eMusic

Start Your Trial

Illa J

Illa J

Rate it!

Avg: 4.0 (4 ratings)

  • Born: in Detroit, MI
  • Years Active: 2000s

Biography

After the passing of his brother, Detroit producer/MC Jay Dee, Illa J (born John Yancey) dropped out of Central Michigan University, put aside his inhibitions, and stepped out as an MC and producer. Previously apprehensive about living up to the genius-level standard set by his elder sibling, Illa J became visible outside his local circle through the video for his brother's "Won't Do" -- where he was shown lip-syncing the rhymes -- as well as the Dilla Changed My Life tour, which allowed him to perform for Dilla admirers across the globe. He then got into recording, collaborating with the likes of Karriem Riggins, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, and Little Brother's Big Pooh. A self-released EP was issued in 2007, featuring self-productions, with the exception of one track ("Me and My Brother") produced by Jay Dee.
— Andy Kellman , All Music Guide

Related Artists Ancestors, Peers and Acolytes

Similar Artists:

Black Milk, Finale

Roots and Influences:

Slum Village

Playlists If you like Illa J, check out these member playlists

Explore music recommended by Illa J fans

“ The indie iTunes — Hardcore music fans are migrating to eMusic, the iTunes Music Store's cheaper, cooler cousin.”


Rolling Stone
Start Your Trial

Recently Viewed

Back
Forward

© 1998-2009 eMusic.com Inc. eMusic and the eMusic logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks in the USA or other countries. All rights reserved.

All Music Guide © 1992 - 2009 All Media Guide, LLC
Portions of content provided by All Music Guide, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC

Facebook®, YouTube, Flickr™ and Wikipedia® are registered trademarks of their respective owners, Facebook Inc., Google, Inc., Yahoo! Inc. and Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Neither Facebook Inc., Google, Inc., Yahoo! Inc. nor Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. are partners or sponsors of eMusic. eMusic uses the Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Wikipedia API but is not endorsed or certified by Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Wikipedia. eMusic does not pre-screen, monitor, endorse nor assume any liability for websites, contents, products, services or claims made by Facebook, YouTube, Flickr™ and Wikipedia®.

Legal or copyright question regarding Facebook, YouTube, Flickr or Wikipedia content on eMusic? Please email us.