Black Truth News: What has been your perspective on how people been receiving your music?
The Boy Illinois: Well people actually listen to it; then it worked. Like 80 percent of the time you have to listen to it.
BTN: Do you think people are being open minded and giving you a fair chance when it comes to your music?
TBI: No. Because it’s all about getting them to listen; and it’s a difference between listening and hearing something. When you hear something, you can be at JC Penny and leave out the store. Or you can hear something at somebody’s crib and be like who is this? But when you sit down and you want to click on that link yourself and nobody else is around you. That’s what it is about and hard for certain people to do that. Me myself, I go these blogs and I might not give so and so a chance until I see them a fourth time. That’s when I’m going to listen. I might have heard it through passing. Like I heard of him, I heard this sound. But until I myself go and click on something; by myself, with no outside influence, That’s when I’m going to listen to it. Just to get people to that point can be a journey sometimes; because there are so many rappers.
Black Truth News: In my opinion, I think you are one of those artists that exemplify having true talent but not having a proper push in your lane. Also I think that your unwillingness to conform to mainstream standards hurts your ability to push your music to its potential. Do you agree?
The Boy Illinois: It becomes a struggle because I have so much music. And I think my older music is a little bit more receptive towards the mainstream audience. But it is hard getting everyone on the same page to push that music.
BTN: How tough is that?
TBI: It can be tough. Especially when you the artist and you have limited resources. So in certain areas I have to conform, which is not necessarily have to be the music. You be conforming in some type of way in the business. However it is starting to open a little more after he tour with Lupe. Because I have seen so much and learned so much. I did so much by myself that I feel like I got stripes now and you got to listen to what I say.