Bill Stax holds a physical copy of his latest album in his home studio.
He revealed that he is in talks with directors and producers for a possible weed documentary and movie.Weed and hip-hop is not exactly a new combination, but it was almost unheard of in South Korean media. Music streaming platforms refused to showcase Detox as a new release because the cover art featured rolled-up blunts and an ounce of weed. It did not help that Bill Stax was charged in 2018 for smoking weed and taking cocaine and ecstasy in a 2015 incident. Initially sentenced to a year and a half in prison, he was later indicted without detention. He’s currently serving a three-year probation that requires him to undergo regular drug tests.“I'm trying to use my music, fashion, and other cultural influences to ‘detox’ away the brainwashing the public received from society’s propaganda against weed, ” the rapper said.
Pastor Kang Sung-seok prepares for a recording of a podcast series about legalising medical marijuana.
Like Bill Stax, Kang believes that social stigma is what kept professors and doctors from pushing for medical weed, even when they were well aware of its benefits. That’s why he stepped up to promote it.“Just as Jesus healed many people back in his day, my medical mission is to bring treatments to patients.”
Signs of marijuana can be found in alleyways of neighborhoods like Hongdae, where youth culture is popular.
But hope is not lost.Until Koreans accept weed, both the rapper and his pastor-partner are committed to spreading the good word.Find David on Twitter and Instagram.“I really wanted people to see my album and say, ‘Wow, you can really release an album like this in our country?’” he said, sounding disappointed.
