Making your mark and earning a reputation in a music industry that is becoming increasingly competitive with each passing year is no mean feat. It takes talent, ambition, originality, and a whole lot of heart. Anyone who has met hip-hop artist Signature illi—no matter how briefly—knows he possesses all those key traits in abundance. Yet, it’s Signature illi’s big heart that the man born as Sahil Contractor is most renowned for, and one that shines through in his latest song, “Contagious,” which has made something of a splash in the industry.
Unlike a lot of artists who risk everything on their dream of making it big, Signature illi is something of a renaissance man and has an interesting history of pursuing other business interests. Dropping out of college, he fell naturally into the shoes of an entrepreneur and became a restaurateur with a string of restaurants to his name. Signature illi has famously used the restaurants to give something back to the community and empower others to pursue their own dreams. It’s this selfless commitment to the betterment of others’ lives that marks the hip-hop artist as someone different from many in his field, but it’s also the unique flavor of his music that helps him stand head and shoulders above the competition.
“Music has always been my first love since I was a young boy,” explained Signature illi, who added, “I think the passion was passed on to me by my parents. My mother was a very gifted singer who could convey emotion effortlessly when she sang. My dream is to convey that sort of emotion in my music and infuse every lyric with my passion and dreams. My parents have been such a huge influence on me. Their hard work and sacrifice blessed me with the opportunities they never had. Their example keeps me rooted and humble and has filled me with the knowledge that life is about giving more than receiving.”
A cursory listen to Signature illi’s “Contagious” will make you realize what the fuss is all about. It exudes warmth and playfulness and has the heart of a genuinely creative and giving individual. It’s already made a lot of waves in the industry, and its authenticity and positivity define its creator. Signature illi’s journey to date has been interesting and engaging, and there is a definite air of excitement around what the hip-hopper with a heart of gold will do next.
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