IL. lives the birthright tradition of Bluesman/Griot. That is where the heart of his art lives, in the tradition of story telling, folksong. He was raised listening to classical symphonies, Blues Rock, Native Tongue Hip Hop, and Bebop Jazz. He has had poetry published in the Malikah’s Kitchen Anthology “Storm Beneath Fingers” along-side accomplished poets from the U.S. and England. He has completed thre collections of recordings “Cold in Wendy’s City”, “The Lines of Blue” (with a 1 man show), and "95th and Howard:A cup of Change" (posted for free download on ILdot.blogspot.com ). He is an Illinois Arts Council Award and Fire Next Time Grant recipient. He is currently a teaching artist for Young Chicago Authors. He has appeared on stage with Vandalysm, Heiruspecs, The Cool Kids, Finale, Rhymefest, Producer/DJ/Emcee No ID, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, All Natural Inc, Rasheed Hadee, Blah Blah Blahs, Def Poets - Kevin Coval, Idris Goodwin, Tara Betts, M'Reld, Mayda Del Valle, and Linton Qwesi Johnson.
