New Video: "Daddy Duty" - Illus featuring Headsnack

Illus keeps releasing new music videos to coincide with the release of his newest album "Family First". Even though Father's Day has come and gone, every day could use a little celebration of family, love and good will. Here is a great excerpt from the press release:

"Family First" has solidified Illus reputation as an innovator who goes against the grain and isn't afraid to be himself and represent for grownup Hip-Hop heads and fans who appreciate honest, passionate, lyrics over hardcore beats and production. "Daddy Duty" is a playful, fun, track that celebrates fatherhood and the sacrifices parents make for the love of their children.

Illus teams with up and coming producer/emcee Headsnack and the two compliment each other perfectly, reminding us it's ok to smile and appreciate the joys of life, love and family. Keeping it real doesn't always involve guns, drugs, violence and sex, and no one proves that better than Illus.

Get your copy of Illus' "Family First" which is available now on iTunes.

Connect with Illus on his: Website | Twitter | Facebook

New Video: "Forever" - Illus featuring Apathy

"Connecticut emcees, ILLUS and APATHY join forces to create a true-school ip hop anthem that combines hard-hitting, boom-bap production (Produced by APATHY) with their signature lyrical fire that illustrates their love, passion, and dedication for the art and culture as well as their gift and ability to write powerful songs with substance, heart and soul. The Legendary DJ JOHNNY JUICE from PUBLIC ENEMY lays down the scratches making it very clear that these talented emcees will be here "Forever". Play this loud!"

Written and performed by ILLUS @AdamWallenta and APATHY @ApathyDGZ
Produced and Mixed by APATHY
Scratches by and Co-Produced by DJ JOHNNY JUICE @johnnyjuice

Get the new "Family First" album from Illus which is now available on iTunes.

New Video: "Son of a Beat" - Illus featuring Chuuwee

Illus enlists the help of Chuuwee for the latest single "Son of a Beat" from the new "Family First" album. "Son of a Beat" is produced by ICBM and co-produced by DJ Johnny Juice.

"Together, Illus and Chuuwee, utilize the the mic to invoke the power of positive social change, and revolution for peace, equality and justice. The very essence of Hip Hop."

You can get your copy of the new album "Family First" from Illus on iTunes now.

Illus Links:
https://twiter.com/#!/AdamWallenta
https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia
http://adamwallenta.com/
http://www.americanmule.com/shop

New Video: "Extraordinary" - Illus featuring Blueprint

With Illus' "Family First" LP now available everywhere, he releases the new video for his collaboration with Blueprint from Rhymesayers Entertainment, who also produces and guest stars on this “Extraordinary” track.

Video Shot and Edited by Nick Rocco Scalia and Produced by Will Diaz.

Written and Performed by ILLUS (@AdamWallenta) and BLUEPRINT (@Printmatic)

Produced by BLUEPRINT

Illus' new album "Family First" is available now on iTunes.

For more information on Illus please visit:
https://twitter.com/#!/AdamWallenta
https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia
http://adamwallenta.com/
http://www.americanmule.com/shop

New Video: "THE GIFT" - Illus featuring Blueprint, ILL BILL & DJ Johnny Juice

"The Gift" features Blueprint, Ill Bill and DJ Johnny Juice discussing what "Family First" means to them. It is a love letter to my son, my family and the universal HIPHOP family. I shot and edited this with help from my wife, learning Adobe Premier and After Effects as I went, so I could share these very special moments in our lives with all of you. This isn't your typical HIPHOP song, nor is it meant to be a "hit" or a "banger". It's simply an incredible beat produced by DJ Johnny Juice and some honest, heart felt words by some very talented artists and a message to my son that I hope he will appreciate later in life.

From my family to yours....Peace!"

- ILLUS

Get your autographed copy of "Family First" by making a pledge on Kickstarter today.

