Ill (album)

Ill is the debut studio album by American rapper Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, released in 1989 on Cold Chillin' Records. It is widely regarded as a foundational album in hardcore hip hop and is celebrated for Kool G Rap's complex rhyme schemes, vivid storytelling, and technical prowess. DJ Polo's production, characterized by sample-based beats and hard-hitting drums, complements Kool G Rap's lyrical style.

The album features classic tracks such as "Poison," "Road to the Riches," "Truly Yours," and "Men at Work." Ill is notable for its unflinching portrayals of street life, crime, and the realities of urban existence. The album's lyrical content often explores themes of violence, drug dealing, and the struggle for survival.

While not an immediate commercial success upon its release, Ill gained critical acclaim and has since been recognized as a highly influential hip hop album. Its impact can be heard in the work of many subsequent rappers who cite Kool G Rap as a significant influence. Ill helped to define the sound and aesthetic of hardcore hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s.