MTV IVY LEAGUE

Interview on MTV



Jamaican Carl performed on MTV



I'm The Man performed on MTV



At a time when the drop out rate of quality emcees is at an all time high, hip hop is undoubtedly in need of a fresh crop of artists to carry the torch and take over as the leaders of the new school. With both an undeniable swag and more than a textbook’s worth of rhymes, The Ivy League has already begun to solidify it’s name in the realm of hip hop’s elite and, more importantly, school all amateurs in the art of emceeing.



Having laid the groundwork for the group on the campus of Northern Illinois University since ’99, the collective underwent a series of roster changes before taking it’s final form. Comprised of wordsmiths Novakane (The NoGorilla) and Agacee providing food for thought and DJ Jay Illa completing the patented Ivy League sound and rounding out the trio, the group could be compared to a flyer, modern day Run-DMC. Citing musical influences including Jay-Z, Outkast, De La Soul, UGK and 8 Ball and MJG, it’s clear that the duo are students of the culture. Complementing Agacee’s mix of controversial topics and flat out cocky wordplay is Novakane’s edgy, more street-oriented flow that, when combined, allow the League to appeal to a wide variety of fans ranging from sneaker heads and backpackers to dope boys and purse snatchers who all recognize the Ivy League as the next movement in upper echelon hip hop.



After gaining a deafening buzz on the Chicago scene thanks to being mainstays in mixes by Ivy Leaguer and club favorite DJ Jay Illa, Heavy Hitter DJ and WGCI spin doctor Timbuktu and good old fashion word of mouth, the Ivy League began to rock mics wherever they could, converting listeners into fans with every bar they spit. Combing an infectious amount of energy, confidence and new school b-boy appeal, their live performances have been known to eclipse that of more established, headlining artists who share the same bill as The League.



Having dropped the acclaimed Poison Ivy: Spring Semester in February of 2006 and following it up with Poison Ivy: Summer School in July of ’06, the League began to ascend from the ranks of local hip hop heroes to major contenders for the crown of Chi-Town. Having enjoyed the success of the Poison Ivy mixtape series, the group is now dropping it’s final installment, Poison Ivy: Study Hall this summer as a precursor to the final exam, their debut full length album, A League Of Our Own, due out later this year.

With production from Loch Ness, Twilight Tone, Tony Baines and Xcel, the disc is already being anticipated as a classic in the same vein as Illmatic or Ready To Die.



While other MC’s may be making music for the time, The Ivy League would much rather make timeless music. With their movement growing with each new fan, Novakane, Agacee and Jay Illa are bringing a freshness back to hip hop. Grab a seat, class is now in session.



NOVAKANE:: MTV SUCKER FREESTYLE



AGACEE:: MTV SUCKER FREESTYLE



THE MTV AFFAIR



THE MTV AFFAIR::VICTOR HOTEL WRAP UP