Illa J facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Illa J
|
|
|---|---|
Illa J Performing at Hip Hop You Don't Stop in Montreal in September 2015
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Derek Yancey |
| Born | October 13, 1986 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip-hop |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels |
|
| Associated acts | J Dilla Frank Nitt Slum Village Moka Only Potatohead People |
John Derek Yancey (born October 13, 1986), known as Illa J, is a rapper, singer, and producer from Detroit, Michigan. He is the younger brother of the famous hip-hop producer J Dilla. Illa J has released music with labels like Delicious Vinyl Records and Bastard Jazz. He was also part of the hip-hop group Slum Village and worked with Frank Nitt as Yancey Boys.
Contents
About Illa J
His Early Life
Illa J grew up in a family that loved music. His mother, Maureen Yancey, was an opera singer. His father, Beverly Dewitt Yancey, played jazz bass. John was the youngest of four children. The family lived in Detroit, a city known for its music.
Before focusing on music, Illa J was very interested in basketball. In 2006, after his brother J Dilla passed away, Illa J decided to leave college. He chose to continue his family's musical journey.
His Music Career
In 2008, Illa J released his first album, Yancey Boys. This album used beats that his brother J Dilla had made but never used. These beats were found at Delicious Vinyl Records.
In 2013, Illa J joined the group Slum Village. He released the album Evolution with them. He also released a collaborative album called Sunset Blvd with Frank Nitt. In 2015, he released his solo album ILLA J with Bastard Jazz Records.
Illa J's Music
Studio Albums
- 2008: Yancey Boys
- 2015: ILLA J
- 2017: Home
- 2018: John Yancey
Collaborative Albums
- 2013: Evolution (with Slum Village)
- 2013: Sunset Blvd. (with Frank Nitt as Yancey Boys)
- 2015: YES (with Slum Village)
EPs
- 2007: Illa J EP
- 2010: 4 Past Midnite
Mixtapes
- 2012: Dirty Slums (with Slum Village)
- 2013: Dirty Slums 2 (with Slum Village)
