Ill2lectual the Sound Cultivator (Acid Jackson) - Good Grief (Album) + 10 Questions
Producer Ill2lectual the Sound Cultivator is one half of the duo Acid Jackson (alongside emcee Illistic). Acid Jackson will shortly be dropping their new EP Good Grief and it displays the group’s lyrically insightful and abstract vocals combined with dreamlike and dusty analog laden instrumentation. Guest on the project include Blueprint, Illogic and Carnage The Executioner. Acid Jackson have also just dropped the visuals for Good Grief track OBSRVTN which you can see below.
Ill2lectual took the time to answer Wordplays infamous 10 Questions, and you should definitely check out Good Grief as well as all the music he has done so far for Acid Jackson and beyond.
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It all began at a very young age. My parents were always playing music around the house. Whether they were cooking, cleaning, or just relaxing, music was on. I remember hearing all kinds of Mexican mariachi music, jazz, and rock-and-roll always pumping good energy into the house. The better mood my pops was in, the louder James Brown was played and the more life and fun was shared throughout my home. I’ve been told I’ve been picking up instruments since I was two. I joined band in 3rd grade and turned into a band geek. I started on alto sax and now can play numerous instruments. I really enjoy the whole process from creating to mixing and mastering.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Oh man, there are a lot of influences—from artists like Fred Wesley all the way to Atmosphere. I’ve always loved the low end that acts like Cypress Hill have, especially on Black Sunday and the Temples of Boom cut. Muggs was a big influence on my sound: I like that get-high, stony vibe. Ant from Atmosphere reminds me to keep it clean. BlockHead helps me keep it creative. But, honestly, there are a lot of influences I draw from. I like stuff that hits me with a vibe right away. If I could make a dream list, I would love to work with Aesop Rock, Slug, or Onry Osborn I really enjoy the rhymes from those cats. Hopefully, if Life keeps treating me good I’ll continue to work with Illogic & Carnage the Executioner. I really like the vibe we have together.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Well, with Acid Jackson we have a full-length dropping later this year, possibly into early next year, called “Own Your Own Shadow,” so I’m looking forward to getting that ready. I also have a group in the works with an artist named Keestratagee, of the LA-based group Clutch Shooters, called “Death to the King,” which has a heavier feel that the AJCKS material. I’m also putting out a project with Minnesota-based artist Capaciti, as well as some remix stuff I have my hands in, and a beat-tape series I’ll be dropping, I believe the first in the series should hit end-of-winter 2024, called “WNTR.”
4. How would you describe your sound?
Most of our material has a jazz backbone, which brings a lo-do dusty analog feel to the abstract spacey sounds I’m keen to use.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I’m pretty proud of the growth that has come over the years. My sound has consistently changed with each artist I’ve worked with. I like to challenge myself and make sure each project I do doesn’t sound like the other projects. Having the ability to change up styles and experiment with different vibes is something I’m also pretty proud of.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just do you. Don’t chase the new sound. Don’t try to become a YouTube “star.” Just focus on growing your skills, building that toolbox so you have a strong foundation to tap into when creativity hits because creativity doesn’t always share your time clock. And, when in doubt, work harder.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I’m a big fan anything Aesop Rock does, and Onry Ozborn as well. My guy Mr. Brady just dropped a dope album called “Art,” which is real dope. Keep an eye on what my guy at Strictly Cassette has going on—always dope and interesting artists on the roster: shout out to Mark B. My friend Capaciti just dropped a record as well, so go peep that out.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I have been thumping a lot of old Lee Scratch Perry and some B. Levy lately, along with some Muggs, RTJ, Latyrx, and Prince Paul -I’m a little all over the place this week.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I have a pretty strenuous 9-5 - So the little time I get it’s all about Fat dabs and digging through old movies and records for inspiration. Hangin’ with the fam, jogging. Whatever I can do to stay healthy and keep challenging myself.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
One. MPC
Two. Turntables
Three. Either my bass guide or keyboard
Follow Ill2lectual the Sound Cultivator on Bandcamp here.
Interview: Gavin Brown