Memphis, TN; Tampa, FL - “He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs and gave them authority over unclean spirits. He instructed them to take nothing for the road except a staff, no bread, no traveling bag, no money in their belts, but to wear sandals and not put on an extra shirt. He said to them, ‘Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. If any place does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they went out and preached that people should repent.” [Mark 6:7-12]

Illbrio has put in their time when it comes to hip-hop. Even so, the duo of Illustrate and Elan Brio continues setting the bar for what excellence in Christian rap looks like.

With their new album, Part Two, Illbrio delivers an unfiltered Gospel message over banging boom bap beats.

The 14-song project is a masterclass of lyricism, elite production, and using music as a tool to carry out the Great Commission. The Shadow of the Locust affiliates let everyone know that they are still at the top of their game as they offer track after track of noteworthy performances from Part Two’s beginning to the finale.

Elan Brio executively produced Part Two. The album features collaborations with MotionPlus, Procyse, Imagery Beats, and DJ Stibs.

Included on the album are the acclaimed singles “Next To Him” and “Feel This,” along with the standout opening track “Break It Down.”

Part Two releases to digital streaming platforms on August 1, 2025.

What will be your favorite songs from the project? Add them to your playlist on your preferred music streaming service and be sure to share!

Instagram: Illustrate | Elan Brio

• Title: Part Two

• Artists: Illustrate, Elan Brio

• Release Date: August 1, 2025

• Production: Elan Brio

• Features: DJ Stibs, Imagery Beats, Procyse, MotionPlus

1. Break It Down

2. Feel This

3. Unity

4. Next to Him

5. Can I Get a Witness

6. The Finer Things

7. Moments of Silence

8. Paradigm Shift

9. Chess vs. Checkers

10. Repentance Is a Bad Word

11. My Brother’s Keeper

12. Rhyme

13. Please Wait For Me

14. Keep It Simple

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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