Illuminous 3

Franz Diego & J-Hard Presents: Sense of Self for FREE Download

2012-02-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

The highly anticipated album from South Minneapolis rapper Franz Diego and North Minneapolis producer J-Hard entitled "Sense of Self" is now available for free download!

LINK:
http://www.divshare.com/download/16732940-ced

FOLLOW:
@FranzDiego
@J_HardMusic

COVER:

BACK:

Wag T-Shirts and Accessories

2012-02-06T22:46:00.000-08:00

The first round of limited edition Wag Shirts and buttons are now available thru our talented friend Dj Elex at OVRABNDNC. You can order the shirts and buttons here: http://www.ovrabndnc.com/

Photos from Turnt Up! Jan '12

2012-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Turnt Up! Wag Dance Party is every 2nd Friday at Honey in NE Minneapolis, Hosted by Franz Diego with Djs: Willie Shu, Gabe Garcia and Noam the Drummer.

You can view the whole album here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101622638900570.3379513.13916518&type=3&l=4afc6a19b7

What does "wag" mean?

2012-01-30T10:00:00.001-08:00

City Pages interviews Franz Diego for his upcoming release

2012-01-30T09:52:00.000-08:00

If you would like to see the full interview go here: http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2012/01/franz_diego_interview_wagness.php

Franz Diego: 5 Questions with his wagness

By Lars Larson Fri., Jan. 20 2012 at 8:28 AM

Comments (31)

Categories: 5 Questions, Rap/Hip Hop

0digg

I remember first seeing Franz Diego on a Fifth Element stage, back in the days when the store was cut in half and a huge graffiti mural rained down on visitors heads. It was the popular Open Mic night, this sole night is one of the reasons the scene started to harness a flame to what our thriving scene is today. He was still in high school and his group at the time, Illuminous 3, just finished rocking their freestyle. They had endless energy, but one member in particular stood out. That was Franz Diego. As they came off the stage, other local rappers with dreams of building a record label rushed towards them like wannabe Jimmy Iovine clones with insty print business cards in their hands, flocking to the group. You could tell they seemed shocked by the attention. The other rappers and producers showered them with praise and promises. But Franz wasn't buying it. Years later and Franz still isn't' buying it. He's creating it.

You rarely see him without a vintage sports snapback on his head, who was rocking them way before they became popular once again. His clothing style could be a mix between Tiny Tim and RUN DMC and he's often cruising around on his bike or in company of some very attractive females. But he's no pimp or got Musab type game, he's just real with his natural charisma.

He uses his University of Minnesota education to display his outspoken views, never threatening or offensive but he gets his point across. He deeply cares about his city and the hip-hop scene; years of City Pages editors have felt his email and Twitter wrath on this very topic. He's been working with children and the youth for ten plus years, getting his start and experience with Yo! the Movement. But when he's not traveling worldwide teaching kids about Chicano Studies and Cultural Anthropology, hosting numerous rap parties and dance nights or designing homemade jewelry. He's building up his moxie to create a new rap movement based off a famous local Southside wing joint and Franz just released an epileptic challenged video for the new slang. We sit down and "wag" out with Franz with five questions:

So how does someone "wag on the scene," explain this to the hipsters in the dark? The wag movement.

Well "wag" is just some slang that we use in the Minneapolis to describe sort of our energy and style and taste. It was an inside joke first shared among a circle of folks in the hip-hop scene and then through word of mouth and social networking it got embraced and became something of its own; it really resonates with younger people who follow hip hop. Part of its allure is that it isn't necessarily definable; it's more an energy or an attitude; its aggressive, bold, lively, creative, positive, fun and very Minneapolis.

...so it's not influenced by the classic Shorty & Wags? (RIP)

Oh yes it most definitely does!! There was a song that Mike Mictlan and Freez had just done at the time called "Minne-Triple-Rockalis" and in that song Mictlan has a line that goes "I call you and your shorty "Shorty & Wags" and when Illuminous 3 gets together we like to joke around a lot and make play on words and do parodies and stuff. So we were joking around freestyling in the car and one of us used "wag" as a verb, something like, "See your shorty? I wagged her," and it was just something dumb and funny and with Illuminous 3 and the way we milk a joke we started using different ways of saying "wag;" so much so that we had created an ongoing inside joke that lasted.

In past few years you were known for your great hosting of parties and events, you think that almost overshadowed your rapping ability?

Yes and no. I think I was meant to find myself hosting parties and shows. People underestimate the power of a true MC who controls the party, the people, the vibe, and the audience. The person who communicates what we are all here to do and encourages everyone; that's what a real MC is supposed to do. Minnesota dance floors can be real stiff sometimes and a lot of it is just people being too self-conscious. If they can see someone confidently engaging everyone and having fun and hyping the DJ and the music they are playing, they can lose some of their inhibitions and that's when we can all really enjoy each other! But I never stopped rapping. During this time I was always recording music, doing shows with Illuminous 3 and doing side projects with other musicians, but I was trying to find a truer identity and a sound that was more current and relevant to my lifestyle. While searching I ran into J-Hard who was a kid from North Minneapolis that I used to sort of mentor when I worked at YO! The Movement, he shared the beats he had been working on recently with me and they worked perfectly for the new sound I was going for which is what can be heard on "Sense of Self."

...so whats the ultimate goal of your career or movement?

My only real goal in life is to get paid to be myself. If I can find a way to make a decent living off of what I have to offer as a unique human being than I will be happy. I already am very happy with all the things I do; but now I'm really trying to figure out how to make things sustainable. My interests are vast and I want the freedom to do what I want whenever I feel like it.

You got a real passion and love for the local scene, what are some issues that bother you in this scene? What would you want to see changed?

This is a loaded question with a long list for an answer, but Ill try to be concise. The biggest problem I see right now is segregation and communication. We live in a very small city, but some how we have huge pockets of people who are often left out and unrecognized. Its hard enough just to get writers or news anchors to run a story on hip-hop period; and its even harder if that artist or group of artists are low income, young or of color. If you don't know how to speak the language that the press wants you to speak they'll go look for the more "articulate" artist or the one that "speaks" to them more. Well then, all you have to do is look at who's writing the articles and then you see the disconnect.

I am talking about segregation like how the Northside of Minneapolis is cut off from the rest of the city and is not considered a relevant audience to write about or for. I'm talking about Mexican rappers from St. Paul rapping about a hard life or a native kid from over south rapping about his culture or when young kids from Northeast drop a new song or video, there is no real publication in the Twin Cities that will really cover these artists and expose them to the rest of the city. It's a problem that affects everyone in the city but it really hurts the more disadvantaged.

