Music: Eric "E2" Tillman

ERIC "E2" TILLMAN

"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 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 at Hope City Church in downtown Evansville

Safe to say very few hip-hop artists get their start performing in a three-piece suit - and a baggy one at that - but that's exactly how Eric "E2" Tillman made his debut nearly 15 years ago at a church anniversary function. Having recently moved from St. Louis to Evansville and given his life over to God, the aspiring Christian rapper was moved by the response from the congregation and the impact his words had on those assembled. "I understood [at that moment] that music has a certain influence on people," Tillman recalls. "My goal at that point - and my prayer - was to not lead anybody astray or send the wrong message out. Enough people are doing that; I want to make sure that I honor God with what I'm doing."

The days of ill-fitting formal wear are long gone, by the way; Tillman's since started his own clothing line and always looks sharp when out and about. And that professional approach has carried over into his music. Initially he was making amateur beats with His next pursuit, FYI, is releasing a follow-up to Waiting Room which should drop this month. Titled DFRNT, it tackles the "staleness of COVID" - meaning that we all need a change 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).