GLOBALLY GROWN
From Winnipeg to Jamaica, Dill the Giant gives rap fans “something you can smoke to”
WINNIPEG RAPPER DILL THE GIANT’S FAMILY HAILS FROM JAMAICA, and he wrote his new single, “WEED MAN SON,” after visiting the Caribbean country with his father. That trip inspired everything from the song’s reggae swagger to its lyrics, which include references to tamarind, Appleton Estate rum, and ackee and saltfish (Jamaica’s national dish). The accompanying music video begins with a Reefer Madness movie poster and stars Dill as a chain-toking landscaper (who pulls in extra cash selling weed while on the job).
The song’s laidback mood is a fitting introduction to Dill’s new EP, Weed Man Son. “It’s dope,” he tells Exclaim! “Very organically grown vibes. It’s just something you can smoke to.” Dill is a member of Winnipeg rap trio 3PEAT, and the group’s Steve “BBS” Teixeira produced the beats for the EP.
So what does this weed man son like to smoke? “I prefer bongs and blunts,” Dill says. “I’ll smoke a joint, hit the dab, all that. My favourite strain is… hard to say — there’s so many good things. Mainly, though, I really lean toward what they call the indicas and whatnot, but it’s all good.
Back when names were a thing, I remember a few stuck out: ‘Sour Apple Big Bud’ and ‘San Fernando Valley OG.’ Hitting hard.”
He refers to cannabis as “medicine,” and he has a laidback approach to using it. He’s a daily smoker who likes “all forms” of the plant, and his favourite things to do while under the influence include “regular shit” like skateboarding, walking the dog and recording at the studio. “I’d say it’s more of a relaxation thing these days, like after work and all that, when I’m trying to unwind or catch a vibe,” he reflects.
He’s supportive of the recent changes in cannabis culture, since weed has become increasingly accessible. So long as people are still getting good weed and research is pushing things forward, he considers it a good thing. That being said, he says that legalization “ain’t change anything for me.” According to Dill, Winnipeg has “always been known as a weed city,” and the new laws haven’t altered that.
“Shoutout to all the dispensaries that are open late,” he says. “And the homies. You’re always sure to find something at Portage Place [shopping centre] if you are looking.”