With Election Day finally over with it was an absolute pleasure to speak with Marty Hillard of the legendary Ebony Tusks crew out of Lawrence, Kansas; from Los Angeles to the Midwest, it’s time for J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast to branch out, and I could think of no better way to do so than with support from Hillard, a powerhouse of talent and authenticity.
We discussed Hillard’s earliest experiences with rap and hip hop music, his inspiration as he went from Christian hip hop to edgier sounds, his Heal Thyself album with Nathan Giesecke and Daniel B. Smith, his song “Schuyler” hitting the big screen via Peacock’s new Fresh Prince remake, and even which side Marty’s rolling with on Bel Air in the games ahead, plus more 🤞🏽
(0:02) Welcome Marty Hillard of Ebony Tusks to J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast!
(7:15) Shout out Topeka, and all of the communities across the I-70 Corridor!
(17:58) Marty’s discovery of his talent for music, especially in the Middle School years
(32:08) Saying more in particular about that Christian Hip Hop music
(43:25) The reception of Eminem’s 8 Mile across the Midwest
(54:58) The impact of urban renewal in central Topeka
(1:03:05) Truly, this is a chat by the fireside
(1:16:28) Considering what’s next for Marty now that Heal Thyself is complete
(1:23:25) A snapshot of time
(1:33:21) Marty Hillard is a true artist uplifting 90s sounds and attitude with a 21st century flare that’s all his own
(1:35:33) Also check out Ebony Tusk’s YouTube channel to enjoy more of their work
(1:39:23) Oh and by the way, is Marty on Team Will or Team Carlton? For the record
(1:40:47) Also shout out to Bel Air, the new Fresh Prince remake!
You can also keep up with Hillard via IG. And to make a one-time donation to my nonprofit work for working-class communities in Los Angeles, please do so here. To support the production of J.T. the L.A. Storyteller Podcast for as little as $5 a month, check out my page at patreon.com/jimbotimes.
J.T.