(1998) The Birth of ILL Sphere
ILL Sphere was transforming, bringing in a new member as well as other people would emerge to help support the vision: Lamer Lee (Spoken) who managed R&B groups previously and Tremayne Robertson (Intellect) who was on Death Row Street Team alongside his deceased brother in law Patrick Franklin, would serve as managers; Byron Short (B Rone) and Jermaine Cochran (Jay) would serve as quality control. The managers suggested that the name should be changed to something other than Low End because it was boring; the name that emerged was ILL Sphere.
The concept of ILL Sphere was the planet earth with the group and crew members coexisting and sharing space while bring their own things to the table. As far as the group was concerned Verbal was the flashy young rhymer with a smooth flow that could attract the ladies; Lush was the lyrical b boy that liked to drink and party and set the tone for battling; DJ Butta was the silent musical visionary and the backbone of the group.
The group practiced and turned freestyle sessions into song writing sessions. Verbal proved to be a one take Charlie with his delivery and Lush supplied the same energy as before but with more focus. After months of writing and rehearsing, with the guidance of Silhouette the group was ready to go into the studio to start recording.
01. Remember (Do You) – Produced by DJ Butta, Lyrics: Verbal and Lush; Recorded at Super Sound Studios, Chicago, IL. Engineered by Vince & Silhouette (1998).
First song of the ILL Sphere era diversified the sound with dusty samples, dope hook sung by Verbal and tight lyrics by both emcees, great battle record. This song was played on Underground Radio Station WHPK
02. Enta Da Dragon – Produced by DJ Butta, Lyrics: Lush and Verbal; Recorded at Super Sound Studios, Chicago, IL. Engineered by Vince & Silhouette (1998).
This track was aimed for play at a local hip hop spot that was popular in Chicago at the time, The Double Door. The jazzy groove was inspired once again by A.T.C.Q but the flows were a bit brasher.
03. Summertime ft. (Jenay) – Produced by DJ Butta, Lyrics: Verbal & Jenay; Recorded at Super Sound Studios, Chicago IL. Engineered by Vince & Silhouette (1998).
Summertime was the first and only song that was featured several times on WGCI Home Jams. Managers Intellect and Spoken decided that the group should have a radio song and DJ Butta produced a tried and true radio beat, Verbal stepped into the spotlight to provide the voice for the group. Jenay, being managed by local radio personality Sam Sylk, was a find from Intellect as he managed her at one point. Besides being great eye candy she was a great young lady who loved music and had a powerful voice. The song would be the longest to record in the studio and most popular.
04. Streetlife – Produced by DJ Butta, Lyrics: Lush & Verbal; Recorded at Super Sound Studios, Chicago, IL. Engineered by Vince & Silhouette (1998)
Chicago has long had an issue with violence and particularly in the Black Community; this song was made to reflect the conditions of inner City Chicago without glorifying it for the masses. This song was played on the underground radio Station WHPK.