....and the hate for City Pages? (and a few editors. *wink*)

Man, it's not like that but I'll say it like this: maybe I've read into the name of the publication too deeply but if it's called "City Pages" I assume it's for and by people who live in the city. However more often than not I see little to no representation of so many things that are happening in this city that effect all of us, particularly people of color, young people and low income people. A while back, a writer for City Pages asked why I was upset with an article and the conversation played out to me asking if they had any writers of color there, which they then replied there were none, then I asked how many people there write and actually are from Minneapolis and the number was very low, so then I asked "well how can you accurately say that you represent the Twin Cities?" and the writer admitted that I had a point. I just want fairness and I was taught to ask for what you need. I read the City Pages often and it can be an amazing resource, I just want to see everybody benefit!

You have always had a "swag" style with the '90s retro look, but what happens when this style gets played out? You going to jump to the grunge era or revert to some John Travolta "Grease" look, with a T-Birds jacket or something? What you going to do?

MAN!! It's true I was ahead of the curve!! But really I just try to do stuff that speaks to me and push boundaries. I like surprises and colors and outrage and I like expressing myself. I hope I can always dress however I need to and be able to communicate something special through it!

You've always had a semi-political interest, is Obama still wag status or does he have something to worry about in 2012?

Man, I don't know what to say about Obama. That's a complex issue. What I will say is that I think that he is far more well intentioned than most politicians out there, but I don't know what that really means in our 2012 government. Things are really out of whack and Obama is definitely not the only one at blame for that. However, I don't really see anyone stepping up to the plate right now that could do a better job. I guess I'll have to do some more research but it doesn't look good.

Illuminous Free #20 Featured producer: Tek

2012-01-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

This time around we recorded a song with Tek from St. Paul, unfortunately he was unable to be interviewed for our series but you can follow him and his music here: https://twitter.com/tekhiphop, listen and download the song we did together called "Live it Up":

Brand New: Franz Diego "Waggin on the Scene" official video!!!

2012-01-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

Its finally here!! The first single off of Franz Diego & J-Hard's "Sense of Self" project is "Waggin on the Scene!" The video was shot, directed and edited by Kale for CKFD and captures a day in the the life of Franz Diego as he host's his monthly party in Minneapolis called "Turnt Up!". Stay tuned for the album that will be available for free download on February 7th 2012!!!!

You can download the song here: http://www.divshare.com/download/16538715-bc2

And for the DJ's and producers you can download the "DJ/Remix kit" which includes the radio edit, instrumental, acapella and 5 DJ drops: http://www.divshare.com/download/16538788-231

Illuminous playing at Permed Out Wednesdays

2012-01-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

So the lil brothers Audio Perm put us down for their month long showcase at the Triple Rock, these are the new young homies comin outta Minneapolis and makin a lot of things happen, come out to all of em, but especially ours on January 18th!!

Franz Digo & J-Hard presents: Sense of Self album release and party!!!

2012-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

It's coming!! The much anticipated project from Franz Diego & J-Hard "Sense of Self" will be released for free download on February 7th, 2012 at illuminous3.com followed by the release party on February 23rd, 2012!!! Look below for the flyers and stay tuned for more information as it drops!!!

Big Zach of Kanser speaks on the Minneapolis Wag movement

2011-12-18T00:40:00.000-08:00

Big Zach of Kanser recently released an amazing book documenting his life growing up in the Twin Cities hip hop scene. He was asked to come on The Current to speak about the past, present and future of Twin Cities hip hop and promote his book and in his interview this is what he had to say about Illuminous 3 and the Wag movement in South Minneapolis:

Photos from Turnt Up! Dec '11

2011-12-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Every 2nd Frinday the Turnt Up! Crew brings you the hardest rap dance party in Minnesota! See for yourself!!
ALL PHOTOS BY MARCELLINA REIS

If you would like to see the whole album go here:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101417341802600.3344348.13916518&type=1&l=c39a698b35

The Minneapolis Wag Movement

2011-12-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have been askin us for a while what "Wag" and "Waggin" is; this article interviewed Franz and Mavin and a few others helping to define the sound and culture. Check out the full article and site here: http://bescenempls.com/2011/12/11/been-scene-wag/

Been Scene: #Wag

Posted on December 11, 2011

Photog Credit: Austin Fassino

No, wag is not the root word for swag and it isn’t the Ill(3)uminati… or is it? I decided to do a bit of sleuthing for you, the viewer, to get down to the root of this recent, MPLS-based phenomenon. Taking the stance of a 40-year old soccer mom who accidentally logged on to her son’s twitter account, I will ask questions as if I had never before heard the word. Do you wag responsibly? Is that an oxymoron? Do I have to be above a certain height to wag? If I wag, will it hurt my chances of becoming an astronaut someday? If this sounds interesting to you, read on. Actually, even if it doesn’t you should still read on, tis your duty as a Twin Cities resident to know what the hell this is all about. The responses from four OG’s of #wag:

Let’s start by having you all introduce yourself. Who is in this “wag coalition” and how do you become a member?

Cory Grindberg: Ayo. My name is Cory Grindberg [Audio Perm x Art School Girls]. The Wag coalition consists of anybody anywhere who is interested in wag, wagging, waggin’, wageroni pizza, spaghetti with some wagu sauce, waggingham palace, or possibly some sort of wagathon.

Mavin MC: I’m Mavin MC of Illuminous 3. I prefer ‘Wag Squad’. The original wagsters are Illuminous 3, Greg Grease, and Mike Mictlan. All of our closest homies/rapper friends got with it very soon after. Although it started with just five of us, anyone can be a wagster and be apart of the movement.

Taylor Madrigal: I’m Taylor Madrigal [Audio Perm x Biter Fighters] Member Of The Wag Squad Coalition. Became a member thru havin dope beats, Producing “Wag Out” by Illuminous 3, the current Wag anthem, keepin it real, and further spreading the Wagness to the masses.

Franz Diego: By saying we are a coalition im not sure what thats saying, but Id like to say we are the sort of “bringers” of this idea it’s groups like Illuminous 3, TUSS, Audio Perm, Mike Mictlan and other folks that we are affiliated with. What all these folks have in common is a certain energy about themselves and how they live within Minneapolis.

Pictured Above: Greg Grease

How did the term “wag” originate and what does it mean?

CG: I believe it was created by one of the members of Illuminous 3. Maybe it was a collaborative effort? It has many a meaning, but is primarily a verb or an exclamation.

MMC: We took the word ‘wag’ from the Chicken spot ‘Shorty and Wags’ (RIP) and started using it as a slang term to mean a ton of different things. We naturally added different meanings and ways of articulating it, and it eventually became an open expression rather than a definite word. “I’m hungry as hell. I’m bout to wag this juicy lucy”. “I’m ’bout to go wag with that girl on the dance floor”. When Franz Diego alters his gear to give it his own unique style, we wags it. I’ve heard folks put their own twist on it too. That seems to be encouraged within the scene. Anyone who brings something new and dope to wag is a ‘wag innovator’ in my opinion. I feel like this is why so many people get down with it. They feel like they’re apart of it. They are.

