Will Hill

“If you don’t know me now, then you will” is the opening line from Illusion, the slow burner EP from Atlanta-based rapper Will Hill, and a thesis without a hook. The lackluster “Focus (Intro)” kicks things off on a feeble note as charismatic lines such as “Seen bullshit that’s escalated / I take the truck and I escalate it / Niggas hate to see you elevated” succumb to the song’s half-baked production. Also, introducing the concept of the “Illusion,” the intro nudges the EP into motion thematically. In terms of momentum, Illusion snowballs after the intro, as each cut is more enjoyable than the previous one, with highlights including the two-in-one track “Million 1 / Black Sand,” the groovy “La Playa,” and the intense closer “Situations.” Hill’s toying with sounds pre-established by his contemporaries proves his versatility but reveals that he hasn’t yet formulated a sound of his own. Although Illusion lacks innovation, its infusion of the Matrix-esque concept of false perception is intriguing. “Million 1 / Black Sand” is the clearest instance of Hill alluding to “the Illusion.” The contrasting narratives in lines such as “Debit card seen better days” and “Sippin’ on my liquor out of all my Grammys” cause the listener to question which segments on the album are introspection and which are misdirection. As a result, Illusion doesn’t yield the clear-cut understanding of the rapper that its opening line promised, but it cleverly demonstrates who Will Hill is as an artist — skillful and liable to craft a mind fuck of an EP. ★★★☆☆ — Joshua Robinson - Creative Loafing

Will Hill just gave us a great project with the release of ‘IDLE’ last week. Receiving a great review, Will Hill showed off his original artistry and ability to deliver solid music. ‘Meter’ one of the standout tracks off the tape is a easygoing tune that highlights some of Will’s strength as an emcee. Today, he returns with the official visual set to go along with the single. Check it out. - The Source

Some rappers—I won’t name names—spit whatever will make them sound cool or grab listeners’ attention. Booth newcomer Will Hill, on the other hand, means every sentence of every verse Sincerely. On this LP standout, the Chicago-to-ATL transplant offers just a taste of the realness in store on his latest project, reflecting on the vicious circle of parental neglect and offering some affectionate, yet brutally honest commentary on his relationship with his own folks. Ron Shaw provides a breezy, slow-rolling synth beat to accompany the rapper’s poignant bars. Feeling it? More inspired lyricism and quality beats await on Will’s IDLE LP, available now online. - DJ Booth

Following the release of his 2013 project Ramadan, ATL rapper Will Hill has returned with a new project, a new view on life and a incredible 10-track soundscape to bind it all together. Fine-combed and executively produced by Will himself and Micah Wyatt, IDLE sports the theme of growth and is adorned with strong deliveries, effortless flows and introspective narratives. Whether speaking on relationships (“Meter”), progression (“Flight to LA”) or street tales (“Sincerely”), IDLE layers everyday life over laid-back production that takes on a timeless West Coast G-funk vibe. Much like his club banger “Andele”, Will Hill’s IDLE shows that he is not just here, but he’s about to rise to the top, and quickly. “This project explains a new chapter in my life, when I became engulfed in another person and was more concerned with her affairs than I was my own. At this point in time I started to let go and music wasn’t as important, I was IDLE. I was stagnant. This project is my thoughts and journey throughout that experience. I’ve been IDLE, but I will be an IDOL…” – Will Hill - Mechanical Dummy