Today we’d like to introduce you to William Dalton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started off rapping around the age of 9. It started with a Shaq commercial. It was a rap song and I remixed the lyrics and wrote my first rap. I was truly inspired by Master P’s music video for “Make ‘Em Say Uhh.” At that point, I knew I wanted to do music. It went from singing in the choir to engaging in rap battles online called “Keystyles.” I went by the name Option at first. Then, Option turned into the name Spade, and then Illinois Gordon. I name myself Illinois Gordon because my favorite rapper of the time was Bump J. He got his name from the OG Bumpy Johnson, who was depicted by Lawrence Fishburn in the Movie Hoodlum. Bumpy’s fictional cousin in the film was played by Chi McBride, and his name was Illinois Gordon. Which, later turned into The Boy Illinois. I battle rapped my way through high school, and when I hit college, I truly started my career. I got my start doing open mics and other showcases down and around the University of Illinois. At the start of my junior year, I decided not to go to school anymore and do music full time. I stayed down in the Champaign area for another two years and continued to work and do music. I left Champaign and headed back home to finish my pursuit of music. During the transition of moving back to Chicago, I met Sway. We developed a mentor/mentee relationship and because of it, my career began to progress a lot more. A few years after establishing myself back home and making a name for myself here, I headed out to tour with Lupe Fiasco. I learned a lot about being on tour with him. I learned the art of performance and how to truly control a crowd. I was motivated more than ever after the tour ended. I got back in the studio to record my next project entitled, DuSable. A good friend of my mine Dgainz helped along with the projects sound and visuals. This project, I would say was my first real first impression of the industry. From that, I’ve been featured on Forbes, Windy City Live, Tour w/ Van Jones, and a long list of other things. But, I’m just getting started, and I have a long list of goals I plan on reaching very soon.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Dropping out of school and everyone telling you to go back and finish play on your mental. I battled with depression all throughout college and attempted suicide. It was a rough time. At that time I decided there were things I was doing that didn’t make me happy. School didn’t make me happy, but the people I was around did. So, I stopped going to class but I stayed on campus. If probably the best decision I ever made. Other than battling depression, battling politics within the entertainment industry is an uphill road. You have to have a lot of patience. And, patience is a virtue. I plan to remain virtuous.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Boy Illinois – what should we know?
I am a recording artist and I assist and help teach 8th-grade music at Betty Shabazz International Academy. I am very proud to say that I’m a success story, and I can come back and contribute to my community the best way I know how. What set me apart from other is, I’m me. There is no other person who has gone through same exact things to the detail as I have. And, I believe once we realize that, we can step in and be comfortable with being an individual.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father is my biggest fan and supported my the most after I left school. Sway has also played a big role in my progress. And, my managers Ant and Bri. Very key people that help push the brand forward and keep things running smoothly.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Facebook.com/imilli
- Twitter: Twitter.com/theboyillinois
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