Detroit rapper Illa J has just released his new album John Yancey, which takes its title from his real name. The project is entirely produced by the soulful Calvin Valentine, who also worked with Illa on all of last year’s album, Home.
“The original title was 32 because this is a special year to me because my brother died at that age so it had a lot of meaning,” Illa said. “But it makes sense that it ended up being called John Yancey because for so long in my career I felt like I was tryna be me and my brother, and I’m finally at peace, like I’m not J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, I’m James younger brother John.”
Stream below.
OS REWIND: Illa J – Tokyo [Music Video]