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Ramon Ibanga, Jr. (born August 28, 1980), known professionally as Illmind (often stylized as !llmind), is an American record producer, songwriter, and educator. As of 2012, he lives in Brooklyn, New York.[1]

Illmind has co-written and produced hip hop, trap, pop, soul, and electronic music for labels such as Cash Money, Def Jam, and Aftermath, and has worked with artists such as Nicki Minaj, Andy Mineo, Kanye West, Drake, Stormzy, Jay-Z, J. Cole, Dr. Dre, Ludacris, 50 Cent, Ariana Grande, and others. His accomplishments in 2016 include production on the new Hamilton Mixtape and Disney's Moana, both created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Illmind has released several studio albums and had a number of songs and albums reach the music charts.[2]

His most recent album, Human, is a collaboration with Joell Ortiz, and was released on July 17, 2015.[3] He established his own multi-genre music company Roseville Music Group in 2014.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Ramon Ibanga, Jr. was born on August 28, 1980[5] in New Jersey, where he was raised in the city of Newark, New Jersey before later moving with his family to Bloomfield, New Jersey.[6] His family provided a strong musical background, as his father was a musician and his older brother Les-Paul was even named after the late Les Paul.[7]

Illmind started using his father's equipment to make beats around age 13, specifically learning MIDI and sequencing on a Roland KR-500 keyboard.[6] In his early teens he developed an interest in hip hop,[8] and started producing music in 1997.[9]

Around 1999, he began to take production more seriously and he started sampling, using both hip hop vinyl and obscure records such as his father's old jazz and soul albums from the Philippines. He began using the program Cubase and an Akai S20 sampler around age 17.[6][8]

Music career

[edit]

Production

[edit]

After learning sampling, Illmind began making his own beats and sounds,[9] and in 1999 began uploading his music to online forums such as undergroundhiphop.com. Around 2001 he started participating in the Beat Society producer showcases in Philadelphia.[7]

Illmind started his production career working with groups like Little Brother and Boot Camp Clik;[6] he met Boot Camp Clik after being introduced through Khrysis, and he started working with Little Brother after being introduced to their music around 2000. His first official collaborative release with the latter was Nobody Like Me.[8]

In March 2004 Illmind's remix of the Jay-Z's Black Album, called The Black and Tan Album, was released to a positive review in The New York Times, who stated "Sparse is the aesthetic for !llmind's remixes, which set out to do more with less: techno boops, ticking drums, laid-back bass lines, three or four notes from a guitar or keyboard. Illmind's minimalism makes Jay-Z sound almost nonchalant."[10] Sha Money XL, a G-Unit executive, served as Illmind's manager for several years.[6] During this time, Illmind went on to produce songs with Erykah Badu, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Lloyd Banks, Prodigy, Kool G Rap, Redman, Scarface, LL Cool J, El Da Sensei, Diamond D, KRS-One, and others.[8] He produced the 2008 Akrobatik hip hop album Absolute Value.[11]

In summer of 2012, Illmind's track "The Morning" was included on Cruel Summer, a compilation album released on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label. The song peaked at 19 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart, and 49 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[12]

The genesis of the track was 2007, when Illmind met Chicago-rapper Rhymefest and started sending him beats. "For a couple of years, I just kept sending him stuff whenever I had Kanye or him in mind. It must have been 100 beats. And then I get a phone call ... from Rhymefest ... asking for a session to a beat I made. Then he was like, 'I think Kanye wants to use this for a Pusha T song.' Then a few hours later, he's like 'We got Raekwon on this.' The first time I heard the complete album was when it leaked. And I heard it, and I lost it. I would say my life has definitely changed since that moment."[5]

In 2008 he won the Philadelphia Red Bull Big Tune Beat Battle.[7] Since 2012, he has shared the stage in beat showcases with artists such as Kanye West, Just Blaze, Nottz, and Don Cannon.[1] Illmind produced music for Hoodie Allen's mixtape, Crew Cuts. The single "Cake Boy" premiered on February 11, 2013 via YouTube with over 30,000 views in the first day.[13]

In 2015, Illmind helped Skyzoo on the album Music for My Friends, producing five tracks.[14] and helping Skyzoo co-produce the track "Luxury".[15] He was executive producer for Andy Mineo's album, Uncomfortable, which released on September 18.[16]

Towards the end of 2016, Illmind produced the outro credits for Disney's Moana, a track titled "You're Welcome", featuring both Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jordan Fisher.[17][18][19]

Beyond his work on the Disney project the producer took an active role in working on The Hamilton Mixtape, released via Atlantic Records. In addition to his work on the project with artists such as Nas, Common, The Roots, Ingrid Michaelson, and others, Illmind has his own track, "Take a Break – Interlude", on the album.[20]

In 2017, Illmind worked with Future,[21] Khalid,[22] Lil Uzi Vert,[23] Bryson Tiller,[24] A Boogie wit da Hoodie,[25] Meek Mill,[26] and others on their respective major label releases.

