The Nillaz-”It is What it Is” review by John M. Ellison IV

On 6/15/2011, I got this single by this band called The Nillaz. For those who aren’t familiar with the Nillaz, they’re a “hip hop” band from Brooklyn, New York. The members are Java and Ill-on on Vocals, Ethos on Guitar, Kevvy Kev on Drums, Chris Strange on Key Boards, and Bass Mon on Bass.

To describe their sound in a nutshell, they kind of sound like how I imagine if the Beastie Boys were fronted by a white Lil’ Jon doing an impression of voice actor Jim Cummings.

Anyway, onto their song “It is what it is.” Lyrically, I’m going to be blunt…I have no idea what they’re talking about. It’s kind of like a bunch of random thoughts that go on about him being broke to being dead and then numbing himself through drug use. I guess the concept is the struggles that one goes through I guess? I’m not really sure. Composition wise, it’s reminiscent of “Suicide Hotline” by Insane Clown Posse and “Just a Thought” by Gnarls Barkley. It’s kind of hard to describe…maybe that’s why it’s called “It is what it is.”
In closing, The Nillaz is something that you’re either going to dig or disavow any knowledge of but enjoy in private…well until they breakthrough that is.

Listen here