GET TICKETS HERE.
The Elixir Media Group is teaming up with internationally renowned Brooklyn label Bastard Jazz Recordings for rapper/singer/songwriter Illa J's NYC album release show at Cameo Gallery on Wednesday, October 7.
In addition to a live performance by Illa J, the show will feature the NYC debut live performance from rising electronic production duo Potatohead People. The world famous DJ Spinna will be keeping the party moving all night and into the morning hours after the show.
RSVP ON FACEBOOK.
MORE ABOUT THE ALBUM:
Set for release October 2nd, Illa J'sforthcoming, multifaceted self-titled solo album is a personal milestone for the talented younger brother of legendary hip hop producer J Dilla and former Slum Village member. The album will be Illa's first full-length solo effort in nearly seven years and his debut with the Bastard Jazz label.
The album presents an entirely fresh sound, inspired by two initial collaborations between Illa and Canadian producers Nick Wisdom & AstroLogical (aka Potatohead People). Alongside a few groundbreaking co-producers, Potatohead People crafted the new project from top to bottom without the use of any samples.
From electronic grooves (“Universe”), Acid Jazz (“Sunflower”), trunk rattling G-Funk (the Kaytranada co-produced “Strippers”), to the classic Detroit boom-bap sound (“French Kiss” and rap's ode to the game of bowling “Perfect Game”), Illa flexes his muscles through both song and rhyme over one of the most diverse soundscapes of his career.
Vancouver mainstay MC Moka Only contributes invaluably to the cohesive sound of the album as well, providing signature smoothed-out vocal choruses to tracks like “She Burned My Art”, “All Good Pt. 2” and “Who Got It” (co-produced by Mosaic).
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE.
MORE ABOUT ILLA J:
From deep musical origins in Detroit, rapper/singer/songwriter Illa J has been slowly navigating his way through the oft-turbulent waters of Hip-Hop since the tender age of 13, when the young John Yancey aka Illa J wrote his first rhyme alongside his brother, the late great J Dilla. After his brother’s passing in ‘06, he began teaching himself piano, bass and taking vocal lessons while finding himself touring the world and recording a slew of Dilla-related projects, notably being an active member of Slum Village until 2014. His first solo album, ’08s Yancey Boys and the Frank Nitt 2013 collaborative album Sunset BLVD were both released on seminal label Delicious Vinyl. Feeling the need for a change creatively as well as geographically, in 2012 John moved to the future music hotbed that is Montreal ultimately making the connection with Canadian producers Nick Wisdom & AstroLogical aka Potatohead People (whose acclaimed Bastard Jazz debut album Big Luxury in Spring 2015 featured Illa J on two hit singles).