Hip-Hop fans may recognize Ill Poetic as the man behind the boards of Detroit artist Red Pill’s 2016 album “Instinctive Drowning” (Mello Music Group). Praised not only as a powerful and emotional project, Ill Poetic was highlighted by numerous national media outlets for his progressive, boundary-pushing production on the record as well. Those familiar with Ill Po’s career wouldn’t be surprised by these descriptions; he’s built a career unbound by genre, or even industry.
From his early days of emcee-battling at Cincinnati, Ohio’s famed Top Cats and Scribble Jam, to establishing a career self-producing two solo albums in the late 2000’s, Ill Po became a recognizable name in the underground hip-hop scene and tour circuit. It wasn’t until 2008, when he’d release a mash-up album of Portishead & Joe Budden (“Mood Muzik’s Third”) that his career would elevate beyond the typical rapper/producer narrative. After receiving cosigns from Rolling Stone, as well as both Portishead and Joe Budden Ill Po would go on to release two more successful mash-ups.
The late 2000’s would also bring Ill Poetic into business with manager Micshon Harper, forging a partnership to launch VoiceOfRzn Management & Consulting. This venture would lead to the launch of their team’s multimedia platform, Definition Music, as well as Ill Po’s graphic and sound-design company SoundRzn. This foundation allowed for Ill Po and various accompanying artists, musicians, and film-makers to release their art on a growing but structured platform.
Ill Poetic’s most recent releases, “Synesthesia: The Yellow Movement” (2012) and “The Silhouette Project” (2016) brought him into the world of live instrumentation. After years of studio work with an array of both legendary and up-and-coming musicians, Ill Po brought the live aspect of his music to the stage, joining with legendary Columbus, OH drummer Don Carlos, members of his band Playhouse and various musicians and singers from the Ohio region to create a live show that pulls from hip-hop, drum-and-bass, deep house, electronic, gospel, funk, soul, and jazz.
Bravely undertaking a completely new creative process for each project, Ill Poetic has again meticulously crafted a unique new sound, shedding the typical hip-hop producer aesthetic he was once known for. He continues to evolve, diving flawlessly into rich and layered production, live instrumentation, vocalists, and exciting new songwriting structures.
Backed by this bold and innovative sound, Ill Poetic continues to push his career in fearless new directions, creating music he describes as “a soundtrack to the imagination”.
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