Signature illi uses hip hop as platform to inspire others toward positive change
CHICAGO, IL – Sahil Contractor, also known by his stage name Signature illi, is a 24 year old entrepreneur, songwriter and hip hop recording artist from Chicago whose new music is lighting the Midwest on fire. His hit single “What You Wanted” has been getting thousands of plays across multiple platforms, and his newest release “Voices” is set to grow that fan following even more. But illi’s story is less about the multiple entrepreneurial endeavors he juggles on a daily basis. It is more about his dedication to making a difference in his community and being a motivator for others in making a difference wherever it’s needed.
On top of owning multiple Wingstop franchises, illi has dedicated himself to making a change by using his resources to make the greater good for his people. He was recently awarded an honor from the NAACP for unifying the community, and has been interviewed multiple times on CBS, FOX, ABC and some of the country’s biggest newspapers. And on top of being a young business owner, illi writes and produces his own songs.
“What You Wanted” is perhaps the song he is best known for. It’s a feel-good track that encourages listeners to embrace a positive demeanor even in the midst of challenges and events that might seem impossible to overcome in the moment. It’s a song that features his unique sound and style which he says is nothing like what most people can hear on the radio today.
“I have that new wave melody,” illi said. “No one has that sound. Gangsta rap can sound all the same, but I have a new wave of melodic hip hop that’s self-motivating. It doesn’t matter where you come from – the suburbs or the slums. Whatever you set your mind to will always be difficult, but you can bring yourself up as a person instead of letting others bring you down. There’s a lot of negativity in the world and I’m trying to bring people together to have a good time with the music. I’m trying to motivate them to be the best individuals they can be and help others around them.”
That idea of unifying behind a common cause is something illi said he wants to be known for across the board – whether through music or business or giving back to the community. Unification of everybody is his whole mantra, and it’s something that fans can expect to hear throughout any piece of music he creates.
Drums served as the first introduction of music for young illi. At age 10, he was enamored with the drums and would frequently find himself free-styling with friends whenever they would hang out. But it wasn’t until about a year ago that he fully began to dedicate himself to music and create something that he could share with the world. A big part of the reason why he chose to use music as a platform for his mantra is because he recognizes the power it can have to unify people.
“I’m trying to get on a grander scale and be an influencer for positivity and use hip hop to make a difference in the world,” illi said. “People can have a certain amount of influence on the world. For me, I’m not doing it for the money. I own restaurants already. I’m trying to change how people interpret artists. Everything sounds the same, and I’m trying to break free from that. I’m trying to change the industry from the inside out. Everything I do is going to be very authentic and completely out of the ordinary. I’m using hip hop to channel emotions and make good vibes you can chill to, but also using that platform to make a difference. I’m putting my heart and soul into all my music. It’s all a part of me and what I want to share with the world.”
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To listen to Signature illi’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
Signatureilli.com
https://m.facebook.com/Signatureilli/
https://www.instagram.com/signatureilli/
https://soundcloud.com/signatureilli
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0InRUdfzax5woMIwNk2IjG?si=CG3zrCfHThe7DUH2Zu1iTQ
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