Although the music industry may be one of the toughest places to get recognized within; many choose to play the game of risk to see how much their fire will last. There are thousands of individuals striving to pursue their goals in becoming the crème de la crème and there are many who limit themselves to an average point. Climbing the “mountain of entertainment” maybe be very discouraging due to its volatility and instability, but relentless dedication, undying passion, and seemingly limitless creativity somehow always seem to break through, making a lasting impact on the music marketplace. For one individual, these factors play a major role in what he has become and for the impact he will make throughout the industry. This individual goes by the name of ILL-S.

With the wealth of experience that ILL-S carries there is no doubt that he is one the scene’s most talented and skilled deejays. Throughout the years of being a kid there were many influences that helped develop the knowledge and roots which created this talented individual. Growing up with a father that was extremely into classic Hindi movie soundtracks from the 60s and on along with unforgettable 80s music, ILL-S picked up his first style of recording and love of music. Learning how to make countless tapes of music from videos and television onto a small recorder was easy, but it wasn’t until putting together mixes that ILL-S fell in love with the art of DJing. By the age of 14 it was taking the simple process of tape to record to tape, but as the high school years passed the old stereo racks transformed into turntables and a mixer. With friends that would encourage either other through music and djing buying the first set of 1200s was bound to happen. Although it wasn’t until a few beat up sets of Lineartechs and Geminis, ILL-S soon found his own 1200s and it was a start of a whole new chapter.

Throughout the high school years DJing intertwined closer into his lifestyle. Music was always a part of an activity whether it was going to the shop nearby to watch DJs cut, practicing in the bedroom, jamming with friends, making mixes, watching videos, or simply listening to something new or old from the tape collection or shelves. The late 90s brought on many new styles and great music, but for ILL-S the art of rocking a party would be next. As a growing DJ with the love of music and entertainment, ILL-S began showing his talent at various dancehalls, school shows, and soon enough college houses. Towards the end of high school ILL-S started organizing his own events to gather various groups of people at any small venue that could be filled. At that time ILL-S learned it was important to network in order to express what you wanted others to feel through music.

While working hard to put on shows it became more relevant to ILL-S that his talent could do something more than just throw a party to DJ. ILL-S would soon take his growing knowledge of music and social gathering into college to build on what the scene had to offer. From the creation of his own promotions to creating events that brought together hundreds of individuals ILL-S began to make himself a household name. Look into his eyes and you will see the tireless ambition in everything he does from the simple fact of reaching his goals in his music career to bringing South Asian culture to the forefront of the music & entertainment industry. ILL-S holds nothing but natural and raw talent within himself which gives him an incomparable edge in the world of music. His passion to showcase his own culture isn’t the only plus as ILL-S plays a role in the main industry.

Over the last years ILL-S has brought himself to the top of South Asian circuit as one of the top 5 djs & emcees nationwide. He has regularly appeared as the headliner of the largest events year after year within NYC,NJ, & PHL. From 2000 on, traveling would not be the same as he began his adventures taking on every major city nationwide performing at the scene’s biggest events each year. City by city this mixmaster has officially stamped his name moving crowds ranging 500 – 3000 all night long. From the east, west, north, to south there has never been an event he couldn’t handle and there has never been an event that could be predicted. Constantly bringing a surprise to the tables you will never know what this artist will do next. From his clean yet ferocious cuts, to his ability to mix any record with finesse, to his signature selection of club bangers, to the amazing voice he possesses on the mic, to his straight up real personality ILL-S hands down is a diamond in the ruff. Leaving large crowds astonished by his style and mouths on the floor with his amazing skills there is no comparison to what this character can do. If you want to see a deejay set you are looking at the wrong person, but if you want to see one of the most moving performances in the club then you must get yourself to an event with this man in the building. To give the title of the nation’s #1 South Asian deejay and performer would be an insult to other legends, but there is no doubt about it that ILL-S has proven to be just that.

Formerly one of the leaders of the finest South Asian DJ Crew HeavyRotation. Creator and co-producer of the most infamous Desi mixtape HEAVYROTATION: THE OVERNIGHT EXPERIMENTAL, ILL has decided to take it to another level and hit the scene with new flavor through his collaboration with AZDEF PRODUCTION GROUP and his soon to be released site “InternationILL”. In his career as a true DJ and hype-man he has performed with artists like Jay Sean, Juggy D, Rishi Rich, RDB, PunjabiMC, Raghav, The Bilz, Kevin Lyttle, Wayne Wonder, Rupee, Thara, Wilco, Nivla & P Oberoi, TOK, Mr. Vegas, Nina Sky, Cassidy, Cipha Sounds, DJ Spinbad, Bikram Singh, Apache Indian, DJ Excel, Mister Cee, Fabulous, DJ Unk, , and the list goes on. He was the first to introduce Ryan Leslie (www.RyanLeslie.com) and Cassie to the South Asian scene with his ambition to fuse pop culture with masala.

While ILL-S makes his transition into the international market he brings with him many achievements. As a graduate from the world renown SAE Institute of Technology he has been trained in audio engineering and music production. At SAE ILL-S was able to forge bonds and build relationships with more talents such as AZDEF Co-Founder James “DeFinate” DeFina who he has recently been picked up by for bookings in Dubai and the Middle East. Along with the successful education at SAE, ILL-S was lucky enough to gain experience at the world famous Quad Studios in NYC through good friend Raj Makhija (www.RajStar.com). Still following his dream, ILL continuously illustrates his passion for music/culture through music production/engineering and marketing. In early 2009 ILL-S was given the opportunity to intern with a record label he has been supporting and pushing for years by the name of NextSelection. With the music industry changing everyday, ILL-S has been learning new knowledge, methods, analysis of the market, and strengthening his skills as a player in the industry under A&R Shiv Pandya, ILL-S has been building a new home for himself recently which houses skills in almost all aspects of music, media, an entertainment. Currently you can catch ILL-S on various nights in NYC, making music, networking online and at events, catering to private events, promoting good music, and planning to influence globally. With so much under his belt since his start as a DJ, all he has to say is that there’s always another episode to make.

The masses can only imagine what this character has planned next.