Lillie Longoria
- Producer
Lillie Longoria, also known by her stage name Ill Lil, stands as a formidable figure in the underground hip-hop and horrorcore music scenes. Her life story is one of extraordinary resilience, creativity, and unyielding dedication. Raised and Created in Milwaukee, to a Mexican-American father and an Irish-German mother, Lillie is the eldest of five siblings. Her upbringing in a multicultural family environment instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse influences and a strong sense of loyalty and family
Early Life and Musical Beginnings (2004-2005):
Lillie's musical journey began in 2004 when she co-founded the hip-hop group SMB alongside her younger brother and sister. This early venture into the music world marked the beginning of her relentless pursuit of artistic expression. Simultaneously, Lillie's life took a turbulent turn as she joined a well-known Latino gang. Seeking a sense of belonging and protection, she became deeply involved in the street life, which led to nine incarcerations. These intense and challenging experiences profoundly influenced her music and writing, embedding a raw, unfiltered honesty into her art. Despite these challenges, Lillie's determination remained unwavering.
In 2005, after the birth of her first daughter, Alicia, she made a critical decision to distance herself from the gang lifestyle and refocus on her music and family. That same year, SMB disbanded, prompting Lillie to embark on a solo career. Her debut single, "Fucked Up," released independently, resonated deeply with listeners and laid the foundation for her future success. The raw emotion and authentic storytelling in her music began to draw a dedicated fan base, eager for more of her unique sound.
Solo Career and Personal Growth (2005-2009):
With the dissolution of SMB, Lillie dove headfirst into her solo career. Her passion for music extended beyond performing; she immersed herself in writing, producing, promoting, and collaborating with other artists. In 2006, she founded Milwaukee Juggalos, a platform that quickly became a central hub for underground hip-hop and horrorcore enthusiasts. This site was a lifeline for fans and artists alike, offering promotion and marketing for music albums, current events, and underground news. Covering topics from politics to religion, Milwaukee Juggalos became a one-stop destination for Juggalos and horrorcore fans across the country, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. Milwaukee Juggalos played a crucial role in promoting and supporting a wide array of talents, including Dark Half, Bloody Ruckus, Scum, Insane Poetry, Hex Rated, Smallz One, and many others. The site's reach extended far beyond its Milwaukee roots, becoming a vital resource for the underground music scene nationwide. It was a testament to Lillie's vision and dedication that Milwaukee Juggalos became synonymous with the underground culture, providing a platform where artists could thrive and fans could connect.
The Dark Lotus Invitation and Transition to Family Life (2008-2010):
In 2008, Lillie received a significant opportunity when The Rave/Eagles Ballroom invited SMB to open for Psychopathic Records' super group Dark Lotus at their Milwaukee tour stop on June 19th. Initially agreeing to the performance, SMB ultimately disbanded just four days before the show, marking the end of an era for the group and leaving Lillie at a crossroads in her career. Despite this setback, 2010 marked a new chapter in Lillie's life. She settled down and married her first husband, Andy Neal. The couple welcomed three children together: Gabriel, Silas, and Lilliebelle (LB). Although she scaled back her active involvement in performing, Lillie remained deeply engaged with the music community. She continued to run Milwaukee Juggalos and maintained a regular job while tirelessly promoting hip-hop artists and groups. Her promotional efforts supported acts such as Fallguy, Tech N9ne, Potluck, 2nSane, and Madchild. She also produced the horror film "The Girl who played with the Dead". Lillie's work in Producing, managing and booking concerts kept her connected to the pulse of the underground music and entertainment scene, ensuring that her influence remained strong even as she balanced the demands of family life.
