Ill Mondo is a bay area production team, dedicated to bringing a classic sound to modern hip-hop. Influenced equally by hip-hop legends like DJ Shadow and Mobb Deep, and also by classic 70’s producers like David Axelrod, they record and mix on all vintage gear which gives their music a unique timeless quality, rare in modern hip-hop.

Their debut release is a split album with LA rapper Neal Rames. The album features legendary guests like Percee P, Prince Po, Sean Price and mix of local professional musicians including Mike Rinta of Tower of Power. Dusty drum breaks are coupled with blazing live Hammond organ and distorted wah-pedal guitar, supported by string sections and funky horn arrangements.

The self-titled album showcases Ill Mondo's unique production style and Neal Rames' intricate but accessible rhyme style. Both the music and the lyrics share similar qualities; both looking back and respecting the past, while also moving forward to elevate the genre. Ill Mondo draws inspiration from 60's and 70's funk, soul, and psych rock. Live guitars, bass, horns and strings are featured heavily on songs like Jump Off and 2 Fold, giving the tracks an undeniably funky feel. Rames' lyrical inspiration is drawn from old school rap and early 90's golden era classics, but he injects his own unique flavor, having honed his own style over years of live performance and recording.

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