ILL TONE is a hip hop artist from Vancouver Island, Canada, where he's also a prominent member of the recovery community. Known for high-energy performances, he's toured in nine countries, appearing on bills with such acts as Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Rakim, Maestro Fresh Wes, Snak the Ripper, Merkules and Pete Rock & CL Smooth, among others.
Having gained notoriety for his lyricism and production, ILL TONE has had the pleasure of working with Canadian Juno Nominees Jasmin Parkin of Mother Mother and Kyprios of Sweatshop Union. His first album, Bringin' the Hope Back (2013), was released through UrbNet Records. Since then, he's self-released other projects, most notably Up in My Head (2020).
Throughout his career, ILL TONE has been awarded four prestigious FACTOR grants through the Canadian Government and has charted multiple releases within the top five for hip hop in Canada on Earshot (community/campus radio). He also dabbles in sketch comedy and is a regular guest on Mensplaining, a podcast hosted by Steven Kerzner (Ed the Sock).
Notable tours: Last Kick at the Can Tour (Europe) --- The Madness Release Tour w/ Attikus (Ontario) --- Best Summer Ever Tour w/ Evil Ebenezer (Canada) --- No Escapin’ This Tour w/ The Beatnuts (Europe) --- Bringin’ the Hope Back Release Tour (British Columbia) --- Son of Yvonne Release Tour w/ Masta Ace (Canada) --- Hope EP Release Tour (British Columbia)
Notable openers: Tha Alkaholiks; The Beatnuts; Casual of Hieroglyphics; Dani & Lizzy; Digable Planets; Emotionz; Evil Ebenezer; Factor Chandelier; Jeru the Damaja; Kool Keith; Kyprios; Maestro Fresh Wes; Masta Ace/Wordsworth; Merkules; Moka Only; Onyx; Pac Div; Pete Rock & CL Smooth; Rakim; Sir Michael Rocks; Snak the Ripper; Sweatshop Union; Swollen Members; Talib Kweli; Tech N9ne/Krizz Kaliko; Xzibit
“ILL TONE’s decision to pour out the gloomy details of his journey allows his audience to connect with him on a personal level, which is a quality that makes a true artist.”
- Shaheena Azmatullah (Hip Hop Canada)
“Dirty Old Mixtape is an amusing backpack hip-hop head-nodder.”
- Michael Mann (The Georgia Straight)
illtone.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/ILLTONESMUSIC
www.facebook.com/ILLTONESMUSIC
www.instagram.com/ILLTONESMUSIC
www.soundcloud.com/ILLTONESMUSIC
open.spotify.com/artist/4WgKtyDoZBK7FGZtp35n7A
music.apple.com/ca/artist/ill-tone/383802934
TikTok: @ILLTONESMUSIC
For all inquiries, contact
illtonesmusic@gmail.com