ILL SPITTAZ

Founded in 1913 when the Moravians merged their city of Salem with nearby Winston, the North Cak city of Winston-Salem, affectionately known as Tre-Fo, seems to have been blessed with the love for the arts, work ethic, and spiritual fortitude of its founding fathers.



Although a quick drive around Winston-Salem may have it seem far removed from its righteous roots, perhaps the spirit of its origins may be burning in three of its residents. Ricky Ruckus, a.k.a. Lil Rick, Billionz and Glue comprise the Ill Spittaz. Blanketing North Carolina with mixtapes and murdering street corner ciphers, it will not be long before I-Dub becomes a household name. Also, at a time when the music industry seems to be imploding operationally and stagnating creatively the Ill Spittaz music and personalities seem misplaced in the beloved Tre-Fo district they represent, the way a diamond seems misplaced among the other stones and dust from which it comes.



Personality-wise, just seeing the trio together, it is obvious some almost Twilight Zone type shit is going on. The 6"3 "Mayor" Ricky Ruckus, the 5' 10" "Jack Dempsey" Glue, and the 5"9 "King Of Punchlines" Billionz, when together make peeps say what the fuck are these cats up to? Chilling with the Spittaz a minute is a live viewing of a situational comedy. Every member off "I Dub" has jokes and you will get tested.



Even more stirring is how efficient the Ill Spittaz are in the studio. Beat blazing in the background, the trio sink into a trance. Maybe writing feverishly, maybe mumbling to themselves, maybe meditating motionlessly. Then one pops up and jumps into the booth. Engineers and producers snap to work and vocals are laid. It is as if you are watching

something sacred being created. - by Anthony Sulefel



BILLIONZ - Born in Manhattan, NY. Started writing raps at the age of 8. Musical influences are Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas. "I plan to change the game of Hip-Hop with different styles wrapped into one artist. Hip-Hop will begin changing and I hope me and the Ill Spittaz will be the center of the circle of the next generation of rap."



RICKYRUCKUS - Born in Washington, D.C. Gained the name Lil Rick from his father, Big Rick. Masterful mic skills and "in your face" attitude comes from the many battles this young rapper was challenged with. Multitalented individual and soon to be college graduate.



GLUEAZY - Born in Brookville, Florida. Moved to NC after fathers death at at 5. Kept moving every 1 or 2 years. Roamed the streets of Winston as a teen but managed to rhyme with Banks and Rick in High School murdering competition. We'd be 15 year olds live at the radio station, shit was crazy, but now look where we are."