ILLA  BROWN

   Stepping into the spotlight to rock crowds with a smooth, party-minded flow that has been compared to the likes of Mos Def and Q-Tip, Canadian-born MC Illa Brown has been making noise north of the 49th parallel since 1993. His style of lyricism includes such influences as Maestro, A Tribe Called Quest, Common and Black Star. Today, Illa has become his own unique style and character and has been steadily paying dues and earning respect as an underground hip hop artist. Singles such as Rock On Yah Block (2003) and Damn Right(2005), are notable tracks that saw spins on Canadian college and Top 40 radio. His solid performances at festivals such as New Music West and North By North East has put Illa Brown on the map as a solo act poised to make the next big jump. His debut album entitled -the illtraduction lp was released in 2007 on indie-label Bogueart Entertainment. The stand out single off the disc, Red Apple, is a fan favorite that saw Top 40 radio rotation in Toronto, Edmonton, Halifax and received a VideoFact grant that spawned the flirtatious music video. Sensing his cross over appeal, Ill Bizzy has managed a reputation for rockin' mic's at hot spots over the past 8 years, most notably in Vancouver, building a fan base on the west coast. However Illa continues to expand and evolve in the urban music scene and is currently collaborating with Toronto-based producers and is in the works on a second solo album.