In a flashy Hip-Hop world dominated by the music of one-dimensional cookie cut rappers, ILL AL is a welcome change. A breath of fresh air and a rare breed of artist. Most are drawn to ILL AL's ability to speak from the heart as an individual, rather than portray a phony rap persona. For others it's his original style and voice that sets him apart from anything seen or heard until now. Raised in San Diego, ever since elementary writing was a passion and his ability became obvious. His humble beginning was performing at various open mics and showcases. “Back then I didn't have access to a studio. So I would write tracks over instrumentals and perform them at open mics”. Earning a reputation as a bold MC and winning particular acclaim for his skills as a lyricist.
THE HUSTLE...
ILL AL has made it clear he was going to retain control over his music and has stated that record companies, not artist themselves, largely profit the most from mass production of music. So he started his own company HEIST ENTERTAINMENT and released his first mixtape album, San Diego City Limit. The album spawned the eponymous single Welcome 2 SD. Ranging from personal songs to party tracks. They Know a charming play-on spitting game with cheesy one liners directed at the ladies was immediately a fan favorite, “People should know I joke a lot within my music. I don't take myself too seriously..and neither should anyone else. I'm having fun and want everyone listening to enjoy it as entertainment.” His third single I Gotta Story was evidence of his creativity and talent. Without the help of a record label ILL AL instead used money earned from performing and CD sales to promote and market.
DUEL IDENTITIES...
With home field advantage, ILL AL continued to add to his increasing buzz by recording & releasing a second fierce street mix tape titled Dawn Of Lucious. ILL AL allows his alter-evil Lucious to awaken on this hard knocking 20 track album. With substance and depth in his original style most of the album ties two split frames of mind into a theme. Including such successful singles as Watch, Fan Club, Daygo's Active and Birth of Lucious. “Honestly, it's a whole other side that even amazes me at times. In this line of work you're dealing with hate and a lot of other pressures /obstacles that come with the territory..somethings gotta give...”. Lucious((lue shus))which is ILL AL's last name has been identified as its own persona and summed it up in two words.. Aggressive and Arrogant. “ILL AL is more of the classic Hip Hop head with witty socially conscious lyrics and a hip hop party player, writing songs to get the ladies moving and shaking”.
THE H.E.I.S.T...
Using HEIST ENTERTAINMENT as a platform ILL AL has begun a movement of like minded independent artists. “We share the same beliefs,talent and mindset”.
H.E.I.S.T. standing for: Hustling Everything In Short Time.
“It's a group of individual artists, producers and entrepreneurs who believe in networking together towards success. We're all our own individual persons that simply decided to work together.”
With blueprints and a game plan, HEIST ENTERTAINMENT plans to host shows, as well as promote & distribute the hottest music coming out of San Diego. Ill AL has already sealed solid bonds and affiliations. Johnny Collarossi a fellow native MC with a strong loyal following and raw yet polished hip hop talent. Also on the roster is Arok a creatively unique trend setting artist (blending hip hop & rock) with crowd moving appeal and sharp lyrics. Ill Al's goal for H.E.I.S.T. is to have a hand in everything: music production, events, clothing lines, DVDs, movies, books and have them all connected. “As an artist when you go looking for a producer, you're gonna pick one affiliated with H.E.I.S.T. and vice versa. You know that everyone a part of H.E.I.S.T. is professional and success driven”.
WHATS NEXT?
ILL AL is currently working on his next album Engineering Good Times scheduled to be released Fall of 2011. “Engineering Good times is gonna have a nice feel to it. It'll be one of those albums you can pop in at the house party or function and let it run”. The first smash single Cold off the upcoming album was released in January 2011 followed by a second single Best Friend featuring Bay area legend Coolio Da Unda Dog, this which has already begun spreading infectiously. “Best Friend is kind of a hip hop love song. Told from a certain standpoint”. Also in the works is the H.E.I.S.T album. A collaboration album with all the HEIST affiliates. With his consistent ability to deliver hot music,performances and unite artist, ILL AL is destined to not only connect San Diego but catapult it into mainstream spotlight.
