ABOUT

“I’m a rare, true solo artist that makes dope funky music with a soulful swing that you can feel. For me, music is a vibe; a universal language that everybody can relate to. That’s how it should be defined.”

Illa J is a versatile artist whose talents span rapping, singing, songwriting, producing, and playing multiple instruments. His lyrics connect on a personal level, his voice carries warmth and depth, and his music blends melody, rhythm, and soul. With a deep respect for the craft, he creates with both skill and heart.

Born and raised in working-class Detroit, Illa J grew up in a household that placed a great emphasis on values such as community, dedication and excellence, which drove him to have an undeniable creative focus in his professional pursuits. He mastered the piano by learning how to read music at an early age however being musically-inclined was baked into his DNA. On any given day, there would be records spinning from Motown icons like James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, to exclusive a cappella jazz groups such as The Manhattan Transfer and Les Double Six. These diverse genres would have a significant impact on Illa J’s career, broadening his own musical roots. 

The youngest in a musical family, Illa J grew up surrounded by love and sound. His father played piano and upright bass, sang, and wrote songs, while his mother was a singer, and his paternal grandparents were pianists. His older brother is the late hip-hop visionary J Dilla, hence the semblance in his stage moniker, who was known for his innovative production and prolific mic skills that continue to be dissected and duplicated till this day.

Illa J’s foray into the industry began with a tribute project to his brother not long after he transitioned in 2006 as a way to keep his legacy alive, however it boxed him in artistically. “A lot of people put me in the same age group as my brother and looked at me as an artist from his era instead of me being a new, young artist in my late teens with my own style and perspective. I’ll always rep my bro no matter what, but I’m also my own person.” Over the years, Illa J has built a solid reputation for pushing musicianship forward. An electrifying and dynamic live performer, his talent has taken him all over the globe making him a transatlantic success with a loyal fan base that spans from London and Italy to Germany and Japan.

With a resume that includes headlining his own tours, performing with Slum Village, opening for Talib Kweli, and appearing alongside Miles Davis on the Robert Glasper single “They Can’t Hold Me Down,” Illa J released his 2017 album Home, featuring the single “Sam Cook.” He performed its Motown-inspired arrangement for his COLORS BERLIN segment

His artistic fine-tuning and attention to detail can be experienced on his latest offering No Traffic, which references how he feels about his place in hip-hop. “I’ve created my own lane in hip-hop, even though my reach extends far beyond the genre. I play all of the instruments you hear; I don’t sample anything. I come from a well-respected legacy and I authentically care about the music. I follow my gut and keep it pushing.”   No Traffic blends soul, jazz, funk, and rap, reintroducing himself as the unique artist he’s always been.

Illa J now enters a new creative chapter, teaming up with Ash Walker as Jaywalk and The Cadillacs. Their debut album, Whitewalls & Harmonies, arrives September 2025.

Intent on keeping his artwork pure while also drawing inspiration from his heritage, which includes pushing boundaries, Illa J is and will always be all about the music.