Lamar Lockett at 2018 Elgin Fringe Festival

Full of Chicago references and a critical subtext, "Honey Fly Rum" isn't about life on a plantation, or is it? Combining dramatic scenes with hip-hop performance, this play underscores the tragedy of individuals selling out to corporate objectives, using not-so-subtle cues like the play's setting: radio station WFKU.

Lead actor Pierre Crawford brings considerable skills to his role as J. Smooth, a recovering alcoholic rap artist trying to find his way in the cutthroat world of mass media. Interpersonal subplots add depth to scenes interspersed with catchy and totally legit original raps that shine a light on the creative process, if not the product.

You'll leave this show reflecting on lines like "the thing you live your life trying to avoid ... still controls you." But you'll also be treated to a bite of "Honey Fly Rum Cake," bumpin' to the beats of J. Smooth and D.J. Porsh.