Post by Adam B on Feb 19, 2007 8:28:55 GMT -5
Some folks describe ILL as an emcee, others call him a battle rapper, but in actuality he is the embodiment of the title of his latest album, ILL is an Unknown Species. He’s lived through more than his fair share of struggles as he’s been homeless, shot at and robbed at gunpoint, but through it all he’s never lost his lyrical fire, in fact, the flame has only intensified. His first TV appearance was in 2000 on The Queen Latifah Show. He battled C-Rayz Walz on NYC's Metro Channel in 2001, was one of BET's 106 and Park Freestyle Friday champions in 2002 and was a finalist on MTV's MC Battle in 2003. 2003 also saw ILL sign a production deal with Ruff Ryders producer DJ Shok. The accolades kept coming ILL’s way as in 2004 he was voted best independent artist of the week by Connecticut’s KC101, which came as a bit of a surprise to the hardcore MC who unsure whether the Top 40 audience would embrace his style. ILL’s battled at the famous Monday Night Fight Klub in NYC and won numerous showdowns and battles put on by Connecticut’s Hot 93.7. Today ILL’s sitting down with me to talk about the differences between being a battle MC and a songwriter, his feelings on his home state’s Hip-Hop scene, and what exactly makes ILL ill.
For five questions with ILL click here: adambernard.blogspot.com/2007/02/artist-of-week-ill.html