Ill Bill, born William Braunstein on July 14, 1972, is an influential American rapper and record producer hailing from Brooklyn, New York City. Gaining initial fame as a member of the underground hip-hop group Non Phixion, Ill Bill’s contributions to the rap landscape have earned him a dedicated fanbase and far-reaching acclaim. As the founder and CEO of Uncle Howie Records, he continues to support the growth of the underground hip-hop scene, nurturing a variety of artists and projects.
Throughout his career, Ill Bill has demonstrated a diverse lyrical style that ranges from dense wordplay to introspective narratives, attracting listeners from all corners of the hip-hop community. His discography includes various studio albums, collaborative projects, demos, compilations, and mixtapes, showcasing his creative versatility and boundless talent as both a rapper and producer.
In addition to his solo work, Ill Bill is also a member of the American hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, which includes other renowned artists such as Danny Boy, Slaine, and DJ Lethal. This collaboration further solidifies Ill Bill’s position as a prolific and notable figure in the world of hip-hop, blending his unique sound and expertise with the talent of his fellow group members.
Early Life and Career
Growing Up in Brooklyn
Ill Bill, born as William Braunstein on July 14, 1972, is an American rapper and record producer hailing from Brooklyn, New York City. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in the world of music, and his passion for hip-hop began at a young age. As a teenager, Ill Bill expanded his musical knowledge and skills, developing his unique style and sound. Growing up in Brooklyn‘s diverse atmosphere greatly influenced his lyrics and beats, eventually forming the foundation of his career as a rapper and producer.
Non Phixion Formation
In the mid-1990s, Ill Bill teamed up with three other like-minded MCs—Sabac Red, Goretex, and Ron, also known as Necro, his brother—to form the underground hip-hop group Non Phixion. They were later joined by DJ Eclipse, who became the group’s official DJ. Non Phixion gained a solid following in the underground hip-hop world, garnering attention for their diverse and controversial lyrics.
The formation of Non Phixion was crucial in Ill Bill’s career and contributed significantly to his success. Together, the group released several successful albums and collaborated with renowned artists in the industry. As the group’s fame grew, Ill Bill’s talent as a rapper, lyricist, and producer became more apparent. This allowed him to take on other projects, such as founding and becoming the CEO of Uncle Howie Records, further solid
Music Projects and Collaborations
La Coka Nostra
La Coka Nostra is a hip-hop supergroup formed in 2006, consisting of members from House of Pain (Danny Boy, Everlast, and DJ Lethal), along with rappers Ill Bill, Slaine, and
Discography and Popular Songs
Studio Albums
Ill Bill has released a total of six studio albums throughout his career. Some of his most well-known albums include:
- What’s Wrong with Bill? (2004): This debut solo album features production from Necro and boasts collaborations with artists such as Goretex and Sabac Red.
- The Hour of Reprisal (2008): Ill Bill’s second album showcases guest appearances from notable artists like Tech N9ne, Cypress Hill, and Max Cavalera. It also features production from DJ Premier, the Beatnuts, and others.
- The Grimy Awards (2013): This release includes production from DJ Premier, El-P, and more, with guest spots from the likes of Heltah Skeltah, Apathy, and Sicknature.
EPs
In addition to his studio albums, Ill Bill has also released three EPs:
- The Anatomy of a School Shooting (2001)
- Chasing the Dragon (2003)
- The Trojan Horse (2009)
These EPs feature collaborations with various artists such as MF Grimm, Block McCloud, Special Teamz, and others.
Guest Appearances
Ill Bill has been featured on numerous tracks as a guest artist, working with a diverse range of artists and contributing his unique style to their projects. Some notable guest appearances include:
- Tech N9ne’s “Strangeulation Vol. II” (2015) where Ill Bill appeared on the track “Psycho B*tch III”
- Cypress Hill’s “Rise Up” (2010) where he contributed to the song “Armada Latina”
- DJ Premier’s production for the song “World Premier” from Ill Bill’s “The Hour of Reprisal” album, which features DJ Premier’s signature scratching technique.
Overall, Ill Bill’s discography showcases his versatility as a lyricist and his collaborations with various artists while maintaining a consistent sound and style within the underground hip-hop scene.
Influence and Impact on Hip Hop
Collaborations with Iconic Artists
Ill Bill, an American rapper from Brooklyn, has made a significant impact on hip hop with his collaborations with various iconic artists. He has worked alongside legends such as Snoop Dogg on the track “The Danger” from the 2012 album “Masters of the Dark Arts” by La Coka Nostra, a group he is a member of. Another standout collaboration is with revered hip hop producer Pete Rock on the song “When I Die” from his 2008 album “The Hour of Reckoning.”
In addition, Ill Bill has teamed up with underground hip hop favorites Jedi Mind Tricks for tracks like “Heavy Metal Kings,” solidifying his position as an influential figure in the genre. These collaborations have allowed Ill Bill to showcase his unique style and lyrical themes while contributing to the expansion of hip hop’s soundscape.
Style and Lyrical Themes
Ill Bill’s style and lyrical themes have played a significant role in his influence on hip hop. He is known for his vivid storytelling, which often involves gritty and violent subject matter. His lyrics also touch upon topics such as conspiracy theories, politics, and American culture. This approach sets him apart from other artists and has helped to carve out a niche for him in the underground hip hop scene.
Some of Ill Bill’s notable works include:
- The Future Is Now (2002), with his group Non Phixion, which reached the Billboard’s Independent Albums chart
- What’s Wrong with Bill? (2004), his debut solo album featuring production from his brother Necro
- The Hour of Reckoning (2008), featuring collaborations with key artists in the hip hop community
In these projects, Ill Bill’s distinctive style and lyrical themes have resonated with listeners, earning him a dedicated fan base that appreciates his contributions to the genre.
Latest News and Updates
Recent Releases
ILL Bill recently dropped a new single titled “Root For The Villain.” The song is produced by DJ Muggs and features renowned artists Kool G. Rap and Vinnie Paz. The track has garnered significant attention and sets the tone for his upcoming album, Billy.
Upcoming Projects
Fans are eagerly waiting for the release of ILL Bill’s new album, Billy. Although an official release date has not been announced yet, the album’s promotion has been in full swing with singles like “Root For The Villain,” “Leviathan,” and “Smarten Up” already out. The music videos for “Leviathan” and “Smarten Up” can be found on ILL Bill’s official YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the release and tracklist of Billy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ill Bill from?
Ill Bill is an American rapper and record producer from Brooklyn, New York City.
Are Necro and Ill Bill related?
Yes, Necro and Ill Bill are brothers. Ill Bill’s real name is William Braunstein, and his brother Ron is the rapper and producer known as Necro.
What genre is Ill Bill?
Ill Bill is mostly associated with the underground hip-hop genre. He gained fame as a member of the group Non Phixion and is known for his diverse lyrics.
When did he start his career?
Ill Bill started his career in the late 1990s with the underground hip-hop group Non Phixion, which was active between 1995 and 2006.
What are his top songs?
Some of Ill Bill’s top songs include “My Uncle,” “War is My Destiny,” and “World Premier.” He is also known for his work in multiple collaborative projects, such as La Coka Nostra and Heavy Metal Kings.
Has he collaborated with other artists?
Yes, Ill Bill has collaborated with numerous artists throughout his career. In addition to his work with Non Phixion, La Coka Nostra, and Heavy Metal Kings, he has also worked with artists like Vinnie Paz, Slaine, and DJ Muggs, among others.