Mars ILL’s music echoes the notion of rap as revolution. This Atlanta-based duo embodies a thriving hip-hop underground that bends not to commercial compromise but rather embraces artistic express as the foil to the streamlined establishment. The group’s first proper label release, Backbreakanomics, voices a purist dissent that propels the hip-hop ideals of substance, style, and skill in a way that would make the Cold Crush proud.

In their five years, Mars ILL – featuring manCHILD on the mic and deejay/producer Dust n the ones and twos- appeared on mix tapes, dropped exclusive vinyl, and nearly cracked the Top 10 on CMJ’s Hip Hop chart. Taking their case to the people, the duo became a club circuit staple that shared stages with the X-ecutioners and the Living Legends among others. The press likewise took notice landing Mars ILL the cover of Southeast Performer Magazine along with ink in publications like URB, Mixer, Insomniac, and Happy. Of course, Elemental Magazine delivered the clearest wake-up call, stating, "Don’t sleep on Mars ILL!”