Re-connection with J.Crow and Personal Resilience (2016-2023):
Following her separation from Andy Neal in 2016, Lillie's path crossed once again with an old friend and fellow artist, Johnny Pietila (known as J.Crow). Their brief rekindled relationship resulted in the birth of their daughter, Hela Reign, in 2018. Hela's voice quickly became iconic, uttering "That's my dad" as the distinctive watermark on all "Hela Crow Beats." This period also saw Lillie and J.Crow bonding over the tragic loss of their mutual friend and fellow artist, Geno Cultshit, who passed away from suicide in 2015. This shared grief deeply influenced their music and artistic collaborations, infusing their work with a profound sense of emotional depth and authenticity. Even though she left the gang life behind, she suffered a gunshot wound to her right thigh in 2023. After a period of drifting apart, Lillie and J.Crow reunited in 2023 and have been inseparable since, both in their personal lives and professional endeavors. Together, they formed the Horrorcore duo NBH (Natural Born Hustla$), gaining notoriety as the "Wicked Wisco's Most Hated Duo." Their dynamic partnership brought a new energy and vision to the underground music scene, blending their individual talents into a compelling and powerful artistic force. Throughout her career, Lillie has been instrumental in promoting a diverse range of artists. She has in one way or another promoted talents such as Insane Clown Posse (ICP), Twiztid, Damien Quinn of Dark Half, We are One, J.Crow, Boondox, Prolifick, Hot Box Boyz, Murda Matt, Snypa da Prophet, 2Nsane, Pazzo, Windy City Music, Yung Ghost, Brew City Butchers, Geno Cultshit, Tha Morgue, Higher Power, Scum, Lex the Hex Master, Bloody Ruckus, Razakel, Insane Versatility, Hex Rated, Smallz One, and The DRP. Lillie's promotional efforts have extended to booking significant events, such as Insane Clown Posse's RiddleBox Tour at Milwaukee's historic Turner Hall in July 2016. Her tireless work in organizing concerts and tours has made her a cornerstone of the underground music community, continually supporting and uplifting fellow artists.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and New Musical Horizons (2024):
In 2024, Lillie unveiled her latest musical endeavor with the release of "Crowtus," the first single from her upcoming EP "Watch Ur Step." This track, a heartfelt love note to J.Crow, was entirely written by Lillie, showcasing her deep personal connection and artistic growth. The EP also features a remake of her 2005 single "Fucked Up," reflecting her enduring presence and evolution in the music scene. Additionally, Lillie co-wrote the hit single "Rumors" by J.Crow, demonstrating their strong creative partnership and mutual influence on each other's work. Beyond her music, Lillie has shown remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. She owns Inked Mke, an event planning and marketing business, and SOLess Records, an underground hip-hop label supporting artists like J.Crow, Insane Versatility, and NBH: Natural Born Hustla$. These ventures have provided crucial platforms for underground talent, fostering a supportive and thriving artistic community. Her businesses are a testament to her dedication to the industry and her commitment to creating opportunities for other artists to shine.
Recovery and Community Service:
Lillie's journey has also been marked by personal recovery and a deep commitment to community service. As a recovering opiate user, she has been clean since 2021, overcoming significant challenges to reclaim her life and continue her artistic journey. Drawing from her experiences with addiction, Lillie and J.Crow now run a Needle Pickup initiative in Milwaukee, organizing monthly cleanups to collect discarded needles from the streets. This effort, undertaken with other former and recovering addicts, reflects Lillie's dedication to giving back to her community and turning her past struggles into positive actions. Her involvement in this initiative highlights her ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to the betterment of her community.
Milwaukee Juggalos - A Pillar of the Underground Scene:
Milwaukee Juggalos, founded by Lillie in 2006, has been a pivotal platform in the underground music scene. The site promotes and markets artists, music albums, current events, and underground news. Covering a wide range of topics from politics to religion, Milwaukee Juggalos is a comprehensive resource for Juggalos and horrorcore fans. It has played an essential role in connecting fans and supporting artists nationwide, establishing itself as a crucial pillar of the community. The site's inclusive approach and broad coverage have made it a go-to destination for those seeking to stay informed and engaged with the underground music world. Legacy and Future:
Lillie Longoria's life and career are remarkable testimonies to perseverance, creativity, and impact. Her contributions to the music industry, her unwavering support for fellow artists, and her dedication to community service have left an indelible mark on the underground music world . Whether she is performing, promoting, or helping those in need, Lillie's influence continues to resonate, embodying the spirit of resilience and passion that defines her journey. As she continues to break new ground in her career, Lillie remains committed to fostering a vibrant underground music scene and supporting the artists and communities she holds dear. Her story is one of transformation and triumph, a testament to the power of music, community, and unwavering determination. Looking ahead, Lillie's vision for her future includes expanding her businesses, releasing new music, and continuing to be a beacon of support and inspiration in the underground music community. Her legacy is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless drive to uplift others, ensuring that her influence will be felt for generations to come