TM: The “Wag” terminology derives from the popular former Southside eatery “Shorty and Wags” which has since moved its business elsewhere. Wag can mean many things. Wag generally means anything thats dope or anything that you may be doing at the time, just so long as youre doin you, and youre keepin it real. im waggin on the interview right now, this interview is waggin, i just wagged out on these bagel bites. knowwhatimsayin?

FD: Wag came about when Illuminous 3 was doing a video shoot for our song “Midtown Livin” which Greg Grease shot, edited and directed. We put a call out to all our friends to have a potluck with some of our favorite minneapolis restaurants and film it for the video. So of course “Shorty & Wags” was in our favorites for being one of the best places on the southside to get chicken wings, not to mention Freez says “Shorty & Wags” in the song and we included them in the video. There was also a song that Mike Mictlan and Freez had just done at the time called “Minne-Triple-Rockalis” and in that song Mictlan has a line that goes “I call you and your shorty “Shorty & Wags” and when Illuminous 3 gets together we like to joke around a lot and make play on words and do parodies and stuff.

So we were joking around freestyling in the car between shots and one of us used “wag” as a verb, something like, “see your shorty? i wagged her,” and it was just something dumb and funny and with Illuminous 3 and the way we milk a joke we started using different ways of saying “wag;” so much so that we had created an ongoing inside joke that lasted the day of the shoot. So, by this time this dumb joke was being spread amongst our friends present at the shoot including Audio Perm and TUSS as well as a bunch of other artists, djs, and musicians and now it was this big little thing we would say to joke around. So time passed and through the power of things like Twitter and other social networking what we were using to talk between ourselves as an inside joke was now public and people started picking up on it and using it in their own way. When we saw that folks were finding meaning in it we began to own it more and develop what this word was starting to define.

At the same time, I was throwing parties with my crew “Turnt Up!” and I figured I may as well start saying it over the party and use it to get everyone riled up and “waggin out.” So with the same logic Illuminous 3 started saying it at shows and I would come down to the West Bank every Tuesday night down at the Nomad where the “Out the Box” crews spins and they would let me get on the mic and hype the party with it. Then the other crews and our friends embraced it the same, like TUSS and Audio Perm and Mike Mictlan and the Doomtree family and they began making songs with the terms and making art and fashion too and it just became something of its own for people from Minneapolis to rally around. I guess people found something in it that was special.

Now as to what it means, well thats a difficult thing to describe and thats why I think its important to know the story of where it came from because what it is describing is a shared energy between all the “bringers” who were present when the ideas sparked. What most commonly is said about “wag” is that its a fun, strong, positive energy, but I also think its very important to look at the culture and philosophies of all the crews and individuals involved; there is a more specific place, perhaps we have just started to describe it. I say, look at us, watch us, listen to us and if you identify with it, then its yours too.

Pictured Above: Taylor Madrigal

If one would like to “wag out”, where could they generally go?

CG: Anywhere in Minneapolis where you can find some dope local music / shows of any kind. More specifically, you could hit up the AUDIO PERM PERMED OUT SHOWCASEON DECEMBER 20TH AT HONEY FEATURING PERFORMANCES FROM MANY WAGGED OUT PERSONS SUCH AS DYLAN LP, YAKUB, BOBBY RAPS, CHANTZ EROLIN, 80H2O, SCOUNDREL SPENCE AND JAKE, AND MANY MORE. Man, but really, you can wag out anywhere. In your car on the way to work, in the bathroom, in the morning with your girl, at 3:00am working on a beat; wagging is universal.

MMC: You can wag out anywhere. It’s a feeling. A pure embodiment of positive energy in a rather exciting way. There are, however, different functions where people go just to wag. Like Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party or any of our shows. I’d like to consider the Nomad on a Tuesday a wag function because a lot of folks openly wag out there, and the DJs love it when we emcee the party on some wag shit.

TM: Any dope local hiphop show really. Id say as far as venues go, Honey is the Wag capital. Wag is wherever we take it, and wherever anyone wants to take it.

FD: Well I’d say wherever the party is really cracking, like hardcore. You wont really find us in a night club, its far more likely you’ll find us at a dirty bar or a dirty house party; places where we can dress however we like and do mostly whatever we want for little to nothing.

Pictured Above: Mavin MC (left) w/ Sophia Eris (right)

I have seen some WAG wood pendants (see image above of Mavin & Sophia Eris) on the necks of a few Mpls folk. Where would you go about ordering on of those?

CG: Man, you’d better ask Greg Gease about that.

MMC: The homie Matt is my plug. He’s a beast. He made the first Wag ‘W’ necklace for me.

FD: The cool thing about all the folks who identify with waggin is that they are all DIY folks who make their own clothes, jewelry, bags, etc; so there are a lot of different expressions of it in our fashion, but specifically, the wooden pendants are made by a very talented local b-boy named Matthew Berdahl (mentioned above).

Pictured Above: Cory Grindberg

Any closing things you would like to say about wag?

CG: WAG

MMC: What I’d like people to understand about Wag is that it is a growing cultural movement. It’s reflective of south Minneapolis culture in the scene we’ve been apart of, but extends to anyone who supports it. It’s our slang, fashion, music, jewelry.. it’s a way to identify and feel accepted. Everyone is entitled to wag.. unless you’re a lil buster or a racist or something negative.

TM: All i can really say is that im waggin out right now, and it is lovely. We all make dope ass music, throw dope parties, and keep it really real son, all the time. A U D I O P E R M

FD: I guess i’d just like to say that no one intended for this term or idea to happen, it just did. And for some reason now it is resonating with a lot of kids in the city who share similar ideas and that makes me feel really cool. I have no idea what will become of all this but I know that it defines something for me and my people and thats enough.

Pictured Above: Franz Diego

-Jake

Audio Perm feat. Yakub, Freez, Dylan LP, Meta, Mavin - "Gutter" Official Music Video

2011-12-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

Turnt Up! Wag Dance Party!!!!

2011-12-04T13:42:00.000-08:00

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #19 Featured Producer: Yakub

2011-11-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

This time around we got up and coming producer Yakub to show us what hes doin!

Listen to the song we made together here:

If you would like to be featured as a producer for Illuminous 3, please send beats and bpms to franzdiego@gmail.com

Watch the interview here:

2011-11-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Mavin MC performing at black friday event at the nomad Nov. 25th

Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party 11.11.11. Special Edition!!

