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”.

(Eric Mummey) began creating music at the age of 5. His first instruments were his grandfather's accordion, an old one string guitar he found on the street in Cleveland, Ohio and trash cans turned upside down for drums. He could make sound effects, imitating anything he heard, birds, police sirens, car alarms etc. He soon began entertaining and collaborating with other musicians and artists. Their demo caught the ears of Grammy Award winning keyboardist, musician, composer and writer Keith Harrison of Faze-O, The Dazz Band, Heatwave, Morris Day and the Time, and Lo Key. Keith was a source of encouragement and constant inspiration to Eric. He introduced him to several talented musicians and brought him in on several of his projects. Eric has also met members of the Ohio Players some members of the Zapp Band including Roger Troutman, Larry Troutman and Greg Jackson. He also collaborated with Drac(Mark Hicks) of the band Slave on a single for Dayton rapper Dr. Ease (Daryl Easley.) In 1992 Eric placed 1st. in the Saga Continues National Talent Showcase in Dayton, Ohio. The contest was judged by Motown Recording Artist, The Boys, Khiry and Taj, Toni Johnson of Motown Records, Brian Castle of Atlantic Records and Dr. John Turk Logan Station Manager for WCSU FM. This won him a trip to Hollywood, California to record. It was there that he collaborated with L.A. based promoters Chuck Debow, Hayward Collins, producers Howie Hirsh and Allan Tatum at L.A.Q. studio, on a re-mix single that he performed during the contest. After much consideration and several contract offers, Eric decided to stay in his home town of Dayton, Ohio where he continues to work with various talented artists such as, iLL Poetic of Definition Music, Dr. Ease of Ohio Funk Records, motivational speaker and coach Alfred Powell, Monte Bond of Treel Beats Entertainment and Marques Kincaid of Landmarq Music to name a few.

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