In 2018, Illmind worked with Beyonce and Jay-Z on the album Everything Is Love, to co-produce the song "Heard About Us" with Boi-1da, and also produced "Bigger Than You" with 2 Chainz.[27]

Studio albums

[edit]

In 2005, he produced and released an entire album on the label BBE with fellow producer Symbolyc One called The Art Of Onemind, which featured artists such as Ghostface Killah.[7] He released The Official !llmind Remix Album in 2009 on myx,[28] and a 2010 LP with lyricist Skyzoo called Live From The Tape Deck on Duck Down Records.[29]

"I wanted to keep the soundscape warm and 'analog' sounding [for Live from the Tape Deck], just like how 2-inch tapes used to sound. Most of the keyboard and synth sounds I used were from analog synths made in the late 80's. Combined this with using my ASR-10, I was able to capture that feeling, but with a slightly updated feel."
— !llmind in 2010[30]

In May 2010, lyricist and rapper Skyzoo had announced that he and Illmind were collaborating on an album called Live from the Tape Deck.[31] Recording sessions took place at Big China Studios in Brooklyn, New York in 2010.[32] The entire album was produced, mixed and arranged by Illmind, and was mastered by Ricardo Gutierrez.![33]

Live from the Tape Deck debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers Albums.[2] The album entered the Top Rap Albums, peaking at #16,[34] as well as entering at #30 on the Top Independent Albums[35] and #33 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[36] The album was met with positive reviews from music critics. Spin's Mosi Reeves gave the album a seven out of ten, saying: "On this duo's debut full-length, Skyzoo was nicely complemented by !llmind's production, which ranges from the Dilla-like soul loop of "#Allaboutthat" to the fuzzy '70s-cop-show funk of 'The Now or Never.' Live from the Tape Deck is full of stolid striver anthems...but the album's meat-and-potatoes consistency remains bracing throughout."[37]

Beh!nd the Curta!n, Illmind's first official instrumental album, came out on April 19, 2011 through Brooklyn-based Nature Sounds Records.[6] He followed this up with the second instrumental album #BoomTrap EP, an eight-track EP released in January of 2014.[38] He shortly after released the drum kit #BoomTrap "The Drums", which includes extracts from the EP. Only 200 copies of the kit were offered.[39] His most recent album, Human, is a collaboration with Joell Ortiz, and will be released on July 17, 2015.[3]

Business and teaching

[edit]

!llmind has been featured in magazines and online publications such as Scratch Magazine (Top 20 Best Producers), Hip Hop Weekly, Mass Appeal, The Source, XXL, Hiphopgame.com, and Hiphopdx.com. In the summer of 2012 !llmind started offering consulting services as a member the online service Blazetrak,[1] and he later formed an independent online consultation service.[9]

As of July 2012, Illmind was a senior contributor at BeatTips.com.[1] He taught music production at the non-profit organization Harlem Children’s Zone from 2007–09,[6] and he was later hired by the Clive Davis Department Of Recorded Music at NYU as a Technical Music Instructor for a program called "Future Music Moguls."[1]

He has received a great deal of recognition for his continued contributions to the producer community at large as an educator, business man and innovator in the space. Beyond launching the premier drum kit business within the music world, he has launched a "Pass The Aux", workshop series, and is committed to daily one on one interaction with the upcoming producer community.[40][41]

Style and equipment

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"I can’t define my sound. What I can say is that it’s honest, musical, and inspired/channeled from a “feeling”. I was always fascinated by music, feeling, and vision, all in one. When I’m creating music, I’m actually envisioning things as I’m going along, like places or people."
— !llmind[6]

Illmind has called himself a fan of producers such as J Dilla and Pete Rock,[1] but writes and produces a variety of genres. About his style, he has stated "I just try to create the music I like, period. I've got a pretty diverse taste in music, so I’m managing to not get bored, which is awesome. There's a lot of talent out there, and I think that’s what continues to drive me as well."![9]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Illmind production discography

