Denver, CO by way of Memphis, TN — “All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.” [John 1:3-4]

Veteran hip hop artist and Shadow of the Locust member Illustrate has been grinding for years, the creative vibes refusing to slow down.

On May 1, 2026, the Colorado-based emcee delivers his newest 18-track project, Creative, across digital streaming platforms.

At the forefront of Creative is a heart for those using their gifts for God’s purpose. Rooted deeply into the boom bap soundscape that defines his sound, Illustrate joins forces with some of the illest lyricists in the Christian rap underground scene. Features include Elan Brio, J. Solo, Man of War, Jeremiah Dirt, Procyse, and more. Production for the album comes courtesy of F-Plus, SP Double, DJ Elder, Elan Brio, and Illustrate himself. The end result is a listening experience that captures the heyday of hip hop’s golden era.

The highs, lows, and everything in between that resides on Creative arrive at a crescendo of encouragement and strength for individuals who put their all into their craft. Included in the 18-track run is the acclaimed single “Burden” that features Nest86, Proklame, DJ TWLV, and Elan Brio.

Other standout records include: “That Sound,” “My Last Record,” “Perspective,” “Bare Knuckle Sentences,” and the album’s title track. What will be your favorite records from Creative? Add them to your playlist on your favorite music streaming service.

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• Title: Creative

• Artist: Illustrate

• Release Date: May 1, 2026

• Production: Elan Brio, F-Plus, SP Double, Illustrate, DJ Elder

• Engineering: Illustrate, OG Flow of Preachas in tha Hood

• Features: Nest86, Proklame of Coram Deo, SP Double, Elan Brio, Chain Breaker, J. Solo, The Illmarillion, Jeremiah Dirt, Ill Lawgic, Man of War, Procyse, Idiomz Da Prophesayer, Nomadik Vagabond, DJ TWLV, DJ Elder, DJ Stibs

1. Idiomz Intro

2. Give It Everything

3. Seasoning

4. That Sound

5. Waiting

6. Creative

7. Burden

8. Day 1

9. Sober

10. Perspective

11. Bare Knuckle Sentences

12. Half Right

13. I’m Looking for Illustrate (Interlude)

14. Gift of the Unknowns

15. If He Aint In It

16. Doyle Dykes Interlude

17. My Last Record

18. Bare Knuckle Sentences (DJ TWLV Remix)

Illustrate stepped on the Hip Hop music scene in 1995. 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. 0ver 25 years later and Illustrate still creates new music. With the release of several independent solo efforts and compilation releases, he still chases his passion of sharing his faith through the 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.

 

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