With his new album, Yancy Boys about to release in November, laid back hip-hopper Illa J stops by and answers our burning questions in this week’s Hot Seat.
1. Tell us about your craziest touring experience.
My craziest tour experience so far is my first Europe Tour in ‘07. The Paris show was off the hook! It was amazing to me that I was in France, yet people knew all the words to the songs. It was my first time feeling the worldwide impact my brother made on music. And of course I got stories from Amsterdam…I don’t think I can share those experiences. lol
2. What type of college class would you’d most want to take and why?
Well, before I fully pursued my music career I attended Central Michigan University for 2 years and I can definitely say Biology 101 isn’t one of them. lol One of my favorite courses in college was actually philosophy. If I ever went back, I think a philosophy course would be fun and interesting.
3. What city in America is the most fun to visit and why?
New York because every time I go there I get so much lyrical inspiration just walkin thru the city. And after a couple visits there, I can see why it’s a good place to get material as a stand-up comedian. Even if you walk for 10 minutes in the streets of New York, you could have at least a 5 minute set. lol
4. What’s some of the best advice you were ever given?
As far as relationships with the ladies…I learned it’s not what the argument is about, nor does it matter who wins the argument. It’s more about how you react to the situation. And once you learn that, it makes things a lot easier. Believe me…lol
5. What’s in heavy rotation in your MP3/CD player right now?
Frank Sinatra - “Fly Me To The Moon”, Santogold - “Starstruck”, Jay-Z - “Thank You”, Busta Rhymes - “Respect my Conglomerate”, Sam Sparro - “Cottonmouth”, D’Angelo - “Cruisin” (No disrespect to Smokey, but I like this version better), The Jacksons - “Shake Your Body Down”, T-Pain - “Can’t Believe It”, Black Eyed Peas - “Imma Be”, Ciara - “Promise”, Eminem - “Same Song & Dance”, Guilty Simpson - “She Won’t Stay At Home”, Marvin Gaye - “Pride And Joy”, Janet - “Pleasure Principle”, Prince - “It”, Slum Village - “2u4u”…just to name a few.
6. The last good book you read or TV show you’re addicted to.
This book called “Telling Lies” by Paul Ekman. Well, I’m actually telling a lie, because I still have 2 chapters to go. lol But it talks about how peoples’ facial expressions, voice, and body language can show a person is lying and yet still fool people, including the pro’s. Pretty interesting book.
7. What’s the first concert you ever saw - how was it?
Michael Jackson’s Dangerous Tour…I had it on VHS because my parents taped the special. I watched that every other day when we first taped it. I eventually did “Billie Jean” in a talent show in 5th grade, and won first place. I had the glove, the hat, the penny loafers, and the flooding pants. lol RIP to the King of Pop.
8. What are three items you can’t live without on tour?
My iPod, my Beats by Dre headphones, and my notebook…of course my pen too.
9. Who are your major musical influences?
Manhattan Transfers, The Four Freshman, Michael Jackson, Prince, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Kurt Cobain, Eminem, The Beatles, Busta Rhymes, Common, Slum Village, D’Angelo, Parliament, Hall & Oates, Jay-Z, Biggie, Joni Mitchell, Jodeci, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, The Police, R. Kelly, Queen, Rick James, Amy Winehouse…and many more.
10. Any random messages or tips you’d like to give to mtvU watchers?
Stay true to you, and just know that real confidence is being comfortable in who you are as a person. And no matter how successful or unsuccessful you are, there will always be haters…so just get used to it.
