Albums

Illa J Returns With New Album, ‘John Yancey’

blame it on Meka December 1, 2018

After releasing his R&B-tinged album Home in 2017, Illa J is now paying homage to his new digs with its follow-up.

The younger brother of J Dilla would like to introduce you to John Yancey. Entirely produced by LA producer Calvin Valentine (who helmed Home), the album takes inspiration from Illa’s move to California and will touch upon romantic relationships while still mourning over the death of his brother J. Dilla. “It makes sense that it ended up being called John Yancey because for so long in my career I felt like I was tryna be me and my brother, and I’m finally at peace, like I’m not J Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, I’m James’s younger brother John,” Illa says.

A 12-track effort led by the singles “Tokyo” and “Enjoy The Ride,” the project can be heard below.