Ft. Myers, FL; Byhalia, MS - “to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirt of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” [Ephesians 4:22-24]

On June 20, 2025, Illbrio (Illustrate and Elan Brio) drop their collaborative single Next to Him, as they debut their new group and prepare for their first album.

Elan Brio holds down the production on the sample-driven boom bap track that sets the stage to captivate the ears willing to hear. Next to Him features Brio and veteran emcee Illustrate flexing their lyrical muscles with a message meant to inspire.

We all go through those moments where we feel we are less than. Despite our flesh, there is a version of ourselves that is covered by the sacrifice of Christ, and it is that which is seen by the Father. It is our ultimate form, and we achieve it by remaining Next to Him.

Hip hop heads who are constantly searching for top-level lyricism should look no further. Next to Him showcases the skills of an emcee’s emcee. Illbrio brings their best, and fans should expect no less.

Add Next to Him to your playlist on your favorite music streaming service.

Instagram: Illustrate | Elan Brio

• Title: Next to Him

• Artists: Illustrate, Elan Brio

• Release Date: June 20, 2025

• Production: Elan Brio

Illustrate stepped on the Hip Hop music scene in 1995. Back in the days when KJ-52 was known as King J Mack and Mars Ill’s Manchild was beginning work with The Pride. In the Denver music scene, where Illustrate began, he was working with a local secular music label known as Kut-N-Kru Records. While working with this label, Illustrate was mentored in his musical production by DJ Scratch G. Scratch G also taught him the basics of sound recording. The first few songs they recorded were on a ¼ in reel-to-reel which gave them a limited eight tracks to record with. Beats were produced on an Esoniq EPS. Although the setup was simple, it built a foundation for Illustrate to create musically.

Over 25 years later and 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 of sharing his faith through music. While collaborating with various artists throughout the years, Illustrate has refined his skills as an artist and producer and dramatically grown in his faith in Christ. Illustrate has worked with artists and producers such as Manchild (Mar’s Ill), Judah Priest, Redcloud, Saltybeats, Jesthebeats, Shadow of the Locust, Jeremiah Dirt, Elan Brio, K.P.(4th Ave Jones), Man of War, Fros’T, G Life Outreach, and Represent. Each of these collaborations has allowed Illustrate to refine his art and build strong friendships with these artists.

In 2016, Illustrate became a member of two amazing super crews. 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 as well as supporting crew members with their projects.

Toward the end of 2024, Illustrate officially joined forces with long-time friend and producer Elan Brio to form the rap duo, IllBrio. They had worked together for decades, trading verses on each other’s projects as well as Elan Brio producing many of Illustrate’s most memorable songs. Now, as an official Hip Hop group, they prepare to share their debut album Pt. 2

Elan Brio is a Texas-born, Florida-based Christian rapper, producer, and engineer with over 20 years in the game. Influenced by icons like J Dilla, Wu-Tang Clan, UGK, and the Geto Boys, he fuses the grit of ’90s boom bap with Southern soul and faith-centered lyricism.

Now residing in Southwest Florida, Elan returned from a long hiatus with a renewed purpose: to serve, uplift, and inspire through authentic hip-hop. From church events and community shows to group homes and youth programs, his music has always been rooted in service and real-life impact.

As a multi-talented creative, Elan blends lo-fi, boom bap, trap, and hyper-trap sounds, layering smooth production with honest, thought-provoking verses. His style is raw yet reflective, blending street wisdom with spiritual depth.

Off the mic, Elan Brio is committed to being a light, whether coaching football, volunteering, or simply encouraging others through his journey. His music mirrors his life: real, humble, and rooted in faith.

With performances across the country, a presence in online beat showcases, and growing momentum on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Elan continues to make waves, delivering consistent releases and a sound that connects on a deeper level.

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