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Title Album details Peak chart positions
US US
R&B/HH 		US
Rap 		US
Ind
2005 The Art of OneMind
(with Symbolyc One) 		— — — —
2009 The Official !llmind
Remix Album
  • Released: 2009
  • Label: myx[28]
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
2010 Live from the Tape Deck
(with Skyzoo)
  • Released: October 5, 2010
  • Label: Duck Down
  • Format: Digital download
 3[2] 33[36] 16[34] 30[35]
2011 Behind the Curtain
  • Released: April 19, 2011
  • Label: Nature Sounds
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
2014 #BoomTrap EP
  • Released: January 2014[38]
  • Label: Roseville Music Group
  • Format: Digital download
 — — — —
2015 Human
(with Joell Ortiz)
  • Released: July 17, 2015
  • Label: Roseville Music Group[3]
  • Format: Digital download
2021 1176
(with Guapdad 4000)
  • Released: March 19, 2021
  • Label: Paradise Rising, 88rising
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 — — — —

Mixtapes

[edit]
  • 2008: Blaps, Rhymes & Life
  • 2009: Blaps, Rhymes & Life, Vol II
  • 2009: Blaps, Rhymes & Life, Vol III[42]
  • 2009: Blaps, Rhymes & Life, Vol IV[43]
  • 2011: Blaps, Rhymes & Life, Vol V[44]

Selected production credits

[edit]

Peak chart positions

[edit]
Singles produced by !llmind, with selected singles chart positions
Year Song title Song details Chart peaks
US
Bub. 		US
R&B/HH
2012 "The Morning" 19[12] 49[12]
Albums with tracks produced by !llmind, with selected album chart positions
Year Album title Album/song details Chart peaks
US US
R&B/HH 		US
Rap 		US
Ind
2006 The Last Stand
(by Boot Camp Clik) 		— 48 — 20
2007 Nu-Mixx Klazzics Vol. 2
(by 2Pac)
  • Tracks: "What'z Ya Phone # [Nu Mixx]"
  • Label: Tha Row/Koch
 45[45] 8[45] — 2[45]
2008 Emeritus
(by Scarface)
  • Tracks: "It's Not A Game," "Who Are They"
  • Label: Rap-a-Lot
 24[46] 4[46] — —
2014 2014 Forest Hills Drive
(by J. Cole) 		1 1 1 —
2015 If You're Reading This It's Too Late
(by Drake) 		1 1 1 —
The Beast Is G-Unit
(by G-Unit) 		27 3 3 2
Ludaversal
(by Ludacris)
  • Tracks: "Lyrical Healing," "Charge It to the Rap Game"
  • Label: Def Jam
 3 2 2 —

Timeline

[edit]

The following is an incomplete list of albums and singles produced by Illmind/!llmind.

See also

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Illmind

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
!llmind (born Ramon Ibanga Jr.) is a Filipino-American , songwriter, , and based in . Renowned for his innovative and contributions to hip-hop, R&B, and , he has collaborated with major artists including , , Drake, , and , producing multi-platinum tracks that blend boom-bap influences with modern production techniques. A Grammy-winning producer, !llmind earned recognition for co-producing "Heard About Us" on The Carters' 2018 collaborative album Everything Is Love, which won the Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. His production credits also include standout tracks such as J. Cole's "Love Yourz" from the 2014 album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Drake's "You & the 6" from the 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late, and the outro credits song "You're Welcome" featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jordan Fisher for Disney's 2016 animated film Moana. In addition to his production work, !llmind has built a significant entrepreneurial presence in the music industry as the founder of Blap-Kits, a pioneering series of and sample packs launched in 2011 that have been utilized by producers and artists worldwide, including and . Since 2025, he has served as Senior Vice President of A&R for Empire Publishing, where he mentors emerging talent and oversees creative development for the company's roster. !llmind's multifaceted career also encompasses DJing, via VST plugins, and educational initiatives like masterclasses and the "Feedback Loop" series, solidifying his role as a mentor and innovator in music production.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Ramon Ibanga Jr., professionally known as Illmind, was born on August 28, 1980, in . As a Filipino-American, his heritage stems from his parents who immigrated from the , instilling a multicultural perspective that blended Filipino traditions with American influences in his daily life. His family relocated to , where he spent his formative years in a household rich with musical elements. Growing up surrounded by family members who were , including his older brother named Les-Paul after the renowned , Ibanga was immersed in diverse sounds from an early age. His father, a skilled proficient in , , and other instruments, played a pivotal role by filling the home with , rock, , , and , fostering Ibanga's initial curiosity about music.

