#jay guevara

The East End of Richmond native, OG ILLA, has been one of the cornerstones within the Richmond hip hop scene. He’s more than a rapper. He’s also a graphic designer, former VCU student, event planner, and promoter. He has been featured on Season one of the HennyNCoke Podcast, featured in the 2017 VirginiaGotNow Vibe Out Festival, and created a wave last year with his single Kareem that got play on Richmond’s 106.5 The Beat radio station. OG ILLA is coming out with his next project Illegal sometime soon after releasing a surprise EP Emotions earlier in September. 

I decided to interview OG ILLA because of his journey through various obstacles within his life and specifically the past twelve months.

J: Let me start off with your most recent track 2k feat The Uth 2k has more of an R&B vibe compared to the more upbeat energetic tracks you’re known for. It reminds me of the track you did with Skinnyy Hendrixx called Hittin’ Fo. Can you elaborate what mindset you were going into when you and The Uth came up with the track?

OG: BammBamm (the producer of the track) heard “Kareem” on the radio and reached out to me. He sent me a beat pack and told me I could have whatever I wanted. I went through it and I heard this beat… it was the first one that truly stood out to me… At the time, I was in a toxic relationship, I was dealing with my court case (facing 5-10 years for gun and drug charges) and honestly, I was like I truly want something better out of life.. I wanted my dreams to come to fruition and this hook kind of just came to me. Even though I was going through a lot I wanted to put positivity into something and I came up with “2K”. I was working on my album ILLEGAL with UTH and I went over to his studio with it. And man, this was definitely a track I put A LOT of work into. We must’ve recorded it 15 times over a span of 6 months. I re-wrote my verse probably 5 times because it was one of those things I really HAD to say exactly what I wanted to say exactly HOW I wanted to say it…

J: Back in August, you and other artists such as Ms. Proper, Reppa Ton, Big Al Harrison, Black Liquid, and more held a RVA Success Drive to raise awareness and collect school supplies for Richmond Public Schools. Before the school year ended, RPS had a few weeks where schools ran out of toilet paper and had an inadequate amount of other supplies. Was that situation your main influence for the school drive or were there more influences that went behind the curation of the drive?

OG: It was a mixture. My friend Tye hit us up and said let’s do something for the youth, I’m purchasing a bunch of bookbags and I want to do something to give back. We discussed and came up with the idea for a school drive. Naturally, I was put in charge of putting the event together and we decided after a meeting w/ Ms Proper to name it #RVASuccessDrive because we wanted to push that narrative. SUCCESS. Considering the problems in Richmond Public Schools, we DEFINITELY felt that situation was serious and wanted to help our city. It’s important to protect are youth AT ALL COST. They are the future and the only way they can have a chance is if we provide the best opportunities for that to happen. But it also is a personal thing for me as well. I grew up in the ghetto with a single mother, her abusive boyfriend and my 2 sisters… We WERE those kids, even after we got put into foster care, we were the kids getting donations, eating 2 free meals a day and having to really rely on the community to help us. I swore when I had a chance, I’d give back, and it’s just the first of many. Got other things planned for the community as well. *Wink wink*

J: How did you think the RVA Success Drive event turned out? I felt like that it was a very successful event. I had a great time at the event. The comedian from DC who hosted was hilarious and I loved the painting that the artist from North Carolina did.

OG: It was just that. A SUCCESS. We raised 3 boxes worth of school supplies and $260 in money which we went to Walmart and spent all of that on more school supplies and delivered them to Elkhardt Middle School.

J: Let’s get into more about you and your trials and tribulations. You’re transparent about growing up in foster care within your interviews and in your music. If you could, can you elaborate on how some imperative experiences that came with it affected how you developed your mentality today.

OG: Well, I don’t let it define me. And I never liked being “that kid” but it shaped mentally because I had to survive. On my own. Bouncing from foster home to foster home, juvenile detention, and group homes. Really trying to process it all now still to be honest. Dealt with neglect, abuse and really trying to find my place in life. but I have to say part of it was a blessing. My mother was poor, and my father was non-existent so when I was put into foster care I went to a more affluent side of town and even though I still didn’t have money or “finer things” I got to see a different type of lifestyle that inspired me. I wasn’t stuck in the slums mentally or physically anymore. I saw there was more out there for me and I went to get it.

