

On the debut single, “Tailored,” Tillman and the lovely Beckah Shae examine the need for validation from both the male and female perspective.  In both instances, the individual does not think he/she fits in with the crowd, at least according to conventional wisdom.  The artists retort that we are “tailor made” by the Creator, validated from birth, and that’s all that matters.  Check out the video below.

The Tillman EP also features cameos by Tedashii, Chad Jones, Rio, and Canon.  It has well produced and smooth beats, easy melodies, and smart raps.  A bonus selection gives Tillman a chance to explain the story behind his name.