24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.
Dill: I’m Dillon “iLL DiLL Tha ViLL” Hoilman from the 610; my friends call me Dill. Rap artist is the title most define me as, but I’m also a full-time student at Temple University and I catch my sun rays landscaping in the summers. I’ve been rapping since I was 16, and have 3 mixtapes out currently (Nasty [8.25.12], High Def Ignition [12.28.12], and The Looc Kool EP [5.1.13]). You can find me on Twitter (@610illdill), Instagram (illdillthavill), and also through Facebook and Path.
24: Before we get into your music, can you describe your history about how you got into and what
inspired you?
Dill: The first rap song I ever heard was “Can I Live” by Sisqo. I can remember bumpin’ “Right Therre” by Chingy through my walkman on the bus to school as a kid. My partner in crime to this day (Aaron “Young Saint” Harrison) approaching me about my freestyles in class was the first time I began to take it up as a side hobby. It wasn’t until Jay-Z dropped The Blueprint 2 that I started to transform this hobby of mine into a serious craft. After a car ride with my brother, Ren, and hearing J. Cole’s The Come Up, I fixed my sights on making this music an achievable destination.
24: What was the Hip-Hop scene like for you growing up where you’re from?
Dill: I was born in ’93, so I grew up in the late 90’s and early 00’s. Everyone had the new Eminem, everyone had the new 50 Cent. Nelly was big after he dropped “Hot In Here” and “Country Grammar”, and Freeway, Gillie Da Kid, and Beanie Seagle were always respected in the 610 (Philly [215] is about 40 minutes north).
24: What makes you Unique as a artist and different from other Rappers out now?
Dill: I consider myself to be more of a philosopher of youth than anything. I study my generation and its’ tendencies and portray it in my music; which is why young people resonate with me so well. I can switch up the vibes on the drop of a dime too. I have songs like “Real In The Building” that take on a mainstream sound but overflow with “on-the-come-up” lyrics.
24: Tell us about what you are working on.
Dill: I just finished my latest project The Looc Kool EP, which debuted May 1st. This project is one giant story of a kid who wants the throne but hesitates as he slowly unravels the lurking downsides of stardom. It’s also about overcoming the status quo and making a bold attempt to alter the game. As far as new stuff on the way, my video man (Jaciel “iamjacieltv” Sanchez) and I are working on 3 new visuals off of The Looc Kool EP to showcase throughout summer 2013.
24: What producers have you worked with and who would you like to work with in the future?
Dill: Some of my favorite producers that really compliment my style are “TyLu”, “CMR Beats”, and “Fame Beats”. In the future, I’d love a chance to work with “No ID” and J. Cole. J. Cole’s production on Cole World: Sideline Story and Truly Yours 2 is outstanding.
24: Are you happy with the feedback you have been getting from people on material you have released?
Dill: The feedback I have received has been amazing. Without it, encouragement from close friends and family wouldn’t suffice. The issue lies in getting feedback from the masses, not just local and semi-local audiences. My videos have views and my fans follow me, but internet famous and famous are very different. I am still nobody and that humble realization is what motivates me to work harder today than I did yesterday.
24: In today’s free download age, what do you need to do to make yourself a household name?
Dill: Shows, merchandise, and brand recognition are the biggest generators of revenue for artists up and coming today. I study Def Jam artist Logic a lot, since he is from right outside my area and I have recently watched his blow up onto the main stage. His use of “Bobby-Soxxers” (his term for his female fans) and “RATT Pack” (referring to his team) are great ways of letting listeners feel like they are a part of something bigger than just music. That is something I aim to do with my music in the days to come.
24: How do you feel about the current state of the Hip-Hop scene?
Dill: I’m so excited to see what comes of these next few years in the Hip-Hop scene. With artists like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and Pusha T bringing a sense of real and soul back to the game, I can’t help but smile. I also can’t wait to see what Joey Bada$$, Ab-Soul, and Logic have to offer as they enter the realm of big stage performance.
24: Outside of the music, what else are you currently working on?
Dill: I’m approaching my third year at Temple Univesity and plan to graduate with a Major in Communications and a Minor in Leadership in 2015. I also work everyday to master a skill that has never been mastered before… understanding women. My girlfriend of over a year now is a strong-willed woman who knows what she wants. I respect the hell out of her, but she is a damn mystery sometimes. I also do freelance graphic design work (including all my own mixtape covers) and small-time video work.
24: Where do you see yourself going in 2013 and how do you plan to separate yourself from the other artist out today to get the recognition you feel you deserve?
Dill: This year has already been an extreme blessing with the success of my latest tape and the feedback on all my visuals. I intend to continue the cycle of producing quality songs and we’ll see how the world responds. I entered this game a humble teenager with a goal, and nothing has changed but the age on my driver’s license.
24: How can fans go about contacting you?
Dill: Best way to contact me is through my website (www.illdillthavill.com) under my “contact” tab. Also, at the bottom of the homepage is a link to my twitter, facebook, and youtube channel! I love chatting with fans on my youtube vids and my twitter page!
24: Thank you for providing 24HourHipHop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Dill: Go download The Looc Kool EP if you haven’t already through my website. Other than that, stay loyal and stay tuned! More iLL DiLL Tha ViLL on the way and this right here is our year to make a statement!
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