Introduction to music production

Illmind's introduction to music production occurred during his early teenage years, when he gained access to his father's KR-4500 performance keyboard at around age 13. This instrument served as his primary tool for initial experimentation, allowing him to explore sequencing and basic beat creation without any structured guidance. Building on the musical encouragement from his family , these early sessions marked of his hands-on engagement with sound manipulation, fostering a foundational curiosity in hip-hop beat-making. His initial productions were shaped by prominent hip-hop producers he encountered through cassette tapes and radio, including , , , and [DJ Premier](/page/DJ Premier). These influences inspired him to replicate the raw energy and rhythmic complexity of late-1990s hip-hop tracks, often using the keyboard to mimic patterns and synth elements heard in popular broadcasts and mixtapes. This exposure not only defined his sonic palette but also emphasized an emotional, narrative-driven approach to beats that would characterize his later work. In 1997, at approximately age 17, Illmind shifted toward more dedicated production practices, adopting digital tools like Steinberg's Cubase software alongside hardware such as the Akai S20 sampler. This upgrade enabled greater precision in sampling and arrangement, moving beyond the limitations of the keyboard alone. Entirely self-taught, he honed these skills through persistent , dissecting sounds and iterating on ideas in isolation to build technical proficiency.

Music career

Early production and breakthroughs

Illmind entered the professional production scene in 1999, initially gaining traction by posting beats on online forums like UndergroundHipHop.com, where he connected with emerging underground hip-hop artists despite the limitations of dial-up internet. This self-promotion led to early collaborations with acts such as Akrobatik, Supastition, and El Da Sensei of The Artifacts, including production on the track "Crowd Pleaser." These initial placements helped establish his presence in the New York and Philadelphia underground scenes during the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the early 2000s, Illmind's work expanded through partnerships with respected indie labels and groups, notably contributing beats to Little Brother before their 2003 debut album The Listening. His involvement grew with the duo's 2007 album Getback on ABB Records, where he produced four tracks, including "Good Clothes," "Sirens," "Can't Win for Losing," and "That Ain't Love" featuring Jozeemo and Darien Brockington. These contributions, blending soulful samples with crisp drum patterns, showcased his ability to complement Little Brother's neo-soul-infused hip-hop sound and earned him connections to Duck Down Records. Illmind further built his reputation through independent projects and mixtapes, such as the 2005 collaborative album The Art of Onemind with producer (S1) on BBE Records, which featured Little Brother on the track "Right Here" alongside artists like and . This release highlighted his versatility in fusing boom-bap rhythms with R&B elements, solidifying his role in the underground circuit. A key breakthrough came in the early 2010s with his ongoing partnership with rapper , culminating in the 2010 collaborative album Live from the Tape Deck on Duck Down Records, where Illmind handled all production. The project received critical acclaim for its forward-thinking sound, avoiding retro '90s aesthetics in favor of modern hip-hop innovation. This momentum led to the beat for the track "The Morning," initially sent to , which Illmind produced for G.O.O.D. Music's 2012 compilation Cruel Summer (featuring , , Common, , , , and ), marking his entry into higher-profile placements and broader industry recognition.

Major collaborations

!llmind's major collaborations in the and beyond elevated his profile through high-profile productions across hip-hop, R&B, and pop, often co-producing tracks that achieved commercial success and critical acclaim. His work with on "" from the 2014 album , co-produced with and CritiCal, became a standout single emphasizing themes of gratitude and self-reflection. Similarly, his contribution to Drake's "You & The 6" on the 2015 mixtape If You're Reading This It's Too Late, co-produced with and Noah "40" Shebib, captured introspective storytelling over a soulful beat. These efforts marked his transition to mainstream elite productions, building on earlier underground foundations. Expanding into diverse projects, !llmind co-produced "The Morning" for Kanye West's 2012 compilation Cruel Summer (G.O.O.D. Music), featuring Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi The Prynce, Kid Cudi, and D’banj, in collaboration with Kanye West, Jeff Bhasker, and Travis Scott. In 2017, he co-produced Future's "Zoom" from the self-titled album FUTURE, alongside Southside and Fuse, blending trap elements with melodic hooks. His involvement with Beyoncé and Jay-Z on "Heard About Us" from the 2018 joint album Everything Is Love (as The Carters) showcased his versatility in R&B-infused hip-hop. These tracks contributed to multi-platinum certifications across his catalog, reflecting his growing impact in the industry. !llmind also ventured into soundtrack work, producing multiple tracks for The Hamilton Mixtape in 2016, including "Wrote My Way Out" featuring Nas, Dave East, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Aloe Blacc; "Who Tells Your Story" with The Roots and Common; the !llmind interlude; and "Take A Break," a trap remix. That same year, he produced the outro credits version of "You're Welcome" for Disney's Moana soundtrack, featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jordan Fisher. In 2018, he co-produced "X" for the Black Panther soundtrack, featuring Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, and Saudi, alongside Sounwave. These projects highlighted his ability to adapt to theatrical and cinematic contexts while maintaining hip-hop roots. Throughout this period, !llmind's productions appeared on releases from major labels including Cash Money, Def Jam, and Aftermath, underscoring his integration into the commercial hip-hop ecosystem and leading to multi-platinum status for several associated albums. His collaborations with artists like and Drake further solidified his reputation in trap and contemporary hip-hop, evolving from indie beats to chart-topping contributions.

