No group epitomizes the abundance of artistic talent and spirit of collaboration coming out of Chicago right now more than Pivot Gang. HNHH caught up with four members of Pivot Gang -- Saba (rapper/producer), Joseph Chilliams (rapper/producer), Squeak (producer/DJ), and Dam Dam (Saba's DJ) -- last month at their SXSW AirBNB, which was situated on a quiet street a couple miles from downtown Austin.
The interview spanned a variety of topics, including how Chilliams coined the term "Pivot Gang" and the tragic murder of their cousin and collaborator John Walt, and how he has been honored in the community of young Chicago artists. Things took a lighter turn when the group discussed life on tour. Long drives in the sprinter van consist of anime, tons of snacks, and coping with the reckless driving tactics of Rory, Pivot Gang's publicist and manager (and driver).
Finally, Pivot Gang shared what fans can expect from them musically in the coming year. Chilliams plans to release Henry Church, which he named "because that's what Enrique Iglesias's name translates to in English." Saba mentioned that MFn Melo is putting the finishing touches on a "luxurious" tape he's been working on for the last couple years and that the imminent release of Jimmy/FRSH Watrs means one thing: another Pivot Gang project is on the way.
Watch the full interview above.