J: You started off 2018 with going through some jail time, got out in June, then performed on the same stage as The Roots and Mad Skillz at the 106.5 The Beat Fest. In under a year, you went through a literal one eighty as it pertains to the direction that your life was going. How did the jail time change you? Did it create any quiddities that you hadn’t had before about your life and the things you do?

OG: Man. It was an eye opener. It made me appreciate my time more. I wrote, read and worked out a lot. Trying to make the most of my bid. But I spent a lot of my nights reflecting on how I spent my life, planning on how I would work extra hard and get myself out of the situation I was in. I think I missed my nieces more than anyone and I couldn’t stop obsessing over my album.

J: With all that you’ve done within the Virginia music scene, where is one venue that you hadn’t been at, but would like to perform at and why?

OG: The coliseum. And one day it’s going to happen. On everything.

J: How do you feel about the Virginia music scene as it pertains to other cities showing love for each other? I personally think that the issue with the Virginia music scene is different for each region, but I feel like that the cross regional love is okay. It’s not an issue to me, but I think that more of the issues are within the regions themselves showing love to other artists, brands, producers, within that same region.

OG: I don’t think it’s that at all… I think the problem is everyone feels the ONLY way to show love is to agree on everything. The real way to develop unity and building together doesn’t mean we all have to “like” each other’s music or always agree on everything but we can show each other how to build, plug each other in the right opportunities, learn from each other’s mistakes and success… talk marketing and creativeness to each other... not everyone is going to be a fan but doesn’t mean they can’t be an asset.

J: One last question, when can we expect Illegal to come out and what is a piece of advice that you would like to give to any aspiring creatives in the Virginia hip-hop scene?

We are halfway through the year and there has been plentiful content being produced from the Gritty City. There has been a constant production of great content from some well-known artists as well as some that are on the rise in the city of Richmond. I made this list of projects based on projects that are released on January 1st, 2018 all the way to June 21st, 2018. Here is a collection of nine Richmond projects that you should definitely listen to.

1.) Michael Millions- Hard to Be King

The year started with the release of a jazzy, soulful project from Michael Millions. His project ended up on XXL and his music video for Sirens, which is on the album, was featured on Revolt TV. Hard to Be King is produced by a variety of people from his brother NameBrand, to fellow Association of Great Minds member Nickelus F, JL Hodges, Bandolero, and many more. The nineteen-track project focuses on Michael’s journey to happiness. In Sirens, Michael talks about the city he grew up in and some of the challenges that he faced growing up in Richmond. The tracks transition smoothly as the instrumentals gradually change in range, making it sound like it’s a long, beautiful story. Some tracks to check out on the project: Moor Hustle (feat. Melodic), Blacksugar (feat. Fly Anakin and Nickelus F), and Happy. You can follow Michael Millions on Instagram and Twitter (@michaelmillions)

2.) AARNXBRWN- Jailbird On Walton

AARNXBRWN created a buzz in the last year with performing at shows like FaceMelt Friday and Flora here in Richmond. The Equals7 collective he’s in even holds shows that happen weekly on Thursday nights. His most recent project that dropped June 2nd, Jailbird On Walton, gives any new listener a solid introduction to who he is as an individual. Jailbird On Walton is a nineteen-track project that has a balance of party songs and darker, more introspective tracks. This project shows his perseverance in his trials and tribulations. Some tracks to check out on the project: Taquito, Frankenstein (feat. OG Illa), and Wake Up. You can follow AARNXBRWN on Instagram and Twitter (@AARNXBRWN)

3.) Radio B- Jesus Never Wore A Suit

This project had almost a year and a half of anticipation in the making thanks to its precursor project, Sunday’s Best back in 2017. The level of cathexis Radio was showing into manifesting Jesus Never Wore A Suit as a study for understudies to borrow from is displayed in caring for the ones close to you. Here’s an excerpt from one of the songs on JNWAS, I Got U to show what I mean: “We all see something different. We all see different pictures, but you a masterpiece. I wanna buy you wineries and cabins. Let you lavish in all your favorite things. Go to paradise and play on the swings. Share our fears and share “highdeas”. So what we talking’ bout?

