In answering his calling, he has had the privilege of being laced up by some of the best in the game. Along with being influenced by one of the most influential groups in Hip-Hop history, Run DMC who he had the privilege of opening for prior to the death of Jam Master Jay. He was the most down to earth of them all, that was a major loss to the game! Ric does not take his relationship with Hip-Hop for granted. If you listen closely to his song On the What a song from his latest independent venture you can hear the respect he has for the imprint such greats as Eazy E and NWA left on the culture. Listening and living hip-hop is not where it ends Its the music as well as all the different vibes and styles in hip-hop. And I want to master them all. When artists like TuPac, E-40, Mystical and Too Short came on the scene. The light bulb came on; I had to tighten up my writing and flows if I want to approach my dreams with their same resilience Ric is an extrovert, who lives his life by going against the grain because of his futuristic vision. Yet, he is guarded just enough to have onlookers and the inquisitive seek out more. Ric Jilla is defiantly a walking spitfire with a story to tell and the meat of the story lies between the pages of his lyrics. The cover of the book titled Ric Jilla is misleading but youll take a look inside not for nothing if only to quiet the typical haters or confirm what your preconceived notions may be. Ric Jilla the artist makes you want to at least read the forward of his tale. The forward reads like this; Im a thoroughbred out the HMD Im from the mad Midwest you cant see me! Bottom line is Ima shine if you like it or not so your only choice is to like it a lot! With the Midwest being pregnant with aspiring rap artists who too have mind triggering dialogue. Ric knew he needed to separate himself from the rest. My everyday walk is contradictory to the misconceptions that are out there about me. His daily grind consists of an opportunity some artists wish they had. Im a signed artist who still navigates through the game as an independent. My latest CD, Upgrade is a product of my own hustle. Currently promoting his second full-length album Upgrade Ric Jill is still reaping the rewards from his first debut Free Agent. Free Agent has currently sold over ten thousand copies, not only is it still selling the rate of demand has not slipped. He too humbles himself when he speaks about the Lord blessing him with the means to Executive Produce his own product. What sets him apart from the rest? His decision to collaborate instead of hate. Hes worked with Twista, Grind Family and Styles P of the Lox to name a few. Hes also graced countless mix tapes and compilations. Navigating as an independent is not where it ends. Im a man of few words because while Im talking I might miss a lesson. Educating himself, not only about the industry as an artist but his business savvy proves hes well on his way to being at the top of his game. Unlike some of his Midwest counterparts, Rics love for the struggle is carried out in his understanding of Hip-Hops foundation/roots. I understand and have had my share of livin for the struggle. When I say many of the people I started out with are either dead or in jail trust that. In his efforts to be all he can be in the armed services of Hip-Hop; he too has had his share of soured relationships gone bad, going through a few stage names, African medallions and the whole nine. My flow is far more street but the era of Knowledge of Self helped me to develop a healthy balance of real life and artistry even though the line that separates the two is a hairline. Whatever Hip-Hop was doin, I was at that. Having a respect for all the stage means Ric has been afforded the opportunity to bless stages opening for some of the greats in the game like; Eightball & MJG, Juvenile and most recently former Cash Money artist BG. If I only have one head bobbin in the crowd, my labor is not in vain! His tour resume is a force to be reckoned with his production roster being just as lavish. Having worked with No ID who lent his skill in producing a memorable sound to artists like Kanye West, Shawna (DTP) and Common. Hes also worked with the legendary Traxster who is featured on Twistas first album. However, he has held firm to his loyalty to his hometown. Right now I am enjoying the blessing of seeing my dreams come to fruition, my focus and goal is to bring Indiana to the masses! The name Ric Jilla is meant to be a brand name not just the name fans scream at my shows.| |
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