Solo releases

!llmind's debut solo instrumental album, Behind the Curtain (2011), released on Nature Sounds, featured 20 tracks of original beats blending boom-bap, soul, and experimental elements, providing insight into his production process without guest vocals. This was followed by the Boomtrap series, starting with Boomtrap, Vol. 1 (2013), which fused traditional hip-hop drums with trap influences across multiple volumes through 2016, becoming popular tools for other producers. His 2018 album Untouchable State of Mind continued this instrumental focus, incorporating atmospheric synths and live instrumentation for a cinematic feel. In 2024, !llmind released singles "Never" and "Never Fold," showcasing evolved production techniques with modern electronic and hip-hop fusion. Complementing these instrumental works, !llmind's collaborative projects include the 2005 album The Art of Onemind with , emphasizing instrumental hip-hop beats infused with , R&B, and elements, and featuring guest appearances from artists like and Little Brother. Released on BBE Records, the album showcased Illmind's early production prowess through layered samples and dynamic rhythms, establishing a foundation for his signature sound without relying on vocals as the primary focus. In 2010, Illmind collaborated with rapper on Live from the Tape Deck, a full-length that peaked at number 3 on the Top Heatseekers chart, blending live-feel production with lyrical storytelling over 12 tracks. The project highlighted Illmind's ability to craft cohesive instrumental backdrops for conscious hip-hop, drawing from tape-deck aesthetics to evoke a raw, analog vibe. Illmind ventured into more introspective territory with (2015), a collaboration with that explored personal narratives and experimental sonic textures through trap-infused beats and mature lyrical content, aiming for emotional depth and honesty in its themes of and urban life. Released via , the album featured 11 tracks entirely produced by Illmind, incorporating warped vocals and unconventional drum patterns to push beyond traditional hip-hop structures. Later, 1176 (2021) paired Illmind with Guapdad 4000 for a reflective project executive-produced by Illmind, blending his dreamy, R&B-tinged production—marked by soft keys, acoustic elements, and warped effects—with the rapper's autobiographical storytelling and guest features from artists like P-Lo. The album delved into themes of lost innocence and family roots, inspired by Guapdad's childhood address, while Illmind's beats provided a hazy, introspective canvas that balanced flexes with vulnerability across 14 tracks. Complementing these efforts, Illmind's Blaps, Rhymes & Life series (2008–2011), co-curated with DJ Dub MD, offered a window into his beat-making process through free releases that combined exclusive instrumentals with rhymes from established and emerging artists like , Scarface, and . Spanning five volumes, the series emphasized raw production techniques, freestyle elements, and hip-hop's foundational blend of beats and bars, serving as an educational showcase for aspiring producers.

Business ventures and education

Entrepreneurial activities

!llmind founded Roseville Music Group in 2014 as an independent multi-genre music entity dedicated to providing production resources and supporting artist development. The company has released projects such as Joel Ortiz's album Human in 2015, emphasizing creative collaboration and growth for emerging talent. In the early , !llmind launched Blap Kits, a series of affordable sample packs containing kits, loops, and sounds derived from his own productions to equip aspiring producers with professional-grade tools. By 2019, Blap Kits had become a multi-million dollar business, establishing it as a key revenue stream and a means to democratize access to high-quality production elements for independent creators. Through independent ventures like Roseville Music Group, !llmind expanded into publishing and A&R, signing producers and songwriters to administrative deals to foster their career advancement while maintaining creative control. These initiatives underscore his commitment to empowering emerging producers by offering accessible resources and business opportunities that bridge the gap between hobbyists and professionals.

