Album Notes

THE ENTERTAINER Illa Brown has come a long way from rhyming on street corners on the west coast since the early nineties, becoming a seasoned rap artist emerging onto Canada’s urban music scene. His debut album entitled, –the illtraduction lp, (Bogueart Ent./Nuff Ent.), boasts the beat-driven vocals of Gemstones, and the seductive club-banger, Red Apple (feat. Cory Lee). Coupled with the release of the Red Apple music video, as seen on Much Music, the single was charting on satellite, college and commercial radio. His voice and stage presence has captivated audiences, while his persona remains cool under the growing spotlight. Early on, the aspiring rhyme-smith reflects back on the cipher-circles, alongside rappers like Moka Only and Prevail from Swollen Members that inspired him to free-style and battle, which then grew into the fiery inferno of Illa Brown today. It would later be the street buzz at residencies and live shows that would solidify Illa Brown\'s reputation in Vancouver’s underground hip hop scene. The skilled lyricist released a series of collaborations with New Zealand-born DJ Kutcorners. Rhymes like \"Put your weapons down, put your hands up, party right cuz you cats don\'t feel the same when I\'m off the mic,\" captured attention from associations dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of independent national artists. The gritty anthem, “Rock On Yah Block,” landed the MC/DJ act on the 2003 !Earshot compilation, Dig Your Roots Project 1: Hip Hop, giving the upstart duo immediate national exposure. The success led to a quick return to the studio to release the infectious singles, The Formula and Damn Right, the latter featured on 12\" vinyl. “It used to be just writin’ rhymes on life,” states the Victoria-born rapper. “Then I was blown away that radio in Europe, even as far away as New Zealand was feelin’ my sound. It\'s satisfyingto get some recognition.\" With a string of underground releases under his belt, Illa B would flex his creative showmanship over the next few years opening for rap stars such as Mos Def, Raekwon, Fat Joe, Maestro, Red 1, Mr. Lif, Devin the Dude, The Liks and many others while building a diverse fan base of his own. To own a copy of Illa Brown\'s -the illtraduction lp add to shopping cart. For booking and info please visit www.myspace.com/illabrown