2011-11-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

This alignment will only hapen once in a lifetime so come thru and celebrate it right and get there early because it ALWAYS sells out!!!

New Thursday night dance party hosted by Franz Diego!!

2011-11-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

City Pages/Gimme Noise interviews Illuminous 3 about releasing Montessori

2011-11-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

City Pages did an interview with us for our Montessori release that's happening TONIGHT! check the full article here: http://blogs.citypages.com/gimmenoise/2011/11/illuminous_3_ce.php#more or just read it below:

Illuminous 3 Celebrate Release of Montessori at the Hexagon tonightBy Jack Spencer Thu., Nov. 3 2011 at 10:34 AM Categories: CD Release, Concert Preview, Interview, Local Music, Rap/Hip Hop

The diverse trio of MCs known collectively as Illuminous 3 have been staples of the Minneapolis rap scene since they began doing shows together through Yo! The Movement a decade ago, but their history as friends extends back even farther to their time at Seward Montessori Elementary school in South Minneapolis. Their latest album, appropriately titled Montessori and offered as a free download, is dedicated to that school and how it shaped their lives as artists and human beings.

Gimme Noise caught up with Freez, Mavin MC and Franz Diego for an interview about the album's release show, tonight at the Hex.

Gimme Noise: What made you want to do an entire album devoted to going to school together at Seward Montessori Elementary?

Freez: [Mavin MC] started the first couple songs, which were "Impressionable" and "Montessori", and we were like, alright, it'll be perfect if we just do a whole themed out project where it's just reminiscing about Seward, because we always had this strong bond from Seward. It's such a small school and they did things so differently that we want to talk about that in a project. We got so many people that are fans of our music that went to Seward that'll feel that, and even if they didn't feel it, it'd just be super personal to us and we'll love it forever.

Mavin MC: Me and [Freez] also went to high school [together] all the way up until we graduated, so we've been super close friends. But we just stood out, we had an entirely different upbringing. It's not like your traditional thing. You step into the [Montessori] classrooms and it almost looked like a fucking funhouse or some shit. We did our multiplication on a checkerboard, it was super colorful... We did division with these test tubes...

Freez: It was like toys. It just made you want to learn shit.

Franz Diego: It has a strong connection to us too, because I don't think any three of us would be the way that we are or approach shit as detailed or complex if we didn't go to that school. That school really pushed you to be an individual with a conscience, not just an individual that just gets shit efficiently done and can do what everybody else does. It's more like a value-based system. What do you excel at? How can we nurture that? What are you failing at? How can we help you with that? We're all three very different type of dudes, but we know how to communicate with each other because of that shit.

Mavin MC: It worked really well because the classes were so integrated.

Freez: This is why you see such a diverse group in front of you. This is what made us have the confidence that we could do shit like this.

Gimme Noise: Illuminous 3 make sure to keep putting out solo projects to reaffirm that you are individual artists, but as a group, it's still as together as it would be if it were a solo project because you guys have such good communication in the songs. There's a verse from each of you on every song. Times that by five, and have all of those stories come together and work not only individually but as a larger piece, that's a hard thing to do.

Franz: It is! Already the response we got from this Mike Swoop project has been better than most of the shit we get from the other projects, mainly just cuz it sounds solid and it sounds coherent. It makes sense, it has a theme, it has a path; the other shit is just like, "We made these songs, let's put 'em together and put 'em out,". It's how you frame it.

Mavin MC: I'm excited to keep doing more and getting better at doing a whole themed-out project, doing something that cohesive that works. It's also a real experimental project. I think ["Impressionable"] is one of the first songs where I really sang on a hook. Franz too [on "Change"]. We're taking chances, thats another thing that's really important.

Franz: I did not feel comfortable doing that shit [laughs] But I came up with it, so it's like, "Alright, fuck it". You have to keep trying shit to see what works. You don't know if it works until you put it out.

Mavin MC: I feel like it's a rather chill album, it's not super way-in-your-face hype, and that's one thing I like about it. A lot of our projects have been just way the fuck in your face, like "WE'RE ILL 3, BAM!", like super aggressive. This one, it's a little laid back with it.

Gimme Noise: The opening acts for the release show really span the generations of the rap scene, with veterans like Big Zach but also up-and-comers like Big Dylan and Yakub.

Freez: Big Zach, that's our big brother right there. One of the illest freestylist out here; when he gets to freestylin', he's dope as hell. His songs are nice, they're positive, they're dope as fuck so you can groove with 'em. I'm excited for that shit.

Mavin MC: We're from the Southside and Seward being part of the Southside, we had to make the lineup super-Southside.

Freez: If there's anybody that's Southside, it's Big Zach [laughs]. Greg Grease, another Southside kid, always dope as fuck. Everybody knows The Giving Tree was that shit! Yakub and Big Dylan, they're some youngin's, but they're cold, they stand out; everybody know about Audio Perm and them, they're holding it down, man.

Mavin MC: Mike Mictlan hosts, he's been the homie for a while. He's one of the creators of the Wag movement, along with Grease and Ill 3... We on that wag shit super-hard, we had to have Mike Mictlan come and rep for the squad. The wag movement is there. Something of this calibur deserves a release party. A big celebration. Any big piece of art deserves to be celebrated, and this is how we celebrate. We wag, man.

ILLUMINOUS 3 play the Hexagon Bar with openers Big Zach, Greg Grease, and Big Dylan and Yakub, with DJ Just 9 and host Mike Mictlan. Thursday, November 3, at the Hexagon Bar. 21+, free cover, 9PM doors.

ILLUMINOUS 3 MONTESSORI EP RELEASE PARTY!!

2011-10-21T16:42:00.001-07:00

Illuminous Free #18 Featured Cecil Otter (Doomtree)

2011-10-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Finally, we had Cecil Otter to roundout the Doomtree edition of Ill Free, he talks about how he started, new projects and how Wu-Gazi happened,

Check out the song we made together here:

Like we always do at this time!

2011-10-10T14:55:00.001-07:00

The past 6 have sold out so you wanna get there early for this one!!!

NEW PROJECT: Montessori

2011-09-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Our latest project is called "Montessori" and it was made to capture the times and memories that we all shared together attending Seward Montessori Elementary school in South Minneapolis. Seward is where we all met and the Montessori style had a huge impact not only on our learning, but how we viewed the world, understood other's differences and just basically how we grew up.

The project was mixed, mastered and produced by Mike Swoop

All artwork by Eric Johnson

To download the project for free click here: http://www.divshare.com/download/15805040-36b

Wag wood piece necklace

2011-09-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Made by Matthew Berdahl

EVERY 2ND FRIDAY

2011-09-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

APB

2011-08-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

APB

2011-08-30T21:28:00.001-07:00

APB

2011-08-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

AUDIO PERM BLOCK PARTY!!!!