For more information on Illus please visit:
https://twitter.com/#!/AdamWallenta
https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia
http://adamwallenta.com/
http://www.americanmule.com/shop

New Video: "Life" - Illus featuring Phasara of The Beatmonstas

Illus releases this new music video for the single “Life”, featuring and produced by Phasara of The Beatmonstas. This new joint is featured on Illus' upcoming album "Family First" which drops 5-29-12. Pre-order the album now on iTunes | UGHH | Kickstarter

"I happened to be in Berkeley, CA for a weekend with my family and my brother Phashara flew up from Los Angeles for a few hours to kick it and shoot a little video for the song we did together. Neither of us were familiar with the area, so we just walked around and took in the sites, shopped for records, ate some food and shot some footage of our day. We hope you enjoy the song and video. P.S.--Shout out to my man's daughter for letting us borrow her pink iTunes "boom box.” - Illus

Links:
https://twitter.com/#!/AdamWallenta
https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia
http://adamwallenta.com/
http://www.americanmule.com/shop

New Video: "Extraordinary (Trailer)" - Illus featuring Blueprint

The year 2012 promises to be a memorable one for Illus, as he and his wife recently welcomed the birth of their first child and now he prepares the release of his newest project, "Family First", which is due to be released on 5-29-2012.

The new album focuses on the shared love of that family experience to create 12-tracks that mend meaningful, powerful, heart-felt lyrics to hardcore hip-hop production. "Family First" is a celebration of family and life both in the literal sense and that of the larger global hip-hop community and the connection we all have through our children and the spirit, heart, passion and soul of the hip hop culture.

On "Family First", Illus collaborates lyrically and sonically with some of best emcees and producers in the business. Each emcee featured is also the producer of the track they appear on, and this collaborative process is a first for any hip-hop project.

"Family First" is also co-produced by Public Enemy luminary DJ Johnny Juice and the star-studded guest emcee/producer list includes; Apathy, Ill Bill, Blueprint, J-Live, Erin Barra, Headsnack, Phashara, Chuuwee, Esoteric and more.

Pre-order your copy of the album on Kickstarter here.

Find more content from Illus at: http://adamwallenta.com/

New Video: "Magical" - Illus and J-Live

lllus is one of Hip-Hop’s best kept secrets; an underground emcee and artist hailing from Connecticut, and he has toured the globe and worked with some of the greatest emcees of all time including Chuck D. (Public Enemy), Dilated Peoples, Blackalicious, R.A. the Rugged Man, and more.

A professional art teacher and world-famous illustrator, Illus is responsible for the official Public Enemy comic book series and has designed and illustrated album art and merchandise for legendary artists such as KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, Freddie Foxxx, Statik Selektah, J-Live, Ill Bill, Apathy, Public Enemy and more.

In 2011, Illus released "For Adam", a ten-track collection of songs that epitomize the very best of what Hip-Hop has to offer as an art form and culture; positivity, a hardcore sound, passionate delivery and meaningful lyrics and beats that penetrate the mind and soul and leave the audience feeling inspired. "For Adam" also featured an incredible collection of talented artists ranging from legends like Freddie Foxxx and Craig G. To newer game-changers like Homeboy Sandman and Eternia and was exclusively produced by JJ Brown.

2012 promises to be an even better year for Illus, as he and his wife recently welcomed the birth of their first child and his new project, Family First, (due to be released on 5-29-2012) focuses on the shared love of that experience to create 12-tracks that mend meaningful, powerful, heart-felt lyrics to hardcore Hip-Hop production. Family First is a celebration of family and life both in the literal sense and that of the larger global Hip-Hop community and the connection we all have through our children and the spirit, heart, passion and soul of the culture.

On "Family First", Illus collaborates lyrically and sonically with some of best emcees and producers in the business. Each emcee featured is also the producer of the track they appear on and this collaborative process is a first for any Hip-Hop project. "Family First" is also co-produced by Public Enemy luminary DJ Johnny Juice and the star-studded guest emcee/producer list includes; Apathy, Ill Bill, Blueprint, J-Live, Erin Barra, Headsnack, Phashara, Chuuwee, Esoteric and more.

