“Still Sick” is the upcoming single by Wichita hip-hop artist Thain. It’s set to drop on October 31st, 2025, and it features producer Steven Shields (Audio Paradolia) and local rapper Hippy K, resulting in a tight display of Midwest hip-hop energy.
The collaboration came together naturally through Thain‘s existing relationship with Shields, with whom he plays in the band ‘For the Birds.’ They’d worked on some recording sessions together and decided to revisit Thain’s hip hop background. Hippy K, an artist they’d been watching for a few years, rounded out the lineup.
What’s notable here is the speed of execution – the entire track, instrumental arrangement, and all writing, recording, and mixing, was completed in 3-4 hours at The Echo Garden in Wichita, KS. All three artists were physically present in the studio, which is uncommon in contemporary hip-hop production.
Thain draws influence from Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Lil Wayne. That combination with Shields providing live instrumentation gives the track a unique and powerful rawness. Hippy K handles the chorus with ad-libs, and his vocal tone differs enough from Thain’s to create separation in the mix.
Thain balances his work as a hip hop artist with his role as vocalist in ‘For the Birds,’ making this release a purposeful return to where he started while keeping the collaborative mindset he’s built over time. Recent performances include opening for Flo Rida at the Wichita River Festival, with upcoming shows at Cotillion Ballroom booked for January.