2011-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

This is gonna be an epic show that Illuminous 3 will be playing at and Franz Diego will be hosting, check the flyer and the promo video for all the details!!!

Turnt Up! #14 photos

2011-08-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party is every 2nd Friday at Honey in NE Minneapolis

To view all photos go here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101084144797070.3279500.13916518&l=02497e51b2&type=1

MAVIN MC WAG SUMMER EP!!!!!

2011-08-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Check out Mavin MC's freshly released Wag Summer EP with production by King Karnov, Gmo, Nicademus, Benzilla and himself. With guest appearances by Greg Grease, Meta, Maria Isa, Budah Tye, and Mally!

Download the entire project here:

http://www.divshare.com/download/15546629-e8f

NEW SINGLE "Waggin on the Scene" from Franz Diego + J-Hard

2011-08-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

Stream/download song here:

This is the first single off of the new Franz Diego & J-Hard project coming out later this year. The song is called "Waggin on the Scene" and comes with a full electronic "Dj kit" for all your serato needs!

Included in this Dj kit:

1. Waggin on the Scene single
2. Radio edit
3. Instrumental
4. Acapella
5. Additional sound tags

To download the song and Dj kit go here: http://www.divshare.com/download/15497638-301

TURNT UP! RAP DANCE PARTY #14!!!!!

2011-08-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

#WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG

The hardest rap dance party in Minnesota is back to close out the summer session so come and do everything that you always wanted before its too late!!
As usual GET THERE EARLY BECAUSE IT WILL SELL OUT!!!
10pm/$3/21+
DRINK SPECIALS
DJS:
Noam The Drummer
Gabe Garcia
Willie Shu
MC:
Franz Diego

To RVSP to this event go here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142887579130097

#WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG #WAG

TR0N D1AZ 8510 - FUTUR3 PAST TR0NICLES

2011-07-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

Over the past year Franz has continued to host and throw his high energy rap dance parties all over the city and through doing this he has developed his own entity based in the world of the party. That entity is TR0N D1AZ 8510. Much of this music has already been played by DJs throughout the city and now these songs are available to you!

For this project Franz teamed up with 2% Muck to provide vocal effects, manipulation, editing and mixing of vocals over industry instrumentals, the outcome is an instant party!

Here is a taste:

To download the project click here: http://www.divshare.com/download/15036180-2a0

TR0N site: http://tr0nd1az8510.tumblr.com/

TURNT UP! RAP DANCE PARTY #13 / MIKE MICTLAN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

2011-07-03T20:54:00.000-07:00

THIS WILL SELL OUT!! GET THERE EARLY!!!

Grips of Syrup

2011-06-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Photo by Tommy Ellis

This Saturday hosted by Franz Diego!

2011-06-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Download Illuminous Free Volume 1!!

2011-06-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Its finally here!!

Our first volume of Illuminous Free featuring 12 of the dopest producers in Minnesota is out now! It took a lot of time, hard work and planning, but we pulled it off! In addition to the project we also threw our song we did with our featured producer for episode 17 - P.OS. of Doomtree - as a bonus track!

In addition to the music, there is an interview with each producer online which can be found if you click on this!

Thank you to everyone who helped, supported and shared!! We hope you are all as proud as us!!

DOWNLOAD ILLUMINOUS FREE VOLUME 1 HERE: http://www.divshare.com/download/15141055-1b3

Listen to the bonus track featuring P.O.S. as producer and rapper!!

Check out the interview with P.O.S. here:

Franz Diego will host!

2011-06-14T22:04:00.000-07:00

represent

2011-06-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party 1 year anniversary photos

2011-06-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Once again the night was a huge success, thanks for everyone who attended and has been supporting, the city is buzzing!

All photos by Tommy Ellis and can be viewed here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100831169840910.3235786.13916518&l=5d92820b72

wag.

2011-06-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

New image created by Loren Purcell

TURNT UP! RAP DANCE PARTY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!

2011-05-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well it has definitely been an time, we grew from house parties over south, to the Beat Box on Radio K, to moving to Honey, to selling out Honey, to now rocking 2 floors at The Nomad for our 1 year anniversary this Friday!

Thank you to everyone who has supported, played, came out, wagged out, threw up and hooked up!! And special thanks to the Turnt Up! Crew DJS: Noam The Drummer, Gabe Garcia and Willie Shu!!!!

COME OUT THIS FRIDAY FOR THE ULTIMATE WAG PARTY!

RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131235480288208

This saturday!

2011-05-24T10:20:00.001-07:00

The night before Soundset we will be celebrating the release of St. Paul Slims CD!!!

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #16 Featured Producer Lazerbeak (Doomtree)

2011-05-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

Lazerbeak of Doomtree dropped in for this episode! check it out!

Listen to the song we made together go here:

If you would like to be featured as a producer for Illuminous 3, please send beats and bpms to franzdiego@gmail.com

The Wagged Out showcase photos

2011-05-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

All photos by Alicia Steele
View the album here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100801143124690.3224306.13916518&l=436d4125b4

TURNT UP! RAP DANCE PARTY #12 / FREEZ'S BIRTHDAY WAG OUT PHOTOS

2011-05-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

All photos by Tommy Ellis

View FB album here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100801133663650.3224301.13916518&l=e3f0124e68

wag

2011-05-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

2011-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

“You Are Here” is the first release from Freez & Mike Frey as a duo. The two have been working together since early 2010 on multiple endeavors and are ready to release their first full-length project with more to follow soon. “You Are Here” features 17 tracks and showcases some of the best talent Minnesota has to offer – BIg Zach, Unicus, & Alicia Steele (collectively known as Kanser), Mike Mictlan, P.O.S., Mavin MC, and Franz Diego all make appearances on the mixtape. To download the album for free, click HERE.
Special thanks to Shmuel Tjader, Mike Mictlan, Mavin MC, Franz Diego, P.O.S., Alicia Steele, Big Zach, Unicus, DJ Just Nine & Greg Grease!!

“These Days” by Freez and Mike Frey (Video)

2011-05-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

“These Days” is the first video from Freez and Mike Frey’s upcoming mixtape, “You Are Here.” The video was shot entirely inside of Savers’ at the Hi-Lake shopping center in south Minneapolis and is a tribute to Freez’s love of thrift stores. The mixtape, “You Are Here,” will be available for free download Friday, May 13th, 2011. In addition, 50 free CD’s will be given out on a first-come first-serve basis Friday, May 13th, 2011 at Honey (205 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis ) at the Turnt Up Rap Dance Party. For event information, click here. Big thanks to Riverlife Greg for directing, shooting, and editing the video!