Here is the first leak from Illus’ "Family First" project, in video form entitled “Magical” which features and is also produced by J-Live. Illus’ "Family First" will be released on 5-29-2012

You can pre-order Illus’ Family First LP here:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/illus/id349574652
UGHH.com: http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/illus-family-first/ILLM1201FFCD/
Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1726788789/illus-family-first-and-for-adam-re-release

For more information on Illus please visit:
https://twitter.com/#!/AdamWallenta
https://www.facebook.com/IllusMedia
http://adamwallenta.com/
http://www.americanmule.com/shop

New Video: “Old Friends” - Illus Remixed by DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy

Check out this new video from the one and only Illus. This new joint is a remix of Illus' track "Old Friends" remixed by the legendary DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy.

“As a special thank you to everyone that has been supporting my projects recently I am proud to offer you the FEEL GOOD Remixes album, produced entirely by the legendary DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy and original Bomb Squad founder. Chuck D called the original Feel Good Music "one of the best albums of the year" and with DJ Johnny Juice on the beats remixing, we have created an entirely new sound that builds on the original's passion, heart and soul.” - Illus

OLD FRIENDS is the brand new single from the FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by ILLUS and DJ Johnny Juice and features the super-talented Paul Dateh. Get your copy of the Feel Good Remixes for FREE at http://illus.bandcamp.com/

Originally released on the FEEL GOOD MUSIC album, it has been called "one of the best albums of 2010" by Chuck D from Public Enemy, and is available now on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feel-good-music/id349574650

Also, check out what DJ Johnny Juice has to say about the FEEL GOOD MUSIC project:

New Video: "Free" - Illus Featuring Homeboy Sandman

"For Adam" is an extremely personal project for Illus, one which pays homage to the late Adam Walsh who was murdered in 1981 and whose father John Walsh went on to help create the long-running television program, America’s Most Wanted.

The album reflects on the darkness of murder, kidnapping, child abuse, addiction, and slavery, while celebrating the strength to overcome the struggles and obstacles of life and live it to the fullest despite the odds. It is a testament to what Hip-hop stands for, the ability to rise up out of the shadows of despair and turn “nothing” into “something”; uniting people from all walks of life and inspiring peace, love, unity and having fun.

Illus “For Adam” is now available on iTunes and everywhere digital music is sold. Order the autographed limited edition cd at http://www.americanmule.com/shop

Follow Illus on Twitter at @AdamWallenta
Website- http://www.adamwallenta.com
Tumblr- http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/adamwallenta
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Illus/142044455839980

New Joint: "Sons and Daughters" - Illus Featuring Eternia, Wordsworth & Erin Barra (Produced by J.J. Brown)

Here is a message from Illus concerning this new track:

"I’m tired of emcees rapping about how their neighborhoods are terrible and yet they love living in these conditions and making it seem as if everyone that lives there is only a drug dealer, an addict or a criminal. That’s nonsense that racist corporate America and the media want to continually perpetuate and that’s why they spend a lot more money selling us negative imagery rather than investing in the positive. Even in the poorest and most downtrodden neighborhoods, there are good people, hard working parents and families who do everything possible to provide for their children and be positive role models without submitting to crime or illegal acts. This song celebrates those mothers and fathers that do just that, work hard and provide for their families and set positive examples for their sons and daughters so they can grow into adults themselves and pass along those values, ethics, traditions and positive vibes. There is a lot of negative imagery in HIPHOP but the reality is it is a positive culture with a lot of love, passion, heart and soul, and we need to portray that more."

Download "Sons and Daughters" when you purchase Illus' 'For Adam' album on iTunes.

Connect with Illus: Website | Twitter

More from Illus:
New Video: "Born Criminal" - Illus
New Video: "Brighter Day" - Illus featuring Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud

New Video: "Born Criminal" - Illus

"Born Criminal" is a love song dedicated to HIPHOP and a homage to Illus' favorite record Criminal Minded by KRS and BDP. This is the second video off of his new album 'FOR ADAM'. "Born Criminal" is Produced by J.J. Brown.

New album "FOR ADAM" available now on iTunes and everywhere digital music is sold. Order the autographed limited edition cd at http://www.americanmule.com/shop

More from Illus:
http://www.adamwallenta.com
Follow Illus on Twitter at @AdamWallenta
Tumblr- http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/adamwallenta
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Illus/142044455839980

New Video: "Brighter Day" - Illus featuring Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud

Illus is one of Hip-hop’s best kept secrets- an underground emcee and artist hailing from Connecticut, Illus has toured the globe and worked with some of the greatest emcees of all time including Chuck D, Dilated Peoples, Blackalicious, R.A. the Rugged Man, DMC and more.