When you call my name…I wanna make it where you call our name…No fault no shame. No shift no blame. I’ll share your pain. I’ll share my soul. You make me whole.”. Some tracks to check out: Cursing In Church, I Got U, and Freedom To Live. You can follow Radio B on Instagram and Twitter (@RadioBlitz)

4.) Milo Case- Pillow Talking Weather

An up and coming artist from Richmond and recent UVA Alum, Milo Case, has been doing music ever since his days as a child. Pillow Talking Weather is a fifteen track mixtape that covers topics from the usual “Netflix and Chill”, college adventures, and black love to conscious societal issues such as police brutality and underfunded education from where he lived at in his younger days. Milo Case displays his versatility in sound through his rapping and singing to his overall beat selection. He was at episode three of the RVA Lyricist Lounge and finished as the runner-up. His presence in the RVA Lyricist Lounge and rising popularity in the city lead him to work on a track with Michael Millions that’s coming out later in the year. Some tracks that you should check out: Kickback, Vivadellis, and Hack (Bonus Track). You can follow Milo Case on Instagram (@milo.case) and Twitter (@MiloCaseMusic).

5.) Nickelus F- Stuck

The legendary rapper hailing from Southside of Richmond dropped Stuck to celebrate his graduation from VCU. Stuck is a fourteen-track project that explores his struggles in dark, introspective tracks that fits this lyricist’s style. Recently on a WRIR radio interview w/ artist Black Liq, Nickelus F said that the second track, Sleazie Wonder, a beat that he made for the deceased Richmond artist, Sleazie Wonder. On that track, he shouts out people who he respects greatly. He also debuted a new name, Horace Hardbody The Statue, which is the thirteenth track on Stuck. It’s a reflective project that’s strictly produced by Petey (which is also Nickelus F by the way). Some tracks to check out: Mids, Trill Burr, and Horace Hardbody The Statue. You can follow Nickelus F on Instagram and Twitter (@nickelusf).

6.) Fly Anakin & Ohbliv- Backyard Boogie  

Two members of the Mutant Academy collective released a collaborative project back on April, 20th. The sixteen-track project was strictly produced by Ohbliv and has Fly Anakin on every track. Backyard Boogie is a bar filled project that covers a variety of topics over a diverse and elegant beat selection by Ohbliv. The project has several features from Nickelus F, fellow Mutant Academy members Henny L.O. and Koncept Jack$on and more. Some tracks to check out: Thug Bachata, Several Blunts Later (feat. Koncept Jack$son), and The Prototype (We Got All Night). You can follow Fly Anakin and Ohbliv on Instagram and Twitter (@flyanakin) & (@ohbliv).

7.) Tuamie & Henny L.O.- Emergency Raps: Volume 2

Mutant Academy makes the list once again with another tag team project. Emergency Raps: Volume 2 is strictly produced by Tuamie and features Henny L.O. on twelve of the thirteen tracks. It’s another bar filled project over an extravagant beat selection from Tuamie. Emergency Raps features M.A. members Fly Anakin, Koncept Jack$on, Big Kahuna OG, and Richmond artist Monday Night. Emergency Raps: Volume 3 is already in the works and is on the way soon. The date for that project has yet to be revealed. Some tracks to check out: Exhibit M (feat. Henny L.O. and Monday Night), Love 3x, and Light Years (feat. Henny L.O. and Fly Anakin). You can follow Tuamie on Instagram (@tuamie_) and on Twitter (@Loop_Samples). You can also follow Henny L.O. on Instagram and Twitter (@hennyldot).

8.) Peter $un- Valencia

The Richmond native Peter $un collaborated with producer Lasik Beats to create the Valencia EP. The EP pays homage to his new home in Los Angeles. Valencia is influenced by Playboi Carti as $un would listen to Carti frequently during the cultivation of Valencia. It has a unique modern west coast influence as the instrumentals are more upbeat and playful that anyone can vibe to. Some of the tracks to check out: SUM MOE, VALENCIA, and EVRY THNG NVV. You can follow Peter $un on Instagram and Twitter (@holapedroxx).

