iLLa Jay
- Awards and Nominations
- SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Emcee ★
- SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Hip-Hop/Rap ★
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Q & A
All-time favorite song?
02.06.20
“Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey.
As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?
02.06.20
Teena Marie was the first female I heard rhyming on wax. I know she's predominantly known as a singer, but she was the first woman I heard rapping. She was a phenomenal singer and an amazing storyteller. Music today lacks emotion there is no story.
Can you describe a moment in your musical career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?
02.06.20
I feel like everyday I'm creating in my right mind I'm making a difference. I am the difference in Sacramento hip-hop right now.
Favorite colors?
02.06.20
Baby blue and black.
Favorite guitar player?
02.06.20
My father James Butler better known as JC iLL.
Favorite SAMMIES story?
02.06.20
This year for sure. This is my first year nominated and I'm blessed to represent my sisters in music. Queens are overlooked out here for sure.
How did it first start?
02.06.20
I am poet before anything I've been mastering creative writing since I was old enough to hold a pen. My cousin taught me how to rap when we were about 11 or 12. I didn't start recording in a studio until I met an artist by the name of QB when I was 17.
How do you describe your interviews to people?
02.06.20
I think my interviews are very informative. Alot gets misconstrued by the way that I look or the way my voice sounds. I like interviews it gives me a chance to open my heart in a clearer setting.
How do you describe your music to people?
02.06.20
Healing. My music is healing.
How do you feel about musical award competitions?
02.06.20
I love them gets the blood boiling.
If you could be any character from history, who would it be?
02.06.20
Califia legendary Queen of California.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you be?
02.06.20
A tortoise.
What are your musical goals?
02.06.20
I wish to be the face of my city and lead the youth in this nation with my voice.
What artist or band are you a little embarrassed to love, and why?
02.06.20
Young Thug simply because most people can't understand him.
What did you want to be when you were 7?
02.06.20
A marine biologist.
What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)
02.06.20
“Love” by Keyshia Cole. Loud and usually off key.
What drives you to keep interviewing even though the music industry can be so harsh?
02.06.20
Hopes of reaching those lost to ignorance.
What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?
02.06.20
My first love an artist name Joe Blak was lost to gun violence in 2016 most of my drive comes from his life being taken away so soon. The music industry was his dream for me and himself. At the time I didn't want to record music, but I feel I owe it to him now to try.
What message do you hope to give with your music?
02.06.20
Pain fuels passion. Passion produces success.
What was the first song you learned to play?
02.06.20
The first song I recorded was called “Belly of The Beast.”
What's a big media inspiration that would most surprise your fans?
02.06.20
Todrick Hall. He is the King of visuals.
What's a big musical inspiration that would most surprise your fans?
02.06.20
Taylor Swift. She was like the soundtrack to senior and I look up to her as a song writer. I admire her a lot.
What's next for you?
02.06.20
I will drop two EPs this year as well some more collaborations with my music group Paystyle.
What's the story behind your stage name?
02.06.20
My original stage name Jay iLL was a variation of my dad's stage name JC iLL. I said a bar in 2010 calling my self iLLa and my followers just never let go of the name so I went with it.
What's your favorite jam from the '90s?
02.06.20
"Can We Talk?" by Tevin Cambell
What's your favorite local artist/group?
02.06.20
Losie Loc.
What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?
02.06.20
“Battle Cry.”
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
02.06.20
At the head of the table.
Who are your biggest influences?
02.06.20
Tupac Shakur, Storm and Nicki Minaj.
Who first inspired you to play music?
02.06.20
My father.
Who is your secret star crush?
02.06.20
Tee Grizzley.
Words to live by?
02.06.20
The price of anything is the amount of life you put into it.
You're given a magic wand. What do you do with it?
02.06.20
I'd bring back all my loved ones that passed away.
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