Teaching and mentorship

From 2007 to 2009, !llmind served as a music production instructor at the , a prominent New York focused on supporting at-risk youth through educational and community programs. In this role, he introduced underprivileged children to the fundamentals of music production, emphasizing creative expression as a tool for and skill-building. His classes aimed to provide accessible entry points into beatmaking and songwriting for students in , fostering a sense of empowerment in a challenging environment. Following his time at the , !llmind joined the Institute of Recorded Music at as a technical music instructor, where he contributed to the curriculum for the "Future Music Moguls" program. There, he taught aspiring producers about recording techniques, music business principles, and practical production workflows, drawing from his professional experience to bridge academic learning with industry realities. His tenure at NYU, beginning around , helped shape the next generation of music professionals by integrating hands-on sessions on and sampling into the institute's BFA program. Beyond formal academia, !llmind has extended his through workshops, online tutorials, and initiatives tailored to beatmakers. His workshops and video series, such as the BLAP:CAM discussions, delve into advanced sampling techniques, track arrangement strategies, and navigating music —key areas for emerging producers to refine their craft and secure placements. These resources prioritize practical skill-building, encouraging participants to experiment with loops and programming while understanding legal and creative constraints in the industry. A cornerstone of his ongoing mentorship is "The Feedback Loop," a weekly live stream series launched on his official YouTube channel, where he provides real-time critiques and guidance to submitted beats and tracks from producers worldwide. This community-driven platform fosters collaborative learning, with !llmind offering insights on refining arrangements, enhancing sampling choices, and strategizing career moves like pitching to artists. By creating an interactive space for honest feedback, it has become a vital hub for beatmakers seeking to elevate their technical skills and industry acumen.

Recent industry roles

In April 2025, !llmind was appointed Senior of A&R for Empire , a role in which he oversees artist development and deals while leveraging his production expertise to scout and nurture emerging talent. This executive position builds on his longstanding mentorship initiatives, expanding them into broader oversight of creative pipelines within the independent music ecosystem. Throughout 2025, !llmind has actively engaged in discussions about artificial intelligence's role in music production, emphasizing its potential as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. In a January , he detailed experiments with AI platforms, including his co-creation of LoopMagic, an ethically trained tool that generates copyright-free loops and sounds based on user prompts to accelerate beat-making processes. He highlighted training the model exclusively on his own catalog to ensure originality and avoid legal issues, positioning AI as a means to enhance efficiency in studio workflows. !llmind's recent media appearances have further reflected on his career trajectory and the evolving production landscape. In a March 2025 episode of the World Music Foundation Podcast, he discussed innovations like his Squad of Knights NFT project and community-driven albums, underscoring a shift toward Web3-enabled collaborations as a future direction for producers. A May 2025 Studio Talks expanded on these themes, where he advised aspiring producers to embrace experimentation and authenticity amid technological shifts, while balancing his A&R duties with personal creative pursuits. As of November 2025, !llmind has hosted weekly live streaming sessions titled "The Feedback Loop" on platforms like Twitch and , providing real-time critiques to hundreds of submitted tracks from artists and producers to foster direct industry guidance. These sessions, held Wednesdays at 5:00 PM PST, have reviewed over 800 submissions in recent weeks, aligning with his executive focus on talent discovery.

Musical style and equipment

Influences and production approach

!llmind's production style draws heavily from pioneering hip-hop producers, particularly J Dilla's innovative sampling techniques and emphasis on groove, which have shaped his rhythmic foundations. He has cited studying Dilla's methods as a formative influence, allowing him to develop a distinctive approach to layering sounds that prioritize feel over technical perfection. Similarly, Pete Rock's soulful loops and melodic sampling have inspired !llmind's use of warm, nostalgic elements in his beats, blending classic hip-hop aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities. At the core of !llmind's approach is a minimalist style that fuses hip-hop, trap, pop, and , focusing on sparse arrangements to highlight emotional depth rather than overcrowding elements. This method emphasizes warm, organic textures achieved through analog processing, such as saturating samples to evoke a tactile, quality that bridges digital precision with analog warmth. His beats often start with simple or melodic motifs, evolving into layered yet uncluttered compositions that adapt across genres while maintaining a cohesive, . In recent years, particularly post-2023, !llmind has evolved his production by incorporating electronic elements and AI-assisted tools, expanding his palette to include synthetic textures and algorithmic generation for innovative . Collaborations like the 2024 launch of LoopMagic with Boomy introduced an AI model trained on his signature style, enabling creators to generate beats infused with his organic vibe through . In September 2025, LoopMagic was further advanced through integration with Google Cloud's Lyria 2 model, powering enhanced AI music generation. This shift reflects a broader to , blending traditional analog warmth with electronic experimentation to push creative boundaries in hip-hop and beyond. Central to !llmind's is the concept of "ill beats," which prioritize raw emotion and to forge deep connections with listeners, eschewing unnecessary in favor of heartfelt expression. He views production as an intuitive process driven by personal authenticity, often stating that true impact comes from music made "from the heart" to resonate on a profound level. This underscores his commitment to beats that feel alive and relatable, guiding his evolution while staying true to emotional core.

