Artist description Underground Hip Hop With a Spiritual Twist

Music Style Hip Hop / Rap

Musical Influences Rakim, KRS-One,Gang Starr, Sackcloth Fashion, Dirt, Fros'T

Similar Artists Eemineem, Cross Movement

Artist History Illustrate unleashes with a message of Christ on a level that most of the hip hop community has forgotten. Though the rap industry is flooded with artists that insist on being pimps, players, and gangsters, he is part of what is turning the tide to spirituality. His life ministry is dedicated to speaking the truth through real hip hop music and each of his projects reflects just that, dealing with the real hardships and trials of life while maintaining a real walk with God. Illustrate began in 1995 in his hometown of Denver, CO. It was then that he began working with a local Gangster rap label known as Kut-N-Kru Records. He released his first project, "Summons of a Soldier," in 1996 in which he also did most of the production as well. It was with Kut-N-Kru that he was able to perform at many block parties and car shows in the Denver area. In 1998 Illustrate left Kut-N-Kru and teamed up with 4th Man Records, based out of Los Angeles. It was with 4th Man that his second project, "Focus," was released in early 1999. This project was completed with help from members of his crew, the Lord's Fellowship. They appear on a large part of the "Focus" album. This was also a time for Illustrate to refine his production skills as well. As he again did most of the production for the album. Currently, Illustrate is working on his third project, "Manifest Destiny." An independent release date is not set as of yet, but the goal is for early 2002. Production credits include Illustrate, KP (4th Ave. Jones), Jendor, and Brotha' Sam. Artist guest appearances include Fros'T, A. C. E., Ellis Taylor, Joe Bereal, Jendor, and Daedalus Perihelion. As well as his own projects, Illustrate has appeared on various compilation projects and other artists albums. Most recently, this list includes Fros'T "Life Long Journey" album and the double CD release "Fashion Expo: Tru hip Hop Round 1." Other appearances are the independent release from Jendor, "Sequence Six the Sad Planet," "Tywone's Shouts Out to the Hood," "Midwestern Compilation: Big Game City 2 City," Represent "One Life... From Creation to Redemption," and One Flesh "One Flesh EP." Over the past six years, Illustrate has performed at various places around the country. These include car shows, youth groups, block parties, Cornerstone 2000, and any other opportunity to minister the Word of God. He has shared the stage with such artists as Fros'T, Unity Klan, Redcloud, Dirt, Sackcloth Fashion, Mars Ill, and Preachas in tha Hood. Illustrate comes hard with the Word of God and real rhyme skills. He believes that anything done for the Kingdom of God will last and should at all times be done correctly.

Group Members Illustrate

Instruments ASR-10

Albums Summons of a Soldier, Focus, Illosophy

Press Reviews Album review on Sphereofhiphop.com

Location Denver, CO - USA

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