Videos by According2HipHop
I.L Cleveland Own has been a fabric of the independent music scene for nearly 2 decades, building a loyal following of Hip Hop fans with his introspective lyrics based in reality. As artists age, their realities change but for those that have been following his journey for sometime, I.L’s reality hasn’t changed much but they have evolved with the times. For the initiated, a listen of ‘Hacking and Rapping’, ‘Rocket Science’ or ‘The American EP’ Series, a common theme permeates through the music. I.L’s lyrics and central message is one rooted in patriotism, entrepreneurship, family, and community. These themes are the foundation of his series/podcast ‘Politics and Black Families’ and with his new release ‘Pray’.
At an exclusive immersive listening event at the legendary Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta, I.L Cleveland Own debuted the album and presented an 18 track showcase that highlighted what makes him one of the most authentic honest voices in rap music.
On ‘OG’ , I.L documents his journey as a rap vet, and finds him presenting game to the younger generation that would be fortunate to make ‘OG’ status. On ‘Monetized’ he challenges the audience to be ‘conscious’ not woke and how the revolution won’t be televised but it will be monetized by a generation of go-getters, visionaries filled with “truth”. One of ‘Pray’ standouts is a remake of Jadakiss’ song ‘Why’. Here we find I.L questioning his community’s allegiance to the Democrat Party, mismanagement of COVID relief loans, why folks take trips to Tulum instead of Africa and the hypocrisy of the Diddy trial.
Overall ‘Pray’ is the victory lap for I.L Cleveland Own. It’s a culmination of his decades in the game. It’s a testament of how Hip Hop can grow and mature where rappers at “40 can rap about how they living”. It’s an art rooted in reality and transition. Fortunately for his fans and the culture, I.L was able to make it from Cleveland to Atlanta become Hip Hop’s ‘own’.
