ILLUS Bio

ILLUS – (Illustrate) v: From the Latin word illustrare to purify, to make bright. To explain by example: Clarify; also: Demonstrate.

ILLUS – (illustrious) adj: Widely known and esteemed; “a famous actor”; “a celebrated musician.

Hailing from the poverty stricken Bridgeport, CT, Illus has fought, struggled and sacrificed on his way to the top. A HIPHOP fan from his first exposure to the art in elementary school, Illus started rhyming and performing at the age of 13 after being encouraged by kids in his neighborhood who knew of his love for poetry. Illus was picked on and bullied because of this, but that never stopped him, he overcame his surrounding environments by submerging himself into the world of Hip-Hop, and urban arts. As an emcee, he found his voice though his songs and would find his revenge performing at local venues and school events where he would verbally assault and embarrass his tormentors.

Growing up around gangs and violence Illus chose to use his gift for words, music and art to uplift those that society has forgotten about, the common man. He decided early on to help uplift his community and worked with volunteer groups and young children that had even less then he did. Being a product of his environment, Illus shows his environment is community.

In 1991, Illus releases his first underground single- You Need Protection, and sold 15,000 units. In 1992 and 1993, Illus released three more underground singles, Meaning My…, Who Got the Heart?, and Skills, selling a collective 50,000 units.

ILLUS – (illustrious) adj: Having or conferring glory; “an illustrious achievement.”

Working endless hours to put himself through school Illus moved to Brooklyn, NY and studied illustration and design. His love for graphic story telling led him to find work at Marvel Comics and he later began self-publishing his own comic book series based on Illus’ life experiences.

Shortly after this Illus received a production contract but it quickly went sour. Deciding to focus on a career in art, Illus took time off from recording to hone his writing and production skills and study the industry more thoroughly.

ILLUS – (Illustrate) v: To give renown or honor to; to make illustrious; to glorify.

In 2001 Illus returned to the studio and recorded Visions of Apocalypse with his partners K the Scrybe and Lyrical Beast. One week after that terror struck New York City and just blocks away from their recording studio the Twin Towers fell. Illus then finished up his EP (the Sacrifice) recording Free, which was dedicated to all of the victims of 9/11.

Wendy Day (CEO of Rap Coalition) had this to say about Visions of Apocalypse from Illus’ EP the SACRIFICE: “Visions of Apocalypse is dope….. a rock crossover potential that’s incredible……… talent, lyrics, great production, and creativity.”

Since then Illus has been recording non-stop and has released two EP’s and two full-length CD’s. Illus has moved over 60,000 units worldwide through online sales, live performances, hustling on the streets and word of mouth. Illus has toured the United States with Public Enemy, Dilated Peoples and Blackalicious and continues to perform regularly on the underground scene through the U.S. and overseas as well as record with such legendary talent as Chuck D and R.A. the Rugged Man.

Illus is currently preparing to release his new album, Feel Good Music, produced by legendary producer J.J. Brown.

Roy Opochinski a writer for www.GrooveVolt.com recently attended a performance in Brooklyn that featured Illus and had this to say- “….With a monster set of his own [Illus] engaged the crowd. His 30 minutes seemed effortless and one wondered why he was not playing at a larger venue in front of a huge crowd……. Politically tinged, smart rap isn’t dead, when Illus comes to your town, you’ll need not go further than the venue to find it.”

Illus radiates passion and anywhere he performs the audience connects with his heart. One fan at a time, the world is becoming familiar with the name Illus, his music and his art. And it is something they will never forget.

Illus currently co-writes and illustrates the official PUBLIC ENEMY comic book series (www.americanmule.com) and is also working on the upcoming DMC (RunDmc) comic book series.

Contact ILLUS at [email protected]

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