ILLSTRATOR
Interviewed by: Kristin

What is your official website?
My website is http://www.illstrator.com; I have free video and music downloads available. It's where fans can reach me and people can see what kind of artist I am. They can leave comments so I can hear what the people have to say; they can also get all of my info like contact info and updates on me.

How long have you been in the music industry?
I've been making music for 2 years on the business side, grinding it out all day everyday. But I've been rapping for more like 8 years writing and being in ciphers.

How do you feel everyone has treated you since you started in the music industry?
Everyone has treated me good. I get much love at every venue I perform at. People are always giving me respect and telling me I did my thing.

Where is your main fan base?
My main fan base has to be locally in New York and in my hometown The Bronx. Also, I have a growing fan base online.

Do you write all of your own songs?
I have to, I'm not a real hip-hop artist if I don't, that’s the way I feel. So, I hate to see all these rappers who don't write their own stuff. Real hip hop is based on your words and if it is not then its not real.

How many times have you been to the studio to record?
Too many times to say in exact numbers, but I try to go as much as I can.

What are some of the things that you bring with you to the studio when you go for a day of recording?
Well, usually I have my stuff complete so when I go I bring my pad, make sure my mind is right, my voice is right and I'm ready to do my thing.

Do you perform anywhere on a regular basis?
I generally perform in New York City. The lyricist lab, Pace University and Club Babalu’s, just to name a few spots. Where ever its popping, I'm there. I try to hit up as many venues as I can.

Are there any artists who you would love to work with in the future?
I will work with anybody who can help me as an artist and anyone my talents can help. I'm always willing to collaborate with other talented artists.

How do you feel when you are on stage at a concert and you see all of your fans “jamming” to your music?
I'm hype, ain't nothing better than live music. When the crowd gets into it, I'm into it. I got to put it down. It's the most fun you can have as a rapper.

What made you decide that music was the right career choice for you?
Being good at rapping made it an easy choice. My friends were doing it, so I tried and from jump I was told I was nice so I ran with it. I knew it was what I wanted to do.

Name one person in the music industry that has helped you more than anyone else? Why?
It will have to be Marco From Around The Clock, he was the one who showed me this could happen and was there from the start and still is here. Also, others helped like Marcello from ATC. Also, I get a lot of support from up and coming producers and promoters.

How does it feel to be on your way to stardom?
I can't tell you until I get there. The road is hard and when I get there ask me how does it feel to have stardom.

How would you classify your music?
In a word or two, broad or limitless. I'm not stuck to one genre of rap, I do it all. The average person is not mad everyday or happy everyday. The average person can change feelings in a matter of seconds and that is what my music shows.

What do you do for fun?
I rap, I write--pretty much no time for anything else.

Where did your name originate and what does it mean to you?
It’s something that came to me out of nowhere. “Illstrator” explains my whole style. The way I paint pictures when I write, I say so much in a short amount of time and how I make you see what I say.

What do you hope to accomplish before the end of 2005?
I would like to have a classic album completed. I want to keep working, making songs and growing as an artist. There’s still enough time.

Influences
Big pun, Biggie--pretty much all the legends and everyone I grew up listening to.

Shout outs
My whole team, Around The Clock, the whole BX. Shout out everyone who has helped me get to where I am and all my fans. I’d also like to shout out to myself.