"2012 promises to be a memorable year for Illus, as he and his wife recently welcomed the birth of their first child and his new project, Family First, (due to be released on 5-29-2012) focuses on the shared love of that experience to create 12-tracks that mend meaningful, powerful, heart-felt lyrics to hardcore Hip-Hop production. Family First is a celebration of family and life both in the literal sense and that of the larger global Hip-Hop community and the connection we all have through our children and the spirit, heart, passion and soul of the culture.



On Family First, Illus collaborates lyrically and sonically with some of best emcees and producers in the business. Each emcee featured is also the producer of the track they appear on and this collaborative process is a first for any Hip-Hop project.

Family First is also co-produced by Public Enemy luminary DJ Johnny Juice and the star-studded guest emcee/producer list includes; Apathy, Ill Bill, Blueprint, J-Live, Erin Barra, Headsnack, Phashara, Chuuwee, Esoteric and more."