Doc Illingsworth, a producer, emcee, and one-third of the hip-hop collective Detroit CYDI, is known for his fan-oriented YouTube channel and whimsical lyric videos.
In past videos, Illingsworth has answered fan questions, dished out advice, and showcased his rhyming skills — all laced with minimalist animation, clip art, and floating images. His complex sense of humor, knowledge of obscure pop culture, and hip-hop flavor bring him to the forefront of Detroit acts deserving serious credit.
Illingsworth’s newest video release, titled “#nutraloaf raps,” is a pre-shower, at-the-computer ode to true hip-hop sounds. The production offers a shrill horn loop that reminds listeners of an era when rhythm was king. The video is a lyrical complement to Illingworth’s latest EP, Coffee King.
Illingsworth, in conjunction with Detroit CYDI, has worked with artists such as Jay Dun, Nametag, Sene, Fresh Daily, Tasherre, Tree City, Blake Eerie, SuperSci of Sweden, Numb, Erik L, Stray, Stryfe, Nic Notion, Code Halo, Smoke, Emir Lye, Paradox, Spec-Illest, Reo Pagan, A1 Mack, Marc Byrd, Kool A.D., Open Mike Eagle, Cold Men Young, and SelfSays. Illingsworth is also responsible for producing the opening and ending credit themes for “SEMI-DEAD,” a comedy-horror web series focused on zombie-related incidents.
Lyrically, “#nutraloaf raps” is a clearly articulated commentary of an emcee telling the real story. It’s a refreshing look at hip-hop through the eyes of one artist.
Notable Verses:
“I feel like Pachelbel, workin’ at a Taco Bell/ Living off of Red Bull and pasta shells.”
“Never owned a car with the trunk in the front/ But more than once I did succumb and be drunk/ Definitely been too encumbered to duck/ Even the most sluggish of punch/ But luckily chumps never wanna romp with me — what!”
“Used to try to sneak through the dark/ But when i tip-toed either the floor would creak/ Or I’d kick some painful shit. D’OH!” (Accompanied by a crude graphic of Homer Simpson.)
Watch more Doctor Illingsworth videos on his YouTube channel here.
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