iLLAH aims higher with his musical Desire on his new single — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest highlight from the Toronto / Montreal rapper’s revealing new album One Way Mirror, Desire was conceived when a friend asked iLLAH about the motivation behind making music. In a moment of introspection, he felt compelled to create a track exploring the challenges of pursuing your dreams, taking accountability, and achieving success.
The lyrics illustrate a vivid picture of iLLAH’s journey, displaying the artist’s growth, determination, and burning desire to elevate higher. Both the backing track and iLLAH‘s delivery are reminiscent of ’90s hip-hop greats with a modern twist. The track weaves together thoughtful lyrics with a dynamic beat, creating a compelling narrative that invites listeners to reflect on a personal level.
Growing up in the NDG neighbourhood in Montreal to a Jamaican family, iLLAH — aka Mirazh — draws inspiration from a range of musical genres, from jazz to reggae. His journey into MCing began when his older brother imparted the art of structuring raps. As a burgeoning young writer, iLLAH seamlessly transitioned from crafting short stories to composing impactful lyrics.
“I spent a lot of time in the studio the last few years, just the music and me, writing, creating, dreaming, reflecting, un-learning and re-learning myself,” he says of One Way Mirror’s creation. “In that process, I came to a lot of realizations. One thing being that the whole world is a mirror and the only thing you can ever really experience is yourself. We experience the world the way we do because of who we are and how we see things, not because of how it is. Kinda like a one-way mirror.”
Freestyle battles, writing sessions, and collaborations with other Canadian artists developed iLLAH’s skills and ultimately led him to record his new singles in studios across Toronto. His catalog reflects a deep love for hip-hop, and now, iLLAH is poised to solidify himself in the industry.
Check out Desire above, sample One Way Mirror below, and set your sights on iLLAH on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.