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Last Updated:
Apr 29th, 2008 - 12:02:24 |
Ill Bill
He's Sick
When Ill Bill spits, his rhymes could burn the flesh off your skin. He has one of the most lethal voices in the game and although the mainstream audience may have no idea who Ill Bill is, you can be sure that the underground scene has been following this man for a long time. This Brooklyn born MC is the face behind Uncle Howie records. He was the main voice in the now disbanded Non Phixion and after releasing solo material through younger brother's (Necro) label, he’s currently involved with another group project called La Coka Nostra.
Ill Bill and Necro have often been referred to as the most controversial rappers around. With song titles like “Anatomy of a School Shooting” and “How to Kill a Cop,” it’s not hard to see why people may get that impression. But Ill Bill has always released quality work, from the lyrics to the production, every aspect has always been top notch. Love him or hate, you can’t touch him. Real Detroit caught up with Ill Bill while on the road to talk about why major labels suck.
Describe your songwriting process.
I don’t really have a specific way that I write songs. It usually starts with the track. But sometimes I’ll have lyrics already and I’ll look for a beat that fits.
Do you try to be controversial or were you just born this way?
I want to make people think — I’m just trying to push people’s buttons. It’s part of being an artist.
Would you sign to a major label?
My new record is a joint venture between Uncle Howie and Strange Music. I’m all about working with independent artists. I’ve had three major label deals. I think being on a major is a dead end. Majors move too slow. There is too much politics, too many middlemen and too much red tape. In 1995, I signed with Geffen. I thought I made it. If I knew then what I know now maybe things would have been different. I just couldn’t handle the politics. Back then I would have been embarrassed to say that. I was too green.
What's your most controversial track?
"Anatomy of a School Shooting." That one definitely stirred the pot. | RDW
Ill Bill • 5/2 • Emerald Theatre
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