Memphis, TN; Los Angeles, CA - “The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. The slacker craves, yet has nothing, but the diligent is fully satisfied.” [Proverbs 13:3-4]

Today’s music business is fickle, at best. No longer are artists obsessed with putting in the time to perfect the craft. Instead, artists are looking for shortcuts while chasing the limelight. Going viral and farming streams have replaced the feet-to-the-pavement, grassroots foundation that hip-hop was built on. Even in the Christian market, how many individuals can say they are truly an Avid Artist?

With Avid Artist, Illustrate and Salty Beats have created a beautiful representation of hip-hop’s essence that delivers tangibly the gospel of Christ.

The 16-track project debuts on digital streaming platforms on July 12, 2024.

Illustrate (Shadow of the Locust) follows up the single release of “Sam Witwiki” with his newest album in collaboration with producer Salty Beats. From beginning to end, Avid Artist is a blueprint for rappers who want to build their careers the right way. With guidelines rooted in scripture, the project is a boom-bap-centered manual that includes decades of experience and wisdom.

In addition to the veteran skills of its creators, Avid Artist includes guest features from lyrical standouts Brinson, Jeremiah Dirt, ReadyWriter, Codak, and more.

Following 2023’s collective release “A Mighty Army Cometh, Vol. 2,” Avid Artist continues in the sonic tradition that Shadow of the Locust fans have come to expect from the hip-hop crew. It is undoubtedly a welcomed addition to the highly respected catalog.

Which records are your favorites from Avid Artist? Add them to your playlist now on your favorite music streaming platform!

Support Illustrate: Instagram | X | Facebook | Threads

Support Salty Beats: Instagram | Facebook | Threads

Album Details

• Title: Avid Artist

• Artists: Illustrate, Salty Beats

• Release Date: July 12, 2024

• Production: Salty Beats

• Mixing: Illustrate, Salty Beats

• Features: DJ Stibs, DJ Twlv, Brinson, ReadyWriter, Imagery Beats, Chazaq, MVP 5elect, Codak, Jeremiah Dirt, Felicia Ray

Track Listing

1. What Is It Gonna Take Intro

2. Avid Artist

3. Heavy Burden

4. Rock Cry Out

5. Show Up

6. Sometimes

7. I Don’t Know Who Justin Is (Interlude)

8. Stacking Our Claim

9. Sam Witwiki

10. Ways of the World

11. Take Me Higher

12. I’m At Your House (Interlude)

13. Smash the Like Button

14. Glad You’re Here

15. Vibin’ Out

16. Green Burritos Outro

About Illustrate

Illustrate stepped on the Hip Hop music scene in 1995. Over 25 years later, Illustrate still creates new music. With the release of several independent solo efforts and a compilation release with former label mate Minority, he still chases his passion for sharing his faith through the music. In 2016, Illustrate became a member of two amazing supercrews. G-Life Outreach/Street Certified Crew and Shadow of the Locust. With G-Life, he helps organize compilation albums and manages 4 Life Radio. With Shadow of the Locust, he contributes his time and talents to Crew compilations. Illustrate works with both teams on his solo projects while supporting crew members with theirs.

About Salty Beats

Salty Beats is a veteran producer from Los Angeles, CA. His work has appeared on “The Chi” television show. He has worked with Fros’T, K2S, F1, Awon, Ay-Rock, and others. He recently released his debut album highlighting some of his best work over the years. With nearly 30 years in the scene, Salty continues to elevate his work and support hip-hop artists across the country.

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