Mr. Roy Seneres Jr. is the ultimate hiphop veteran in the Philippines. Not just because of his achievements in the music scene, but his triumphs over life throughout his tenure as pinoy hiphops most consistent lyricist. From his Freak Funkshun days to moving up with SVC to SVC's independent breakthrough to his solo projects and collaborations with various relevant releases with his peers and colleagues. All these while still managing to spearhead Locked Down Entertainments bid as the most stable label there is in Pinas. Read through this first Music Is Life interview for the year as we capture ILL-J's candid point of view in line with the coming elections, his joint project with DJ Arbi Won and more.
After naming your debut album The Journey, whats the story behind naming the 2nd release Logic For Reason?
The reason for the title "Logic For Reason" is due to my current sentiment about everything around me. "Logic for Reason" is basically keeping everything in its proper perspective whether it be social, political, moral, emotional, or what have you. Its about being practical in the process of achieving your goals. Use Logic for your Reason. That's about it. The whole album revolves around that particular sentiment.
We heard there is a ILL-J x Arbi Won album in the works, how far along is it? And whats the idea behind this move?
It's still in the works. We just did a couple of songs thus far. Our busy and conflicting schedules are the main obstacles in pushing through expeditiously with the album. However, it's still a priority. Hopefully, we can put it out sometime in the middle of 2010. The idea behind this project is to bring back the essence of the Golden Age of Hip Hop which is 90's Hip Hop. We thought of this idea because we came from this era. This is the era which gave birth to us and got us going with this whole hip hop music thing. The flavor and vibe of this album will embrace the 90s sound of Hip Hop.
Who are you going to vote for the presidency this election?
For the Presidency this coming election, I will vote for whoever is on top of the survey by February of 2010. The reason is I want to be one with the popular will of the Filipino People and also, I do not want my vote to go to waste by voting for someone who we all know is not going to win. I am for the will for the general populate. The surveys will show that.
Whats worse that being broke?
The worst thing about being broke is immobility. That's because the moment you step out of your house, rest assured that you will pull out your wallet endlessly. For example: transportation, food, etc. Especially when your not walking forward by yourself but with a family beside you.
Whats your favorite song from SVC first ever album?
My favorite song from our first album is "MCs Like You" coz of the beat. Also coz its my part of my first few attempts to get highly lyrical on a track.
How as it working with Bella Tan and eventually losing her? We know Bella Tan was one of the biggest supporter of OPM Hiphop, introducing acts like Mastaplann, SVC, Trilogy over the years.
I agree, Bella Tan was a true supporter of OPM Hip Hop. It emanates from the success that Mastaplann brought to the label. We were supposed to be next and I think we did a pretty good job in carrying the torch to that effect. Losing her is a big blow because now we have to look for someone like her with the same capabilities, vision, patience, and dynamics with respect to her view on local Hip Hop. She will be missed.
Whats your favorite song from GRAE?
I love the whole GRAE album. I listened to the entire thing from top to bottom. There are no dry moments in the album. Marquiss brought it to the mic like a true MC is supposed to do. This album is not an album for the general masses. Nor is this album for the young gunz and restless girls in the clubs. This album is not for your typical radio jock who rides on whats popular. This album is strictly for the MC. Marquiss is an MCs MC. Just like me.. lol.. So with that said, my favorite track on the album is "Prophet of Rage". I should've snatched that beat before Mark got his hands on it but its all good though, hehe.
Through out all your years in the business of music, what lessons have you learned and wished you knew them early on?
Throughout my years in music, I learned how to be a better and sharper MC. I learned not to be overwhelmed by false promises and fake opportunities. There's alot of them out there. I just do the doable and do away with the unnecessary. Throughout my years in music, I learned to be independent with my moves. I learned to master my craft and not lean on any body else to beautify my sound. The real essence of Independence and fulfillment is what i learned throughout my years in this industry.
Bituin Escalante feat. ILL-J - Last Tango In Manila
Being partially raced in the States, do you consider yourself Fil Am?
Not any more. When I arrived in 1996 I had a Fil Am state of mind and I hated alot of things in my developing country. I think its normal coz you came from the first world then to the third world. But now, and for the past decade or so, I am a true patriot and my pulse runs deep in the poverty stricken streets and cities of my beloved country. Theres no place like home.
If you were to teach in high school, what class would you like to teach? And why?Probably social studies or history. I myself would like to know everything about my country's past. Right now, I just have a birds eye view on everything about my country's history. I need to review on that if ever. LOL
There's a story that you and Grant Hill tried out for the same basketball team in high school, you eventually didn't make it to the team and he did. Are you a Grant Hill fan?
No not really. I'm a Jordan fan. But yeah, Grant Hill went to the same High School as me. But he was several batches higher and he was already in college when I got to High School. But yeah, on an alumni or highschool standpoint, Im proud to be coming from the same school as Grant Hill.
Pamilia Dimagiba feat. ILL-J, Dash,
Caliph8 & Kemikal Ali - '97 Style Remix (Produced by DJ Arbi Won)
Timbaland boots or Nike Air Force Ones?
"Rock the timbs in the summer or 10 below" - AZ
If you could get an answer from GMA what one question would you ask?
Do you feel any disgust within yourself for cheating in the 2004 elections?
What do you think of radio in the Philippines?
Radio stations just bite off whats popular in the states. Whether it be songs, program structures, themes, or what have you. Radio stations in the Philippines are the perfect example of Colonial Mentality by Filipinos. I have alot of Radio DJs as friends and I know that if they can have their way, they will play good music the way they see fit, and not those who are placed on the playlist by their station managers or superiors. Money comes into play and that's all they see. For them to squeeze in and give help to the unheard and broke is not their priority. Although business is business, its still unfair to the independent and unsigned.
What was the record that you heard that made you decide to take on rap music and write?
There's actually three: 1) Crossover by EPMD, 2) It Aint Hard to Tell by Nas, and 3) T.R.O.Y. by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth.
Whats your favorite Slim verse?
The one he did on "Gravitational Pull" off our second album "Reality Check" and bunch of others off the same album.
Where were you and how did you take Francism's untimely death? Whats your most treasured FM memory? How do we live up to his legacy now that he's gone?
I was there at his wake the first night he was brought there. I saw Gloc-9 there and gave him a hug. The reason why I mentioned Gloc-9 is because many say that he's the next and the chosen one to carry the torch that Francis left, music wise. I totally agree. The loss of Francis is a big blow to the local hip hop scene simply because he is the one who started it all. He is the epitome of local Hip Hop. There will never be another Francis M. All we can do now is to follow his lead and try our best to our do our part in maintaining a healthy local hip hop scene. Im sure Francis would like that.
Whats something people don't know about ILL-J, the emcee?
That I'm just a down to earth Filipino who can get along with anyone whatever the class may be, rich or poor.
FIN
NOTES: I used to go to school early to catch ILL-J play ball and talk shit against everyone in the court, he's got mad game and I enjoyed watching him bring hiphop into the playground. Ill-J and Slim used to go to my school. I remember, my brother Ryan bringing home SVC's first album -- we bought it, never heard of em -- you know that feeling when you buy a casette tape then and you're judging how dope it would sound from the cover alone? Well that tape didn't disappoint. I remember the school had SVC perform as intermission for a cheering competition, and I was out by the fountain when I heard them half way through they're first song -- I did what any hiphop fan would do, I ran back to catch em. ILL-J wore a blue hockey jersey. The emcee that ILL-J is, is one of the blueprints behind making Turbulence Productions.