TURNT UP! RAP DANCE PARTY #12 / FREEZ'S BIRTHDAY WAG OUT

2011-05-05T21:00:00.001-07:00

Come tru and celebrate Freez's Birthday and wag out with us!

River Life Media Presents THE WAGGED OUT SHOWCASE with ILLUMINOUS 3 & TUSS

2011-04-29T15:40:00.000-07:00

Over in South Minneapolis a new energy and musical style is beginning to emerge at local house parties and bars under the heading "Wag." People have took to using the term to describe high energy rap dance parties and performances and also as a unifying term for the brand of hip hop being created in South Minneapolis. On May 14th, Illuminous 3 and TUSS (formerly "The Usual Suspects") the two most prominent groups who have helped cultivate this style and sound will be performing together in a joint-set to display the style and energy. Opening the night will be fellow Southside artist Yakub, who recently produced a song for Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang clan and Djing throughout the evening will be the Turnt Up! Djs: Noam the Drummer, Willie Shu and Gabe Garcia. The show will also be hosted by Benzilla of Fam Feud and in addition there will be live artists painting, giveaways and special guests! This is a party you don't want to miss!

Saturday, May 14th

Cause Sound Bar

9pm/21+/$7

Wide Eyes release party recap

2011-04-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

The other night we celebrated at the Nomad with Wide Eyes for their latest release: The "Follow Through" EP. They arranged a posse cut featuring themselves along with us and TUSS entitled "Heavy Hitters." We performed the song all together at the end of the night and the spot wagged so hard!

Photos by Tommy Ellis

Freez & I.B.E.

Franz rapping on "Heavy Hitters"

Illuminous 3 + Mike Mictlan

Heres a lil video of the performance:

Greg Grease & Freez "Dreams" Music Video

2011-04-08T09:34:00.000-07:00

Greg Grease of The Usual Suspects & Freez of Illuminous 3 are Grittee Committee... "Dreams" is their first music video, and will be featured on both "The Giving Tree" available for download 4/20/11, and "The Official For Real it's 2 E Z mixtape Part 2" which is due to release early this upcoming Summer!!! check it out!!!

Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party #11!!!

2011-04-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

This Friday!!

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #15 Featured Producer Cory Grindberg (Audio Perm)

2011-04-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #15 Featured Producer Cory Grindberg (Audio Perm)

To listen to the song we made together go here:

If you would like to be featured as a producer for Illuminous 3, please send beats and bpms to franzdiego@gmail.com

Couch Surfin

2011-04-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Photo By Greg Grease

International Swag

2011-03-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

Our big homie Dick rockin the oldscholl T out in Isla Mujeres Mexico!! Wag!!!

Video from last month's Wagfest @ Turnt Up! RDP

2011-03-29T14:53:00.001-07:00

Shout out to Greg Grease @ RiverLife for puttin this video together!

Photos from Wagfest / Franz Diego's Birthday

2011-03-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Photos from Wagfest / Franz Diego's Birthday by Tommy Ellis are up! To view them all go here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3182966&id=13916518&l=573c7fa680

swag

2011-03-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

"Burnt Out" Free Download

2011-03-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

"Burnt Out" is the first solo album from Mike Frey. It features some of the Twin Cities finest performers- Freez of Illuminous 3, Greg Grease and Just Nine of The Usual Suspects, and Alicia Steele who, among others, has worked with Kanser, prominently featured on their "Two for One" album released in 2010. To Download "Burnt Out" directly to your desktop, click here

Bemidji!

2011-03-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free #14 Featuring Taylor Madrigal of Audio Perm

2011-03-14T01:23:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free #14 Featuring Taylor Madrigal of Audio Perm

Video:

Listen to the song we made together here:

If you would like to be featured as a producer for Illuminous 3, please send beats and bpms to franzdiego@gmail.com

An interview with Franz about thrifting for his birthday party tonight!!!

2011-03-11T10:09:00.000-08:00

Franz Diego of Illuminous 3 gives thrifting advice

By Jen Boyles, Fri., Mar. 11 2011 @ 10:13AM

Comments (1)

Categories: Thrift/Vintage

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Photo by Kevin O'Meara for City Pages

Franz at the Cryphy 3-Year Anniversary

Today is Franz Diego's birthday. The Minneapolis rapper was born smack-dab in the middle of the '80s and if you know Diego's obsession with kitsch thrift and vintage shopping, this seems quite appropriate. Every time we see Diego out at a show, whether he's hosting the local Hip-Hop Awards, rapping with his Illuminous 3 crew or playing hype man at Get Cryphy's 3-Year Anniversary, he's always dressed to get that double-take glance from anyone in his path. It was at the latter show that we knew Diego meant serious business with his finds:

"The dopest thing I wore recently was an old pod-racer helmet I found at Salvation Army on Nicollet Avenue," Diego tells Dressing Room. "I epoxied 20 LED lights on and then rocked my entire necklace collection with it."

We caught up with the birthday boy to get some insider info on shopping the thrift racks in the Twin Cities:

When did you first start hitting up thrift and vintage stores?

I have been going thrifting and antiquing for as far back as I can remember. My mother always would take me on the weekends or when we'd go on road trips in the Midwest. I still remember the first time my mother took me school shopping in 9th grade and brought me to my first Savers. I was in awe at all the awesome clothes I could get for super cheap. It was like triple the outfits compared to mainstream shopping and by the economy alone I was hooked.

What about thrift stores appeals to you most?

For me, I guess there is something really therapeutic and self finding in shopping in a thrift store. You never know what you're going to find and you gain a lot of perspective on how others have lived in the past. You can learn so much from this country by looking through thrift stores -- what people loved, trends, pop culture, old technology and innovations even folk art.

What has been your favorite find of all time?

I have found so many awesome pieces over the years, I guess one of my most prized possessions is a yellow Cross Colors over coat I found in the womens section at Savers on Lake. Second maybe a mint pair of Shaq Attaq pumps with stickers from the manufacturer still on them. I really like pieces that teenagers wore while I was in elementary school because to me that was when things were the coolest and I had no way of getting them. It's almost like seeing your childhood or reliving an exciting moment from your past in a new way.

What are some of your favorite local shops for thrifting and vintage?

Savers on Lake is my all time favorite local spot and it has to do with everything from the location in the heart of south Minneapolis, the selection and organization of the store, 50% off student discount on Wedsnesdays that no longer exists but I was grandfathered into it for being so frequent there (now I think it's 25%). But my favorite spot ever for thrifting, but not so much for clothes, is The Book Trader in Nokomis; it's a used bookstore first but over the years it's become a place to find the strangest and rarest oddities, reptile heads, homemade street weapons, old jewelry, blackface trinkets, masks, etc. And the woman who runs it can find you any book and always has great stories!