9.) ĀR RÄ- The Sun Tape

ĀR RÄ is an artist from Southside of Richmond that has been making his own wave. He has done so from having his own radio station to being on DTLR radio to having giveaways of Adidas shoes, and more with his sun themed music. The Sun Tape is an eleven track project that describes his past that he’s adamant and honest about. The way that ĀR RÄ plays with many sun references in how he presents not just his trap music, but as a brand, definitely shows that he has a bright future ahead of him. Some tracks to check out: Sun Beam, Sun God, and Sun Tan. You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter (@arraoso)

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The Students United at VCU organization is having their third annual Students Got Talent show. Last year, their previous incarnation featured students from Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University. This year, they'll feature students from Hampton University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Virginia State University.

It’s interesting how something that can kill you can make you feel so alive.

Drinking away to maintain your pride,

Drinking out of the solo cup with friends feeling like you’re solo.

They’re convinced you’re here for a good time, but the kickback feels like it’s been going on for a long time.

You’re treading tainted water, trying to stay afloat.

When the dranks hit harder, you’re building this moat around the walls you’re also putting up.

The castle is built, but there’s no one on the throne.

Friends trying to get your attention, but no one’s home.

A castle with no windows, think of the Cask of Amontillado.

You’re both Montresor and Fortunado, burning yourself with each Fireball you consume.

When your friends try to leave the room, you’re trying to fake it through.

A chain of actions happens, you heard “For the Love of God”, then don’t remember what happened.

Another hangover on another day, but your friends didn’t know the whole time, you were trying to pass away.

The headliner of the event, Cole Hicks is a very talented Richmond based emcee. Marc Cheatam, the founder of The Cheats Movement Podcast has iterated that Cole Hicks most recent project, May Day, is “a breath of fresh air to a stagnant industry”. She most recently performed at the RVA Lyricist Lounge earlier in the summer alongside Richmond legend Nickelus F.

The other artist featured on the bill involves VCU alumna Kenneka Cook. NBC 12 wrote an article on her back in February and have iterated that the Chesterfield singer had her vocals compared to the likes of Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. Kenneka’s soulful music has always been influenced by the moon and melodic soul music. She has recently been on tour all over the East Coast this year so her popularity is growing off her debut album, Moonchild.

I’m losing it slowly like the grip your favorite grandma gave you before she passed away.

It’s like I’m developing Alzheimer’s.

I’m losing track of days as they all feel like the same day.

My speech is getting worse. To hold a conversation now is like a teenager learning how to drive, I keep pumping the breaks on syllables, stuttering almost every starting word of the sentence.

I’m letting go of people who don’t see me as important as I see them. They say if it’s real, it comes back to you and most of the people I would talk to first hadn’t come back to make the same initiative.

They depend on me as much as I depend on them but when I need them the most, their help depends on if I’m worth their time and I feel like I’m wasting time on people that don’t really care for me.

They see me as their strong friend, but when I’m at the end of the edge, who’s there to save me from that ledge?

They come to me for advice like I’m their vice, I always provide a fix to their issue.

Yet, when I’m in a fix, I can’t get anyone to help.

I’m fighting not to cry for help, but they won’t see the tears.

I’m in a sea of despair and it isn’t visible by any pier.

When I’m sleeping with the fishes, then the pain will be clear…

The new school year is right around the corner for the city of Richmond and Richmond Public Schools needs all the help it can. There will be two upcoming school drives around the end of August. The first one I'll talk about is happening on August 29th. This event is stacked with various popular faces in the Richmond music scene such as OG Illa, VCU student Big Al Harrison, the lovely singers Zhe AQueen and BBX, the influential host of Facemelt Friday Black Liquid and many more. Below are some items that are required for entry for this event.

The other flyer below is another school drive that is also taking place on the 25th of August. It's the more family friendly festivity that include a bounce house and games for the youth. There will be giveaways in that event as well. Please come out to one, or both preferably, of the events and help kids and Richmond Public Schools get ready for the new school year

Sir Wann released a seven-track project called Son Nice. Son Nice is delivered in a braggadocious presentation as he talks about his objective to be the best. Sir Wann displays his versatility within his delivery from the older Noreaga voice he has in most of his songs to a smooth-talking style that goes well on chopped and screwed up beats or a mellow instrumental like the track Background Music. Every track on Son Nice has a different vibe, so it has replay value for almost every type of hip hop aficionados such as lyricists to club rap to slick talk rap that Birdman and Bun B are known for.