Ilajide

ilajide is a Detroit-born artist, producer, and performer whose work bridges hip-hop, live instrumentation, and community. Known first as the producer and MC of the acclaimed underground boom-bap group Clear Soul Forces, ilajide built his name on sharp lyricism, intricate sampling, and fully self-produced records that carried Detroit’s hip-hop legacy forward.

As a solo artist, ilajide has evolved into something entirely his own—a fusion of hip-hop, funk, and soul that he performs live while rapping and playing keys. Alongside his all-women band, The Back Pocket, featuring trumpet, bass, and DJ, he delivers high-energy sets that blur the line between rap show and jam session. These performances, filmed and available to watch online, showcase his growth as both a musician and performer. Every track in his catalog is written, produced, recorded, and engineered by him, reflecting years of independence and sonic mastery.

Beyond his own music, ilajide has spent the last five years curating and filming creative spaces across Detroit. He’s the force behind The Breathe Easy (a backyard concert series), The Winedown (a viral restaurant DJ series), and Tacos and Turntables (an open-deck showcase for DJs). Each event amplifies Detroit’s culture—one beat, one stage, and one community at a time.


2025 AFA Festival headliner (California) 
2025 Detroit Indie fest headliner
2025 Pocket Jams 2 album release
2025 Pocket Jams 2 Deluxe release
2025 Singles from Pocket Jams 2 “Slide & Backhand” received coverage from 247HH, NOTION, VOICE MAGAZINE, IGNITE, NEWSBREAK, MUSIC CROWNS, VENTS AND ROLLING HYPE
2024 Dalley in the alley headliner
2024 SXSW Midwest House headliner
2024 opened for Souls Of Mischief at Blind Pig
2019 Detroit Music Producer of The Year
2022 J Dilla King Of Beats Beat Battle Champion