When you go to a thrift or vintage store, do you have an approach to shopping the racks? Any tips?

My only approach to thrifting is be thorough. Wherever you go, whatever you're interested in, be thorough in your search and look at everything before you decide to leave. It's also a really good way to look at life.

Franz Diego and Greg Grease spend a day at b.

2011-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

Check it out, this vintage store asked to sponsor my wardrobe for my birthday party this friday and to reciprocate the love Greg and me decided to make em a lil video, check it out!

Tryin' feat Medium Zach & Franz Diego

2011-03-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

A song Franz did with Medium Zach of Big Quarters and Tigre of 925

4. Tryin' feat Medium Zach & Franz Diego by 925vemusic

wag

2011-03-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

WAGFEST!

2011-03-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

This months Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party falls directly on Franz Diego's Birthday so we definitely gonna wag that out!!!

to rsvp for the party: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156489451072150

Our next show!!!!

2011-02-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

This will be big!! wag wag wag!!

The "best rap video about South Minneapolis ever?"

2011-02-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

Thats what Star Tribune is suggesting:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #13 Featured Producer Julian Fairbanks (Audio Perm)

2011-02-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

To start off the new year we decided to feature the newest and most promising up and coming producer collective in the Twin Cities: Audio Perm. Our first producer from the group is Julian Fairbanks of South Minneapolis.

Check out the song we made:

If you would like to be featured as a producer for Illuminous 3, please send beats and bpms to franzdiego@gmail.com

Our Next Show!!!!

2011-02-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

WAG

Our debut video for "Midtown Living" out now!!!!!

2011-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

The video release party was a success!! Shout out, Wide Eyes, The Usual Suspects and the Turnt Up! Crews!!

Minnesota Daily interviews Franz Diego about hosting the TCHHA

2011-01-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

The red carpet for rappers

Twin Cities hip-hop’s night to shine.

date2011 / 01 / 27

sectionA&E > Music

By Sally Hedberg

WHAT: 5th annual Twin Cities Hip Hop Awards

WHEN: Fri Jan. 28, 8 p.m.

WHERE: First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N

COST: $10/$12 at the door

Any halfway conscious Twin Cities dweller is aware that hip-hop has become paramount to our local music scene. What they might not be aware of is that the verse-spittin’ brilliance extends far beyond the productions of Rhymesayers. All of the talent deserves celebrating, and they’ll all get it this Friday at the 5th Annual Twin Cities Hip-Hop awards.

“It’s definitely the place to be for anything hip-hop related in the Twin Cities,” said American Idol finalist and award nominee best R&B artist, Paris Bennett.

Initiated just five years ago, the awards show seeks to bring together the diverse community of Twin Cities artists in a positive way.

“The Twin Cities are awesome and great but there’s still tons of segregation,” one of this year’s hosts Franz Diego said. “We have this huge underground hip-hop scene but the majority of people have no idea.”

By guiding them together for a night of recognition and live music, any tensions that may exist in the outside world are temporarily dissolved.

“It cultivates a crowd that’s not seen anywhere else,” Diego said. “There’s so much diversity, and it’s super positive.”

The awards themselves — 26 total — range from categories like “Best Kept Secret” and “Album of the Year” to more humorous varieties like “Best Hustler.”

In addition to the presentation of awards, show-goers can expect some fiery live sets from standout local names like Maria Isa, No Bird Sing and Paris Bennett.

Despite the clear encouraging vibes that the event is attempting to foster, in recent years it’s been circled with controversy. One reason for this is the voting system. There is no cap to the number of online votes that users may cast for specific nominees. Artists could essentially have a group of their buddies sit at the computer and vote for them a million times. This bothers some people. While the true sentiment of the TC Hip-Hop awards is surely about community and it’d be nice to assume the integrity of local artists, some folks just won’t shut up about it.

The other shred of controversy involves the unfortunate happenings of last year’s show: a physical fight onstage between emcee Boima Freeman and an anonymous stage-crasher.

“Everybody thought it was a joke until they started fighting during the awards show,” Diego said. “It sabotaged the whole event. Everybody had to leave.”

The media’s reaction to the fight was somewhat muddled and in response several local artists, including Diego, released written statements hoping to somewhat lift the fog.

That sporadic occurrence shouldn’t cast a lasting shadow over the event. There are plenty of positives to focus on, mainly the loads of hip-hop artistry that will be witnessed firsthand.

“Everyone is so creative here,” Bennett said. “I guess it shows that we really do have a lot of talent.”

Talent, certainly, that will become more apparent and accessible through events like the hip-hop awards. Eyedea & Abilities articulate the collective feel of local hip-hop best: “Ain’t nothing quite as beautiful as music.”

Video release party for "Midtown Living"!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Monday, January 31st, Illuminous 3 will be throwing a party at Honey for their debut music video for the song "Midtown Living" off of their "Thrift Stores & L's" EP. The video was shot and directed by Greg Grease of The Usual Suspects and captures the lifestyles of all 3 members living in South Minneapolis. The EP, which is available for free download at http://www.illuminous3.com, has received great reviews and local support in the Twin Cities area features production by King Karnov, Sevadar Sehaj, Noam the Drummer and Mavin MC.

The release party is being hosted by "Catch a Case Mondays" at Honey Lounge in NE Minneapolis and will feature brief performances from Wide Eyes, The Usual Suspects and of course Illuminous 3. Following the performances there will be a dance party Dj'd by Dj Noam The Drummer and Dj Gabe Garcia of the Turnt Up! crew. The party goes from 9:30-1:00 am and will be free with drink specials!

Franz Diego to host The Twin Cities Celebration of Hip Hop 2011!!

2011-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, you heard right, the award show which we were scheduled to play last year and was sabotaged due to folks fighting onstage while we were about to go on, that awards show. I offered to help make this a more cohesive and fun time and they obliged so come down and check it out yall!

The Tribe & Big Cats CD Release party hosted by Franz Diego

2011-01-21T10:41:00.001-08:00

TONIGHT

Warriors party tonight!

2011-01-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Warriors party is based on the old gang movie classic "The Warriors" with Performances by Freez & Mike Frey and hosted by Franz Diego and Greg Grease, come thru dressed as your favorite member and wag out!

Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party! Hosted by Franz Diego

2011-01-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

"Turnt Up! Rap Dance Party" is a monthly party thrown every 2nd Friday at Honey in NE Minneapolis. Music is spun by Dj Noam The Drummer, Dj Gabe Garcia and Dj Willie Shu; with Franz Diego as Master of Ceremonies. The night mainly runs as a house party with cheap cover and drink specials.

