NEWS4U FEBRUARY 2022 | ENTERTAINMENT
"So what's the point of me rappin' if I ain't rappin' 'bout Christ/ And what's the point of me talkin' if I ain't tryin' to speak life." his brother's Fruity Loops computer program, but now Tillman records in his home studio, producing radio-ready hip-hop that's expertly recorded, mixed and
mastered, including
such inspirational tracks as 2018's "One Name" (featuring angelic vocals from AnnMarie Brown) and 2020's "I Need You Right Now" - the latter of which addressed his son Evin's diagnosis of Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To the rhythm of an off-kilter, stuttering beat, Tillman implores God to show himself and help him in his time of need: "Can I see your face?/ Am I missing something?/ Am I out of place?" Mercifully, his prayers were answered. Then there's the title track to Tillman's most recent album, Waiting Room, which is a prime example of his masterful lyrical flow and ability to create unique rhythms and musical hooks. Here he tells it like it is: "So what's the point of
ERIC "E2" TILLMAN
me rappin' if I ain't rappin' 'bout Christ/ And what's the point of me talkin' if I ain't tryin' to speak life." Or to put it another way, all glory be to God - Tillman's theme as he makes his way in this world and pursues his dreams.
Christian rapper set to debut DFRNT with a live performance
His next pursuit, FYI, is releasing a follow-up to
at Hope City Church in downtown Evansville
Waiting Room which should drop this month.
S
Titled DFRNT, it tackles the "staleness of COVID" - meaning that we all need a change
afe to say very few hip-hop artists get
"My goal at that point - and my prayer - was
their start performing in a three-piece
to not lead anybody astray or send the wrong
suit - and a baggy one at that - but that's
message out. Enough people are doing that; I
exactly how Eric "E2" Tillman made his debut
want to make sure that I honor God with what
nearly 15 years ago at a church anniversary
I'm doing."
function. Having recently moved from St. Louis to Evansville and given his life over to God,
The days of ill-fitting formal wear are long
the aspiring Christian rapper was moved by
gone, by the way; Tillman's since started his
the response from the congregation and the
own clothing line and always looks sharp
impact his words had on those assembled. "I
when out and about. And that professional
understood [at that moment] that music has a
approach has carried over into his music.
certain influence on people," Tillman recalls.
Initially he was making amateur beats with
34 | FEBRUARY 2022
• www.evansvillemediagroup.com
of pace, something uplifting after the last two years of lockdowns and anxiety. "We see so many things in the media that's pushing depression harder down on us," Tillman says. "I want to create an escape and a piece of a solution." He's scheduled to debut the album with a live performance on February 26 at Hope City Church in downtown Evansville. In the meantime, you can check out his previous recordings on various streaming services. For more info, follow Eric "E2" Tillman on Facebook and Instagram (E2_AGBTG).