Key equipment and techniques

!llmind has long favored the sampler as a cornerstone of his production workflow, particularly for its capabilities in chopping and layering samples to create intricate drum patterns and textures. This hardware sampler, which he used extensively in his early career, allows for precise sample editing and sequencing directly on the device, contributing to the organic, hands-on feel of his beats before transitioning to more digital integrations. In , he sold his personal ASR-10 unit, marking a shift but underscoring its foundational role in defining his signature sound through meticulous sample manipulation. Complementing the ASR-10, !llmind incorporates analog synthesizers such as the Mini Moog and models to infuse warmth and character into his productions. The Mini Moog, in particular, provides rich, vintage bass tones and leads that he layers with sampled elements, enhancing the emotional depth of tracks for artists like and . Early influences included a KR-500 keyboard, which he traded for sampling gear, evolving into a preference for analog warmth over purely digital sterility in his hybrid setups. In terms of software, !llmind began arranging tracks using Cubase during his teenage years, leveraging its MIDI sequencing and audio editing tools to structure complex beats from sampled and synthesized elements. This evolved from rudimentary setups paired with an S20 sampler, allowing him to build full arrangements efficiently while maintaining creative control. Over time, his workflow has incorporated for final mixing, but Cubase remains a nod to his foundational digital-analog hybrid approach. Central to !llmind's techniques is sample manipulation, where he chops, pitches, and processes audio to craft unique loops, often drawing from vinyl soul and funk records for rhythmic foundations. He integrates live drumming by recording acoustic kits and applying transient effects for punchy, dynamic breaks that avoid digital flatness. This culminates in hybrid digital-analog mixing, blending hardware warmth with software precision to achieve polished yet soulful final products, as seen in his Blap Kits drum samples.

Awards and recognition

Grammy Awards

Illmind first achieved Grammy recognition in 2019, when his production contributions to ' collaborative album earned the award for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the . Co-producing the track "Heard About Us" alongside , Illmind helped craft the project's blend of hip-hop and R&B elements, marking a pivotal moment in his career for working with superstars and . His second accolade came in 2021 at the , where he shared in the win for Best Alternative Music Album for Nathy Peluso's debut studio album Calambre. Illmind produced several tracks on the record, including the hit single "Sana Sana," which fused influences with urban rhythms and contributed to the album's critical success. In 2024, Illmind received a for Best Alternative Song at the 25th Annual for "." Overall, Illmind has secured two Grammy wins and 10 nominations across hip-hop and pop categories since the , with notable nods for production on albums by (such as ), Drake (), and (). These nominations underscore his versatility and influence in elevating collaborative projects within the genre.

Other honors and impact

In 2008, Illmind won the Big Tune Beat Battle, defeating 11 other competitors in a live showcase that highlighted his innovative beat-making skills. Illmind has earned RIAA multi-platinum certifications for his production work on numerous tracks, reflecting the commercial success of his contributions to hip-hop and R&B albums. His influence extends beyond accolades through the Blap Kits platform, where he provides sample packs, drum kits, and resources that have supported thousands of aspiring s in developing their craft and navigating the industry. As a Filipino-American , Illmind has played a key role in diversifying hip-hop production by infusing cultural elements from his heritage into mainstream tracks, bridging Filipino and American musical traditions and inspiring a new generation of underrepresented creators. Illmind's broader impact is evident in media features, including a 2017 Vice profile exploring his creative process and rise in the beat-making scene, as well as 2025 interviews in and Studio Talks discussing AI's role in music production and the evolving industry landscape.

Discography

Studio albums

!llmind's studio album discography primarily consists of collaborative projects that highlight his production prowess in hip-hop, often blending instrumental innovation with lyrical partnerships. His debut effort, The Art of Onemind, released in 2005 on Spilt Milk Da Label in collaboration with , served as an instrumental showcase of raw, boom bap-influenced beats crafted from sampled loops and live , establishing his early reputation for intricate construction. In 2010, !llmind partnered with rapper for Live from the Tape Deck, issued by Duck Down Records, which incorporated collaborative elements through Skyzoo's verses over !llmind's soulful, tape-deck-inspired productions, achieving commercial success by debuting at number 3 on the Top Heatseekers chart and number 16 on the Top Rap Albums chart. The 2015 album Human, a collaboration with Joell Ortiz released by Roseville Music Group, delved into personal introspection on themes of identity and resilience, featuring vocal contributions from Ortiz and guests like Rhymefest, all backed by !llmind's emotive, piano-driven beats that emphasized lyrical depth over bombast. !llmind's most recent studio album, 1176, released in 2021 on Paradise Rising in partnership with Guapdad 4000, fused modern hip-hop with trap and pop rap elements, exploring cultural duality through Guapdad's melodic flows and !llmind's versatile, synth-heavy productions that bridged underground roots with contemporary accessibility. As of 2025, no additional studio albums have been released by !llmind.

