Listen to the full interview with iLL Blu.
Where versatility meets quality lies the production duo iLL Blu. James Grant and Darrius Ellington Forde started their journey in 2008, with house music being one of their early influences.
In their 10+ years in the UK music scene iLL Blu have moved in and out of many genres. Some of their early hits came through the funky house scene, a genre they admit is one of their favourites. ILL Blue are credited as credited as producing the Princess Nyah smash ‘Frontline‘ and Dotstar’s dance along ‘Stick Up‘.
After another shift in focus, the early onset of popular UK rap began to emerge. There are many songs and key relationships iLL Blu created and developed which lay the foundations for what we hear today. For me the first song in this run, although not the most well known in their catalogue, was the J Spades track ‘Right Now’ featuring Sneakbo and MoStack. There was a raw energy and grit about the track that felt different to their previous releases.
This energy followed suit with their work with MoStack. In our interview they explain the progression of their work with one of the most exciting rappers out. ILL Blu are credited with working on earlier tracks such as ‘Liar Liar’ ‘Ussy Ussy’ and ‘Let It Ring’. Their recent work with MoStack has also seen huge success producing his recent hits ‘What I Wanna,’ ‘Shine Girl,’ and ‘Stinking Rich,’ all taken from his debut album Stacko.
Including producing tracks for the artist above iLL Blu also release their own music bring together artist from the UK and abroad. Check out Chop My Money featuring ZieZie, Krept & Konan and Loski, as well as their latest release Go Time featuring ZieZie, Ay Em, Geko and C. Tangana.