A professional art teacher and world-famous illustrator, Illus is responsible for the official Public Enemy comic book series and has designed and illustrated album art and merchandise for KRS and BDP, Bumpy Knuckles and Statik Selektah (Lyrical Workout), J-Live, Ill Bill, Apathy, Public Enemy and more. In 2010 Illus released his album, Feel Good Music, which was hailed by Chuck D from Public Enemy as “one of the best albums of 2010”.

In 2011, Illus brings us 'For Adam' a ten-track collection of songs that epitomize the very best of what HipHop has to offer as an art form and culture-positive, hardcore, passionate, meaningful lyrics and beats that penetrate the mind and soul and leave the audience feeling inspired.

'For Adam' also features an incredible collection of talented artists ranging from legends like Freddie Foxxx and Craig G to game-changers like Homeboy Sandman and Eternia and musical sensations Paul Dateh and Erin Barra and is exclusively produced by JJ Brown.

'For Adam' is an extremely personal project for Illus, one which pays homage to the late Adam Walsh who was murdered in 1981 and whose father John Walsh went on to help create the long-running television program, America’s Most Wanted.

The album reflects on the darkness of murder, kidnapping, child abuse, addiction, and slavery, while celebrating the strength to overcome the struggles and obstacles of life and live it to the fullest despite the odds.

It is a testament to what Hip-hop stands for, the ability to rise up out of the shadows of despair and turn “nothing” into “something”; uniting people from all walks of life and inspiring peace, love, unity and having fun.

With a collection of some of hip hop's dopest underground emcee's such as Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud, Illus delivers a feel good hip hop joint in "Brighter Day". Illus’ 'For Adam' is set for release on July 26th.

Follow on Twitter: @AdamWallenta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Illus/142044455839980
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/illus/id349574652
Music: www.illusmedia.com
Website: www.AdamWallenta.com
Comic Books: www.Americanmule.com
Band Camp: http://illus.bandcamp.com/

New Joint: Illus Featuring Gift Of Gab & Paul Dateh - “Better”, From New Illus LP “For Adam”

Each verse of “Better” is based on a true story. Illus explains:

The basic idea of "Better" was to tell three separate stories about individuals who overcame incredible hardships to make their lives “better” despite all the odds. So many of us feel as if our problems are huge, but the truth is there are people who go through much worse. It’s important to keep that in perspective.

What really touched me about these particular stories is I really felt if anyone deserved to be angry at the world it was these people but they all stayed positive and focused on the future without losing themselves in the struggles of the past.

This was actually the first song recorded for the album- FOR ADAM. I first met Gift of Gab in 2002, touring and opening up for Public Enemy together. When the concept of the song came together I knew he would be the perfect storyteller to collaborate with. Paul Dateh sings the chorus I had written and really pulled it together and made it incredible. Paul is a gifted singer and musician and a rising star.

The first verse is inspired by the story of James Bain, a man who served 35 years in prison for a crime DNA now proves he did not commit. He was the 248th person exonerated through DNA evidence in the United States.

Bain was 19 years old when he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He sought DNA testing several times on appeal, but was denied in 2001, 2003 and 2006. The Innocence Project of Florida took on his case and obtained DNA testing on evidence from the crime scene.

“When I heard about Mr. Bain’s story, I was inspired by his strength and positive attitude. At the time of his release I was 35 myself and it broke my heart thinking how he had been in prison my whole life and was innocent. I couldn’t even imagine. When he was released he didn’t seem bitter or angry at all, and seeing that positive strength in someone who had every right to be angry was incredible.”

“Thanks to the good people at The Innocent project (http://www.innocenceproject.org/), there are people getting a second chance at life. They need all the support they can get and I hope I can bring some awareness to this cause through my music”

“The second verse is about a person very close to Gift of Gab who served time and worked hard to improve his life and become a role model in his community. I’d rather have him elaborate on the details but basically this is a story of a man who paid for his crimes and despite turning his life around and helping others, he is still judged by some authority figures for his past. Luckily he doesn’t let that get in the way of his goals and continues to stay positive and move forward.”

