Mars Ill
Pro Pain
Gotee Records

Gotee rap group Mars Ill drops their third release “PRO PAIN” a introspective hip-hop experience with themes of pain, struggles, setbacks, and finally, greatest of all, a realistic hope.  I have learned that there is always one common key to hard-core hip-hop albums, and that is that there is always a strong sense of community displayed by the collaborations and featured artists.  “PRO PAIN” is no different, as a good many of the tracks feature other rap and hip-hop emcees.  As noted in the PR materials, “We want to show the world who these guys are,” enthuses manChild.  “There’s a lot of incredible talent out there that deserves a platform.  By working together it only helps us all make better music.”  What that means to me, is that there is a strong fellowship among these groups, which is important not just for support, but for spiritual growth.

Rap and hip-hop is often misunderstood and unfairly bashed on the mainstream level, and much of their ability to survive and succeed comes from within their own sub-culture.  Making these friendships and collaborations all that much more important. 

Fortunately for all of us stuffed shirts, there is Gotee records and groups like Mars Ill.  So what’s to like about PRO PAIN?  Well you can begin with the smooth backbeat of “Too Strong To Change,” and the funky “Glam Rap,” however, what I like most is their enduring dedication to a less accepted means of communicating and living the gospel.

• Ken W.