As a muturing individual bot personally and professionally, ILLIE seeks to play a pivotal role in revitalizing the HIP-HOP Culture's image and definition. His newest EP, Heart Behind Bars (a KMC Production), was written with the goal of delivering globally appealing music that connects with others at both their highest and lowest points in life. Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI; ILLIE knows first hand the effects of poverty in todays urban community. After years of refining his lyrics, performances, and song production ILLIE decided it was time to release his music to the public. In 2009 he independently recorded and released his first mixtape entitled, 'Love At First Sight' (more commonly know by the acronym 'L.A.F.S.'). "The mixtape was fire!" says ILLIE, "It showed me my potential to create and really excel at whatever I set my mind too." Shortly after its success ILLIE released 2 more projects. First being a mixtape titled, 'Welcome Ta Goonzville' (a group effort with Hoodbound Ent. MKE) and secondly a solo release entitled 'Heart Behind Bars' (the original street album) which mainly featured production from his brother ZoRo; both projects significantly increasing his fan base! Soon after, a partnership between ILLIE and the Detroit based entertainment company KMC (Keeping Music Creative) was arranged through a mutual acquaintance. "Working with KMC to deliver the HEART BEHIND BARS EP was a great experience! Together we created something everyone can enjoy no matter their age, gender, or culture" The EP begins by reintroducing listeners to the essence of HIP-HOP via the song titled “WHAT IS HIP-HOP?”. Without straying from his goal of universal music for all ages, ILLIE provides an overdue and motivating wake up call to urban communities around the globe with his uniquely titled anthem “EVERYBODY TRAPPIN”. With these and other songs all being available in contrasting remixed instrumental versions, HEART BEHIND BARS™ (THE EP) is sure to provide listeners with a renewed sense of what quality & message driven HIP-HOP music sounds like in the 21st century.