My City: Guess Where The Boy Illinois is From? (Exclusive Interview)

A lot of rappers say they rep for this city, but few are so dedicated that they embed their geography in their very name. In the latest edition of our My City series, The Boy Illinois sits down to talk about what it means to be a Chicago artist, how his city's hate and corruption drives his music and explains that if you're looking for him, all you need to do is smell the air.

RefinedHype: Your home state's obviously so important to you it's become your name. What makes you a Chicago artist?

The Boy Illinois: What makes me an Chicago artist? I believe my willingness to speak on things and have an honest opinion about things is an example of what makes me a Chicago artist. I believe that characteristic is a very strong one that lies within a lot of Chicago artists.

RefinedHype: Over the past decade Chicago has become known as a center for new hip-hop. In what ways are you a part of that tradition, and in what ways do you stand out?

The Boy Illinois: I'm just another artist trying to put on for a city that taught me a lot about myself. I feel as though every artist, no matter what city your from, you try and implement where you come from in your music. You kind of take pride in that, and try to show everyone else around the world exactly where your coming from. As far as standing out, I think I do so very well. For one, my subject matter isn't repetitive, and I don't limit myself musically like some others do in the same genre. All in all, there are some good artists here, but I feel as though I stick out like a sore thumb.

RefinedHype: What inspires you about your hometown?

The Boy Illinois: I would have to say that the hate is a big influence on my craft. The politics and hatred outweigh a lot of talent in this city. So at that point, you either get fed up with all the bs and you stop doing what your doing and pursue another career path, or you toughen up and prove everyone wrong. And I feel as though going through that builds your character to deal with the hatred and politics on a larger scale within the industry itself.

RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through your city, where can I find you?

The Boy Illinois: Wherever you hear or smell something good in the air...

RefinedHype: Last words? Shout outs? Confessions?

The Boy Illinois:S/O to F.A. the Squad, After Dreams Development, Baron Boys, Hero George, Jewels, and everyone that's involved in my music career.

DL "Inhale Part 3: After School Program" at www.theboyillinois.com.