In an age where we have so many "Cookie Cutter Rappers" it is always good to sit and talk to a true lyricist. Ilacoin not only loves the music but the culture of Hip-Hop to his core. The Harlem native grew up under some of the pioneers of hip-hop and ultimately began writing for some of hip-hops biggest names. The complete artist, possessing witty and multi-layered wordplay, and flows and musical ability Ilacoin is the embodiment of the essence of the foundations of hip-hop.
His vast musical influences and knowledge of hip-hop lore allow him to see the music as a genuine expression of raw emotion. Ilacoin cares deeply for his culture and is committed to staying true regardless of what trends come and go.
[As told To Why Blue Matters]
So tell me a little bit about yourself:
Who is Ilacoin?
Ilacoin: Ilacoin is the name I created to answer the call for originality from Hip Hop. Ironically, a metaphor for change.
Where are you from?
Ilacoin: I'm from New York City. Harlem in essence.
What does music mean to you?
Ilacoin: Music is the air I breathe, the food I eat, the woman I adore. Ha!
How has that meaning changed over the years?
Ilacoin: I think music's become more important to me as a personal means to maintain my sanity as well as my humanity.
What do you like most about being an MC?
Ilacoin: That's easy. Preparing and executing a dope show!
How did you get your start as an MC?
Ilacoin: I hung around a lot of dope MCs so it peaked my interests and I found out I had a natural talent at it.
What inspires and motivates you?
Ilacoin: My family, nature, art, automotive technology and music of course.
Biggest accomplishment?
Ilacoin: Being an involved parent.
Tell me about some of the projects you’ve worked on in the past?
Ilacoin: Most projects I've had the opportunity to contribute part of myself to (that've been released) I'm not mentioned or credited. My 1st credit was on Doug E. Fresh's Play. They mispelled my name. I was also blessed to be around for the making of Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt and "adding" to that project in my own little way. Most of my personal contributions have been independent. You'd have to really research to find them. My 1st song as a solo artist was "By A Stranger" featuring Black Rob. It was about loving women who didn't love themselves and how wrong things could become. Rob's verse showed up as a hit on Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto 3. We wrote that together. I think my best music is ahead of me truthfully speaking.
Tell me about some of the artists you have written for and why?
Ilacoin: Well don't ever think I've "written" for artists so simply put. I've collaborated as a writer with Doug E Fresh, Black Rob, Smooth Bee (Nice & Smooth), Sadat X and so on. I honestly don't even remember. I'm very giving in a comfortable studio setting. Pause. Ha! What I mean is when I'm around other artists, we vibe out and dope music is made. I was just vibing out with British singer, Terri Walker yesterday. Its about the music and capturing a moment to live on forever.
What type of impact would you like to make as a MC?
Ilacoin: I think I've made it already! I've infuenced every MC from Harlem from Doug E. Fresh down. Whether you've heard of me or not. You know Harlem influences the world so there it is. Whether it be flow, rhymes, sayings, styles, or music, I've been putting down.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Ilacoin: I'm a fan of great music. Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, 2Pac, Biggie, John Mayer, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nas, Seal, Kanye, Bob Marley and Quincy Jones off the cuff.
What do you do outside of music?
Ilacoin: I love to work on cars, watch movies and spend time with my family travelling.
Considering this is the end of first quarter of the year, what are your plans for 2010?
Ilacoin: I plan on dropping my mixtape, Episode 0 and giving fans an real dose of Hip Hop, which I believe is desperately needed. Its a bunch of my music I found in my library; mostly unreleased. The plans for a documentary are in the works. Then I'm following Episode 0 up with more music through mixtapes and production with artists like Stalley and Smoke DZA. If there's enough interest, an album is definitely possible for Ilacoin. I'm producing.
Any advice for those looking to pursue their dreams?
Ilacoin: Never give up on your dreams but give them as much detail as possible. You have to love what you do in order to be truly successful in life. Do something long enough & you'll get good at it. Pause.
In closing, thank you for adding more significance to Why Blue Matters.
Ilacoin: Thank you for having me and paying attention to what I'm doing. Episode 0 coming soon.
Posts
1 comments:
Thats What the F%^$ im talking about!! Ilacoin Starting the Takeover!! WW3!!!
Post a Comment