Mixtapes

Illmind's series, particularly the Blaps, Rhymes & Life project, began as an experimental outlet for his beatmaking, blending tracks with rhymed verses to demonstrate his production versatility. Released in 2008 in collaboration with DJ Dub MD, Blaps, Rhymes & Life Vol. 1 served as an introduction to this format, featuring original beats layered with rhymes from emerging artists, and was distributed as a free digital download to highlight Illmind's creative process. Subsequent volumes from 2009 to 2011 evolved the series by incorporating guest features from established artists, such as Scarface, , and on Vol. 2, while introducing live-recorded elements and expanded tracklists to reflect Illmind's growing network and experimentation with hip-hop production styles. These releases maintained the core structure of beat showcases but added collaborative depth, with Vol. 5 in 2011 culminating in a double-disc set that emphasized polished mixes and broader artistic input. The primary purpose of these mixtapes was to provide free access to Illmind's unreleased beats and production insights, fostering direct fan through online downloads and tied-in events like release parties that drew hundreds of attendees. Distributed via platforms such as Illmind's personal and sites like DJBooth, the series influenced the DIY by modeling accessible, community-driven beat distribution in the late hip-hop scene.

Selected production credits

Illmind's production career began in the late 1990s and early 2000s within the underground hip-hop scene, where he contributed beats to Little Brother's projects, including "Nobody Like Me" from the 2005 mixtape The Chittlin' Circuit 1.5 and "Can't Let Her" from the 2006 mixtape Separate But Equal by Little Brother & DJ Drama. These early credits helped establish his reputation for soulful, boom-bap-infused instrumentals in the Southern hip-hop landscape. By the 2010s, Illmind's work expanded to mainstream artists and higher-profile releases. In 2012, he produced "The Morning," a collaborative track featuring Raekwon, , Common, , , , and for G.O.O.D. Music's compilation album Cruel Summer, which debuted at No. 19 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. He also collaborated with on the 2010 full-length project Live from the Tape Deck, blending introspective lyricism with jazzy production across tracks like "Krylon" and "Speakers Going Hammer." In 2014, Illmind co-produced J. Cole's "" for the platinum-certified album , a reflective that peaked at No. 31 on the chart and earned platinum certification from the RIAA. Illmind's contributions continued to gain commercial traction in the late , diversifying into trap and collaborative hits. He provided additional production on Drake's "Blue Tint" from the 2018 No. 1 Scorpion, featuring 's vocals. That same year, he co-produced "Heard About Us" for and Jay-Z's joint Everything Is Love (), which debuted at No. 2 on the . Also in 2018, Illmind co-produced "X" featuring , , and Saudi for the Black Panther: The Album , which topped the and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap . In 2017, he co-produced 's "Zoom" from the self-titled Future, which reached No. 1 on the . Entering the 2020s, Illmind's scope broadened to include Latin and pop-influenced genres, alongside soundtracks. He co-produced Nathy Peluso's "Sana Sana" for her 2020 debut album Calambre, which won the 2021 Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Song and achieved gold certification in Mexico. Additional credits include work on the 2016 Hamilton Mixtape and Disney's Moana soundtrack, marking his entry into Broadway-inspired and film scoring territories. In 2024, he contributed production to the single "Never."
YearArtist(s)/ProjectKey Track(s)Notable Achievements
2005Little Brother – The Chittlin' Circuit 1.5"Nobody Like Me"Underground hip-hop mixtape staple
2006Little Brother & – Separate But Equal"Can't Let Her" release
2010 & Illmind – Live from the Tape Deck"Krylon," "Speakers Going Hammer"Collaborative album blending jazz-rap elements; No. 3 Top Heatseekers, No. 16 Top Rap Albums
2012G.O.O.D. Music – Cruel Summer"The Morning" (feat. , , et al.)No. 19 Bubbling Under Hot 100; album No. 2
2014 – ""No. 31 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs; RIAA platinum; album 3x platinum
2017 – Future"Zoom"Album No. 1
2018Drake – "Blue Tint" (add'l. prod., feat. )Album No. 1 ; 7x platinum
2018 – "Heard About Us"Album No. 2 ; Grammy win for Best Urban Contemporary Album
2018Various – Black Panther: The Album"X" (feat. , , Saudi)Album No. 1 ; Grammy-nominated for Best Rap Album
2020 – Calambre"Sana Sana"2021 Latin Grammy for Best Urban Song; gold

References

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