Show Recap 4/3....Vol. The Boy Illinois
Chicago’s own, The Boy Illinois put on a stellar show, prior to Jay Electronica’s arrival at the Metro theater in Chicago on Sunday. Amidst a packed venue, the performer captured the audience like an illusionist, but was speaking his truth.
Beginning with the lead track from one of his earlier projects, Jean Baptiste, “1818” had an engrossing cadence with an eerie undertone, that captured the audience as soon as the lights hit “Illi”, his disposition eased and he rode that vibe of the show.
Though seeming effortless, you can feel the time he has put in refining his craft.
And if you don’t see it, he doesn’t care.
“Fuck it, back to casting spells” he says over a remake to Nas’ “If I Ruled the World” on “Ruling Class ‘15”. It’s clear Illi has a knowledge of the inner workings of being a magician by delighting the audience with fresh takes on “eternal” thoughts. A whirling Merlin. A dapper dervish, evidenced in the picture:
His energy was spinning, weaving, a body of work in real-time. Chakras cleansed by curtains closing, ending with a soul-filled rendition of “Ruling Class ‘15”, in which he thanked his fans.
No slacking in the performance, although @afrisager ‘s custom pants must be mentioned. The vibrant colored trousers complimented his performance, and his lyrics are exhibited by his wardrobe selection.
“Fashion forward while still reppin’ my ancestors.”
You can catch “Illi” as he continues touring with Lupe Fiasco on Lupe’s “Tour for the Fans” when it resumes on April 14th.
Listen to Illi’s latest work, Dusable, as well as his past creations @
https://soundcloud.com/the-boy-illinois