Today we’d like to introduce you to ILL BEAST.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey started as a rapper back in 2005, officially. I’ve released about three albums of music and countless features. Launched my first major single in 2018 featuring Sadat X of Brand Nubian. My music has reached many countries and also been played on radio across the US. It came a time where I lost the balance of my career and my family, so I decided to step back from the artist spotlight and focus on family. So I came up with an idea of pushing my name as a brand to the world in fashion.
I started my own clothing line back in August of 2019, I registered my LLC in Orlando, FL and didn’t start my e-commerce business till March of 2020, during the start of covid-19 pandemic. I was scared because of everything that was going on. But I took the fear and turned it into courage. I kept pushing and being creative with promoting myself. So it started to make a mark on social media; my first batch of 200 Pieces was sold out within three months. So I started creating different styles of t-shirts, hats, etc. and been selling faithfully since. I managed to purchase another company that was about to shut down selling hair worldwide. Go figure a bald-headed guy owning a hair company, lol. It’s a funny situation but I saw a future there and here I am, operating a successful business. It’s been a rough road; it takes a lot to stand out from the competition and try to sell your brand to the world. But with my creativity in marketing and passion to strive, it really connects with the people. So I’m very thankful for that.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It may seem to the people looking in that it’s a smooth road, but it really isn’t. Starting a business is not an easy road. You never know where your first sale is coming from. When I registered my company in 2019, I had a totally different logo, so I had it printed on a shirt and didn’t really like the outcome. Beforehand I was already promoting myself on social media, so that kind of helped me out in the decision-making process as well. So I went back to this graphic designer by the name of Idolized Designs, spoke to them about wanting a logo that would stand next to the big names out there and he came up with the logo you see now. Also in script, which was an amazing look to me. So as I received the this new logo, I got it printed right away and then brought out that logo right before the launch and in a couple of days, I released my new site and pictures to go with it. Man the response was amazing! Thank you to everyone that were first in line to own a shirt! You guys are amazing!!
Along the way as I experimented with other pieces, they didn’t really sell as great so I pushed back some ideas and kept trying to push the creativity. I didn’t get any sales for about four months, but I still kept pushing. Then I started to reach out to connects I had in the hip hop industry to get some shout-outs for my company, that opened up a whole other door. That helped me get more on top of things and the sales started to come back in. This time it all became a steady flow. After that, I started to sponsor different events and artists and still today striving to get my name out there. In business, everything is all about promotions, how to market yourself. One thing I’ve always taken pride in with anything I’ve done.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m more known as a rap artist by the name of ILL BEAST. My presence on social media and in the hip-hop community has thrived since 2005. I’ve been featured on a lot of great projects throughout the years across seas, a feature I was on hit #1 in Toronto, Canada a few times, even my own projects I did solo as well. My first major single I released with Sadat X of The legendary Group Brand Nubian, that was released in 2018 and it made it on radio a few times in the US, also across seas. Right now, the single is being shopped around for TV placements by Lucky Sounds that is operated and owned by Lady Luck, which is highly known in the Rap Battle networks and also back in the day when she featured with Redman.
I’ve also performed in Miami for the LoLife Event with Thirstin Howl The 3rd and was brought down there by Big Earl Promo, which are also legendary in the field of Hip Hop, Thirstin For his movement in rap and also fashion and Big Earl for management and promotions with many heavy hitters, one of them being the Legendary Big Pun, may he RIP. I’m also known for bringing in Interviews on college station with LL Cool J, MC Shan, The Entire DUCK DOWN Records Family, etc. and countless others. I’m a jack of all trades in HipHop. Right now, I’m also working on making it official on calendar for National Hip Hop Day on Aug 11th. That would be coming right out of Orlando FL as well. That will bring the city some major recognition in the Hip Hop community. There’s a lot in store for the future. So people still don’t know me; they will in just a bit.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Oh yes, don’t ever think of stopping or quitting. Anything great takes so much time and devotion. It’s a sacrifice you make but it will pay off in the long run. Be creative; always stick to the plan! And do always have a plan written down. If you see it, the better it is to attain it. Seek for help if you need it. When you do find the help, make sure you elaborate exactly what it is you need help in and help that person see your vision in full.
When you feel stressed out and lost, or just feel like giving up, to me, what works is finding peace with God and praying. That has been my cornerstone and my family, of course, but my relationship with God has really helped me through some tuff times. Always believe in yourself. Nobody will believe in you like yourself. And also, when you’re just starting to make a name for yourself, always remember you’re just starting. Nobody really knows who you are until you make something big happen for yourself. It’s only then when doors open for you. Keep up the good work and don’t be afraid to be different to stand out from the rest. Your uniqueness is what people buy.
Contact Info:
- Email: ILLBEASTCOLLECTION@gmail.com
- Website: www.ILLBEAST.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/ILLBEAST
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ILLBEAST
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/ILLBEAST
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/eZntK8UN4T4fWb7PA
Image Credits
ILL BEAST COLLECTION