Also checkout this mixtape Dj Noam the Drummer made to promo our night as well as Catch A Case:

The Symphonic Journey A Special Adventure Vol 1 by noamthedrummer
Heres a promo profile Franz Diego did with Greg Grease for Catch A Case:

Boddhisattva featuring Franz Diego

2011-01-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

This was a song featured on Audio Perm's "Permed Out Wednesdays"

The song is called "Bodhisattva" and features in order: Yakub, Big Dylan, Bobby Richardson, and special guest Franz Diego

Yakub, Franz Diego, Bobby Richardson, Big Dylan - Bodhisattva (Prod. Taylor Madrigal) by Taylormadrigal

Freez and Delko Wolfpakk present "Sub-Zero" a FREE EP!!!

2011-01-14T18:09:00.000-08:00

Me & Delko Wolfpakk released this back in September 2010.. My apologies for takin so long to get it on here.. Delko was born in Gary Indiana, raised in SouthSide Minneapolis, and is currently living in Alabama.. He made all of the beats for this project, is featured on a few songs, and mixed the EP as well.. Big Ups to him.. u can Download it Free here

Lyea

Man-Radio

2011-01-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

Mike Frey and I are proud to release our first track of the new year, “Man-Radio.” A big thanks to Greg Grease and Paul Yutaka for the artwork. You can download the song and artwork here. More music to come soon in 2011.

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #12 featured producer King Karnov

2011-01-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

King Karnov is a well accomplished producer making beats for Busta Rhymes, Raekwon, RZA, GZA, The Game, Young Buck, Bumpy Knuckles, Bishop Lamont, Lord Have Mercy, 88 Keys and the list goes on, a Chi-Town transplant who reps the TC now and we are very proud to work with him! Peep!
Checkout the song:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free #11 featured producer Medium Zach

2010-12-14T11:18:00.000-08:00

Illuminous Free's producer #11 was Medium Zach from Big Quarters who has produced for Brother Ali, Toki Wright, I Self Devine and countless others. He is also a founder of Last of the Record Buyers and teaches beatmaking and producing throughout the Twin Cities.
Check the song out:

Download Mavin MC's new single "Puro"

2010-12-12T22:54:00.000-08:00

Download Mavin MC's new single "Puro" off of his upcoming debut album "Inner City Noise" produced by King Karnov free here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/k9hlrp

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free October featured producer Dimitry Killstorm

2010-11-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Illuminous Free's producer for October 2010 was Dimitry Killstorm from Wide Eyes who has produced for a bunch of south minneapolis rappers.
Check the song:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free September featured producer The Sundance Kid

2010-10-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for September 2010 was The Sundance Kid who is new to the MN hip hop seen and has worked with Truth Be Told, Mally and now Illuminous 3!
This song also features our homie MIKE MICTLAN of DOOMTREE:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free August featured producer Delko

2010-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for August 2010 was Delko from Minneapolis currently posted in Alabama
Checkout the song:

.

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free July featured producer Mike Frey

2010-08-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for July 2010 was Mike Frey who has worked with such artists as I Self Devine, Big Zach of Kanser, Carnage, Desdamona, etc.
This song also Features our long-time homie K-Money from Ann Arbor:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free June featured producer PC

2010-07-13T08:48:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for June 2010 was PC who has produced Toki Wright, BDF, Franz Diego, Greg Grease, Tek and many more!
Check out the song:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free May featured producer Sinister Grinch

2010-05-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

lluminous Free's producer for May 2010 was Sinister Grinch who has produced for Devin the Dude, I Self Devine, Muja Messiah, Long Doe and many more!

Check out the song here:

Illuminous 3: Illuminous Free April featured producer Benzilla

2010-05-03T11:27:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for April 2010 was Benzilla who has produced for Toki Wright, Brother Ali, I Self Devine, BK-One and many more!

Check out the song here:

Illuminous Free March featuring Greg Grease of the Usual Suspects

2010-04-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Illuminous Free's producer for March 2010 was Greg Grease of the Usual Suspects

This month's featured producer for March was Greg Grease of the Usual Suspects. Greg is a producer and rapper from South Minneapolis and has just released a solo ep, Get to know him!

Check out the song we did here:

Watch the Interview here:

Illuminous Free February feat. Nicademus

2010-02-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

Illuminous Free's producer for February 2010 was Nicademus of South Minneapolis

This month's featured producer for February was Nicademus, Champion for the regional Minneapolis title in the Red Bull Big Tune beat competition, he has worked with a lot of very talented folks and has a wide array of styles, get to know him!

Check out the song here:

Check out the video interview here:

New music from Illuminous 3 from the "Illuminous Free" program!

2010-01-31T21:49:00.000-08:00

That's right! Illuminous Free!

In order to stay current and keep up with all the music being released these days, we figure that we'd join in and show you what we got to hold you over in between major releases.

"Illuminous Free" is a monthly program where we will release one song a month featuring a different producer. We have opened up submissions so that any producer can submit any amount of beats each month to be selected for the program. In exchange the producer will not only have a song out with Illuminous 3, but they will also have a mini-interview to showcase what other things they are working on and gain some further exposure. And to top it all off the fans get some free music so everyone wins!

This month's featured producer for January is Gmo, he is a young up and coming producer out of the Twin Cities and he is ridiculously talented, don't let his soft-spokeness fool you!
check the song out:

If you are a producer and would like to be featured in the program, just send an mp3 or wav with the bpm of the beat to franzdiego@gmail.com

Illuminous 3 Thrift Stores & L's free download!

2009-12-06T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's here! For all your free listening pleasures Illuminous 3 presents to you the "Thrift Stores & L's" EP!

We worked very hard on this and hope that if you find it entertaining that you please blog it, post it, share it, email it, tweet it and do whatever else you can do! Thanks for your time!

The project can be downloaded at http://www.illuminous3.mn

New Illuminous 3 - Thrift Stores & L's!

2009-11-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

This is the title track off the new Illuminous 3 project entitled "Thrift Stores & L's," it was produced by Sevadar Sehaj. The entire project will be available for free download at http://www.illuminous3.mn/ a week from today on Monday, December 7th.

EDIT: here is a better link courtesy of http://www.pwelbs.com/: http://usershare.net/je5chfbonrp9
the link for download is here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EI9DJH2C

Illuminous 3 Featured on The March of Time Compilation free download!

2009-10-19T09:22:00.001-07:00

That's right, Pwelbs.com and The Airtime Collection have released a new compilation featuring the best of the Midwest underground and Illuminous 3 Landed our track "BYOB" on it! This track is a preview to our new project that will be available for free download in the next couple months so stay tuned and in the meantime get over to Pwelbs.com and download this compilation!

Go here:
http://www.pwelbs.com

illuminous 3 will be opening up for KRS-ONE OCTOBER 24TH @ Epic

2009-10-14T12:21:00.001-07:00