There really is no better suited name. His mastery of the spoken word is integral to his epic performances. As a true emcee rooted in classic hip hop, he knows how to jumpstart energy and move the crowd. His futuristic styles and ability to create what's next allow him to keep evolving and moving forward, bringing us all along for the ride. Each and every show of his is, of course, ill. To the nth power.
iLLspokinn and I crossed paths in NYC, but it could have taken place anywhere in the world. Originally from Massachusetts, it was a natural transition for him to trade that in for Brooklyn - and beyond. While he is a staple of the Big Apple nightlife (check out his write up by the legendary Blue Note), iLLspokinn doesn't stop there. He's a worldwide phenom, with loyal followings in China, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Greece, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark. You could say he gets around.
"iLLspokinn is a rare talent. He's not only an amazing writer but also has the ability to improvise over any type of beat dropping, everything from serious politically-minded lyrics to absolutely hysterical lines and everything in between. He's one of the all-time favorite live MC's at The Blue Note, and that includes such luminaries as Kanye West, Mos Def, and Lupe Fiasco.”
-Blue Note Jazz Club New York
Now time for a little more bragging on my friend. As frontman of his band, Spokinn Movement, their two albums, 60 Minute Spin Cycle and self-titled Spokinn Movement, garnered him acclaim as of the “Rawkus 50 (next important Hip Hop artists)." In Barcelona, his single, “Last Call,” remained at number one on the FlaixFm dance charts for fourteen weeks. You might have to sleep outside the box office to get a ticket to his always-sold-out-shows in Budapest. The Atlanta Hawks organization jetted him out to London just to emcee a UK version of the popular “Art Battles” series. Make plans to attend his new installment coming up this March at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC!
In addition to all of that awesomeness, iLLspokinn continues to be producer and co-host of the incredibly creative “Freestyle Mondays”, one of the longest-running Hip Hop events in New York City. It's so popular that he's also launched successful satellite versions in the Czech Republic and France, so look for it if you're in the area.
Aside from the fact that he's a creative and incredible musician dj - and a million other unbelievable identities we'll get into another time - iLLspokinn particularly resonates with me because of our shared need to do what we love - no matter what.
“I have a strong urge to follow my dreams, and when I don’t, I feel a pull, and it aches…There’s a lot of other shit I could be doing…but that’s not what makes my heart and soul dance. I want something bigger…better!? - iLLspokinn
If you get a chance to check him out, in whatever fashion he happens to be exhibiting his creativity at the time - DO IT. Find out WHEN/WHERE/HOW via the links below. That is all.
www.iLLspokinn.com
https://www.facebook.com/illspokinn
https://twitter.com/illspokinn
https://instagram.com/illspokinn/
https://soundcloud.com/illspokinn