GRIOTS REPUBLIC - An Urban Black Travel Mag - March 2016

John Derek Yancey better known as
“Illa J” is an American rapper/singer
& songwriter. He is a solo artist but
also is currently an active member of
Detroit based groups Slum Village and
Yancey Boys. He taught himself how
to play the piano, had bass lessons
and continuously has vocal training.
As an independent artist, he has
released three albums, 2008’s solo
album Yancey Boys, 2013’s Evolution
and 2013’s Sunset Blvd (as Yancey
Boys along with Frank Nitt and Illa J’s
big brother, J Dilla, on the production.)
He’s been touring since 2007 and
magically has released all this work
without being signed.