Refined Hype - "Oakland is on some other ish, and if you didn’t believe me before I’ve got even more proof of the region’s creative energies in the form of iLL-Literacy‘s dope “IB4the1” project...I’ve got Chapter 1 of their upcoming musical novel and I won’t front, it’s has the potential to be a game changer."
Hella Clean - "Imagine going to a Baptist church, dressed in your Sunday best, and somehow you end up at the circus…. on ’shrooms…. with a mouthful of Sour Mambas and a handful of arcade tokens. I think that about describes it."
MADE Jewelry - "What makes this album not only sound futuristic but truly BE the future are the provocative lyrics set to the medley of fresh beats."
2dopeboyz - "I was instantly intrigued with the artwork so I decided to give them a chance. Glad I did… this stuff is pretty sweet."
Oh Dang! - "Bay Area ex-pats iLL-Literacy are among the few artists that I genuinely get excited about."
Angry Asian Man - "I've been listening to some sample tracks, and it sounds like taking a frantic ride through crazytown... and I like it."
Ruby's Glamourbaby Trails - "Creating a space for an idea that has no comparison is the closest we humans come to summoning magic.
iB4the1.1 is the new magic."
Cookin Wit Grease - "It reminds me a bit of some Kid Cudi (only not as sad) or Janelle Monae (only not as wild) funk infused alternative hip hop stuff."
Oakland Local - "If you're familiar with the Oakland's spoken word and hip hop scenes you probably already know the deal with iLL-Literacy. If you're new to the game then this new digital download is a great primer to one of the areas most well known and longest running performance groups."
The Brownstone Project - "They keep making hot shit, I keep supporting it!"
MC K~Swift - "I believe that knowledge is power. Music is a way of sharing information, also known as data, which is knowledge. Music gives us power."
Dope Huge - "It's so refreshing to be constantly surprised and intrigued by an album."
Not Quite Milionaires - "...fresh, young way with words. Straight up talent."
Manila Gorilla - "When I think of Oakland, I think of the Videograf episode with the Mike Dream / TDK interview at the Oakland tracks, Tower of Power, Davey-D, Raiders caps and Starter jackets, and of course, our friends iLL-Literacy."
The Free Experience - "Praise to these brothers for pushing the limits of consciousness and entertainment and doing it almost effortlessly."
Project Comepassion - "iLL-Lit has definitely evolved through the years...still creating movement among the people but giving them that reminiscent vibrancy that’ll connect you back to pretty much, you, where all movements should begin."
ColinResponse - "These dudes work their arses off, are gifted, brilliant, humble, and able to harness their musical-artistic chi and reverberate it through the speaker in ways that are as cool as Clyde Stubblefield drumming for James."
Jon de Castro - "iLL-Literacy has always stayed on the forefront of innovation in spoken word, but with the release of their first EP, they are a force to be reckoned with in the music scene."
Papa Lo Down - "iLL-Literacy always seems to impress me with not only their artistic direction, but their business savvy thought process."
The 9th Street Parlor - "iLL-Literacy is definitely on the verge of something potentially influential and musically progressive."
Hyphen Magazine - "I'm rocking out to it right now, at work. No joke. My co-workers are staring at me funny."
Thickwitness - "When three brilliants like Dahlak Brathwaite, Adriel Luis and N.I.C. gather around a microphone and make art, it’s gotta be special, right?"
Unsigned Magazine - "The multi-talented performance collective goes all out on this one. It’s in there."
Uncultivated Rabbits - "It’s a funky, fun, creative album with, of course, meaningful words coming from incredible poets."
DJ Matt Werner - "Pushing the genre boundaries of spoken-word and hip hop."
Blind I For the Kids - "The boys from Ill-Literacy have been awaiting this day for a long time, and so has many of their fans. And luckily they made it FREE for all to appreciate as well!"
Chiz Abroad - "If your head doesn't start bobbing when you press play.... I don't know if we can still be friends."
The Av Club - "I literally don’t know where to begin when it comes to describing the incredible talent and dedication that iLL-Literacy has and just how important they are, not only to the world of spoken word but to the community of creative minds pushing for social awareness and racial unity amongst youth."
The Getblog - "Surely these new Brooklynites have put their all into this project, so click the link and give it a listen!"
Benita Dix - "I'm very excited that they are around...authentic folks with a message behind what they say."
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