“The Third verse was inspired by a story I read about human trafficking and the modern slave trade right here in America. This young girl was kidnapped and forced into slavery, and her pimps sold her to customers who repeatedly raped her. She was beaten and abused and treated worse than an animal. How anyone can do this to a child, I have no idea.

So when I hear rappers glorifying the “pimp” lifestyle it really sickens me. It was an incredibly depressing story but fortunately it ended with her being rescued and returned to her family. They never stopped believing they would find her and never gave up hope. So many others never get that second chance and it is heartbreaking.

A few stats that are mind-blowing: there are more than 30 million people in forced slavery around the world and 1.2 million of them are children. 14-17,500 are trafficked in the U.S. annually. And these are just the cases they know of. To learn more and to get involved in the fight against human trafficking check out http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/”

Download Illus Featuring Gift Of Gab & Paul Dateh - “Better”

Illus For Adam Tracklisting:
1. Requiem For Adam featuring scratches by Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice
2. Unstoppable featuring Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles and Paul Dateh with scratches by Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice
3. Red Dawn
4. Born Criminal
5. Brighter Day featuring Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud
6. Free featuring Homeboy Sandman and J.J. Brown
7. Better featuring Gift of Gab from Blackalicious and Paul Dateh
8. Sons & Daughters featuring Eternia, Wordsworth from EMC, Erin Barra
9. R.I.F. featuring Paul Dateh
10. Make Some Noize

New Joint: Illus Featuring Homeboy Sandman & JJ Brown - "Free"

Download Illus f/Homeboy Sandman & JJ Brown “See You In Hell” (produced by JJ Brown)

Illus is one of Hip-hop’s best kept secrets- an underground emcee and artist hailing from Connecticut, Illus has toured the globe and worked with some of the greatest emcees of all time including Chuck D, Dilated Peoples, Blackalicious, R.A. the Rugged Man, DMC and more.

A professional art teacher and world-famous illustrator, Illus is responsible for the official Public Enemy comic book series and has designed and illustrated album art and merchandise for KRS and BDP, Bumpy Knuckles and Statik Selektah (Lyrical Workout), J-Live, Ill Bill, Apathy, Public Enemy and more. In 2010 Illus released his album, Feel Good Music, which was hailed by Chuck D from Public Enemy as “one of the best albums of 2010”.

In 2011, Illus brings us "For Adam", a ten-track collection of songs that epitomize the very best of what Hip Hop has to offer as an art form and culture- positive, hardcore, passionate, meaningful lyrics and beats that penetrate the mind and soul and leave the audience feeling inspired.

"For Adam" also features an incredible collection of talented artists ranging from legends like Freddie Foxxx and Craig G to game-changers like Homeboy Sandman and Eternia and musical sensations Paul Dateh and Erin Barra and is exclusively produced by JJ Brown.

"For Adam" is an extremely personal project for Illus, one which pays homage to the late Adam Walsh who was murdered in 1981 and whose father John Walsh went on to help create the long-running television program, America’s Most Wanted. The album reflects on the darkness of murder, kidnapping, child abuse, addiction, and slavery, while celebrating the strength to overcome the struggles and obstacles of life and live it to the fullest despite the odds.

It is a testament to what Hip-hop stands for, the ability to rise up out of the shadows of despair and turn “nothing” into “something”; uniting people from all walks of life and inspiring peace, love, unity and having fun.

Illus "For Adam" Tracklisting:

1. "Requiem For Adam" (scratches by Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny Juice)
2. "Unstoppable" featuring Freddie Foxxx aka Bumpy Knuckles and Paul Dateh
3. "Red Dawn"
4. "Born Criminal"
5. "Brighter Day" featuring Craig G, Reef the Lost Cauze and Block McCloud
6. "Free" featuring Homeboy Sandman and J.J. Brown
7. "Better" featuring Gift of Gab from Blackalicious and Paul Dateh
8. "Sons and Daughters" featuring Eternia, Wordsworth from EMC and Erin Barra
9. "R.I.F." featuring Paul Dateh
10. "Make Some Noize"