Hip-Hop fans may recognize Ill Poetic as the man behind the boards of Detroit artist Red Pill’s 2016 album “Instinctive Drowning” (Mello Music Group). Praised not only as a powerful and emotional project, Ill Poetic was highlighted by numerous national media outlets for his progressive, boundary-pushing production on the record as well. Those familiar with Ill Po’s career wouldn’t be surprised by these descriptions; he’s built a career unbound by genre, or even industry. 

From his early days of emcee-battling at Cincinnati, Ohio’s famed Top Cats and Scribble Jam, to establishing a career self-producing two solo albums in the late 2000’s, Ill Po became a recognizable name in the underground hip-hop scene and tour circuit. It wasn’t until 2008, when he’d release a mash-up album of Portishead & Joe Budden (“Mood Muzik’s Third”) that his career would elevate beyond the typical rapper/producer narrative. After receiving cosigns from Rolling Stone, as well as both Portishead and Joe Budden Ill Po would go on to release two more successful mash-ups.

The late 2000’s would also bring Ill Poetic into business with manager Micshon Harper, forging a partnership to launch VoiceOfRzn Management & Consulting. This venture would lead to the launch of their team’s multimedia platform, Definition Music, as well as Ill Po’s graphic and sound-design company SoundRzn. This foundation allowed for Ill Po and various accompanying artists, musicians, and film-makers to release their art on a growing but structured platform.

Ill Poetic’s most recent releases, “Synesthesia: The Yellow Movement” (2012) and “The Silhouette Project” (2016) brought him into the world of live instrumentation. After years of studio work with an array of both legendary and up-and-coming musicians, Ill Po brought the live aspect of his music to the stage, joining with legendary Columbus, OH drummer Don Carlos, members of his band Playhouse and various musicians and singers from the Ohio region to create a live show that pulls from hip-hop, drum-and-bass, deep house, electronic, gospel, funk, soul, and jazz.

Bravely undertaking a completely new creative process for each project, Ill Poetic has again meticulously crafted a unique new sound, shedding the typical hip-hop producer aesthetic he was once known for. He continues to evolve, diving flawlessly into rich and layered production, live instrumentation, vocalists, and exciting new songwriting structures.

Backed by this bold and innovative sound, Ill Poetic continues to push his career in fearless new directions, creating music he describes as “a soundtrack to the imagination”.

Non-profit organization based in Oakland, California that teaches kids beat making and DJ'ing as a mental health and educational intervention.

#GlobalBeatCypher sample packs and beat tapes available here. #GlobalBeatCypher every Saturday 7pm PST via 
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Orko Eloheim is one of music's most influential and prolific hip-hop artists.  Orko is an avant-garde rapper and proudcer hailing from the Southern California underground, now residing in Minneapolis. His sound and style is a blend of psychedelia, afrofuturisim, urban dread and a virtuous knowledge of hip-hop culture. During his career he has worked with artists and labels such as Bigg Jus of Company Flow (as Nephlim Modulation Systems), Ninja Tune/Big Dada, Ras G, Aceyalone, Saul Williams, Gonjasufi, Adult Swim, and even Rick Rubin. His ahead of the game live show pioneered a decade ago, what has become common place today (live-programmed beat shows, hip-hop infused with electronic genres, and drum-driven production.

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The US Cuba Artist Exchange is an organization dedicated to fostering and inspiring cultural understanding and personal growth between American and Cuban artists. Through joint creative initiatives and genuine exchange, USCAE aims to enrich and connect both the US and Cuban communities through the universal language of art. Musicians, visual artists and filmmakers from both countries come together to learn from each others processes and produce collaborative works for the public, building a lasting synergy between cultures.


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