Darwin we’re coming back to play Bass In The Grass on Saturday 25 May!!
Click HERE to buy tickets.

COME TOGETHER 2013. SATURDAY 8 JUNE. GET TICKETS HERE

Me and my bro Daniel Merriweather in the studio today working on a joint for my new album. 8 years in the making. Worth the wait.

MACKAY! Been a minute since last time we did it up. Let’s change all that.

BENDIGO! Sorry for shouting at you. I’m playing a show Easter weekend, with Allday, Elemont and others. Get around it, if last time is anything to go by its going to be fucking rowdy. Shit Yeah.

Breath Of Life Festival 10/03/13. Thankyou Tassie.

Not a bad first gig for 2013.

In an ever-changing genre which prides itself on passionate portrayals, raw and courageous lyrics intertwined with grit and determination, precedence often sets the standard, and hence expectations of what lies ahead. Perceptions of individuality and espoused attitudes are constantly tested as hip hop continues to find its niche in the broader sense, and truly envelop the listeners expectations. The essence of the underground is transformed and superbly manifested as ILLY takes on all before him on BRING IT BACK, his follow up album to the critically acclaimed The Chase.

With gusto, ILLY sets the tone with the title track BRING IT BACK over a classic M-Phazes tune. His musical stance and motivations are shared lyrically through the struggles and highlights of a brief yet highly successful career. Alongside the irrepressible Thundamentals, the strongly emphasized drum-break on ALL THE ABOVE will be embraced with gusto by the traditionalists and aficionados of the 80′s era. The no fuss approach is superbly conveyed with Pez on song in the ‘made for radio-centric’ tune WHERE YA BEEN. One of the nations supreme lyricists and producers, Trials from the infamous Funkoars has created a musical treat in the uptempo head nodder BACK, BACK, FORWARD. With an uncompromising tenacity, a drum infused Trials beat again compliments the highly talented wordsmith Mantra and the lyrically infectious Grey Ghost on THE REAL.

A change of pace in the “Dilla” style infused CHECK IT OUT highlights the soulful production style of ‘the one to watch’ Billy Hoyle. ILLY expresses his will to spread the gospel across international boundaries; honesty and self-worth underpins his sentiment throughout this tune. No holds barred and ‘in ya face’ rawness exemplifies SAY IT TO ME. ILLY attempts to create Australian Hip Hop history, exploring the genres generational change over time through the voice of old school Australian Hip Hop icon Reason and the youthful teenage perspective executed by Elemont on the Taku produced THE BRIDGE. A local history lesson focussing on a ’20 plus years ago until today’ is sure to captivate the listener. The big bounce production by One Above on the heartfelt HEARD IT ALL transcends the listener into ILLY’s midst, stating that,”I’m only one voice in a world of billions, and no ideas original no more…” The highly emotive COMING HOME is lyrically indicative of the honesty and heartfelt disposition conveyed by ILLY throughout the album. A bonus track that lives up to all of its expectations, 6 SHOOTER purveys the relentless pursuit of greatness, complimented by the highly talented Purpose, J.Stark (BBS), Bitter Belief, Raven & Prime. M-PHAZES innate ability to read the play and provide ILLY with the beats that are best fit, round off this ‘back to the basics’ driven masterpiece. The unassuming style and finesse of DJ Flagrant’s melodic yet ferocious cuts bless the album; simple yet very effective turntablism at its best!

A testament to all the hardwork and effort required in the cut and thrust of today’s music scene, the BRING IT BACK style of ‘stripping back the paint’ and returning to the essence of what lies deep within exemplifies this album. ILLY’s heart & soul are brought to the fore, as a return to his roots of the ‘south-east’ are shared with the masses. If the world wants to hear a local wordsmith with a global persona, then one can go no further than ILLY. His penchant for perfection, world-class beats and uncompromised results will afford this voice of a generation every opportunity to achieve his dreams and aspirations. BRING IT BACK will ‘relax your mind and let your conscience be free’ in a way that will leave the listener begging for more; and rightfully so.

“Can miss me with the critiques and reviews from peeps who couldn’t move a couple feet in my shoes…”