ill by instinct

Artist Bio – ill by instinct

ill by instinct is a veteran hip hop artist and producer from Maine. For over a decade, he helped build the local scene by hosting Rap Night in Portland and organizing the annual Ruckus Cup Classic MC battle. His work blends sharp lyricism with grounded storytelling, shaped by years of experience both on and off the stage.

He has released several solo albums, including The World Is Tired of Poets (2019) and Havnauts (2023). After two years of intensive touring across the U.S. and Southeast Asia—including Vietnam and Thailand—he took a year and a half to step back and reconnect with life outside of music.

Now, ill by instinct is creating a new EP titled Quantum Quill. This project marks a return to focused songwriting, rooted in craft, clarity, and intention. He's seeking support to bring it to life and share it with the community that helped shape his voice.