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Update #9: Happy New Year!

Posted on December 30

Hi, everyone!

I hope this finds you all happy and healthy and ready for a new year.

I wanted to say thank you again for your support and pledges to help bring my album Family First to life. Without your support this wouldn't be possible.

I had hoped to finish it before the new year and have it shipped out to all of you already. I may have overestimated what a new dad can accomplish. lol. But rest assured I am hard at work on wrapping the album up and if all goes well I should be done by the end of January. I have two more songs to finish, some mixing and editing to do and then the final master. So far so good though. 

I hope to have the album art and official track listing to post soon. I am also working on getting some videos and visuals done to help support the album. 

Please bare with me as I work hard to get this done. I didn't want to rush it and have it lacking the quality I know you expect from me. I can't wait to share this new collection of songs with you and I appreciate your patience and support as always.

Thanks again and have a happy, healthy and safe new years. 

Peace,

Illus

P.S. Please subscribe to my blog at http://www.AdamWallenta.com for more current updates as I have them. Also- if you were a supporter of my last album, or you just really like the album. Pleaserate it and leave a positive review on iTunes. The more reviews we get the better. Just because the album came out in early 2011 doesn't mean we have to stop pushing it and showing it love. Peace!  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/for-adam/id445849255

Update #8: Original Tupac Painting Reward

Posted on November 18, 2011

Pledge $100.00 and get this original watercolor painting of Tupac. This is a great opportunity to own a one of a kind original work of art. This would look great framed and hanging up on your wall.

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Update #7: Exclusive Special Reward

Posted on November 18, 2011

Some time ago I painted this piece for a good friend and actress- Jonisha Rios. This was used as a promotional postcard for her one woman show that has been produced across the U.S. from New York to California. I am offering this original one of a kind watercolor as a special reward to the first person that pledges $50.00. This is a great opportunity to own an original and it is perfect for framing. 

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Update #6: Limited Edition Reward- Copy of KRS-One/Bumpy Knuckles: Royalty Check

Posted on November 6, 2011

As many of you know, I do a lot of freelance work for other musicians in the industry, designing and illustrating album art. This past year I had the honor of designing the art for the KRS-One and Bumpy Knuckles album- Royalty Check. I have a few extra unopened personal copies I am making available to the first 5 believers who pledge $22.00. 

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Update #5: New Rewards Available! Original Paintings: Ladies and Monsters #1-4

Posted on October 26, 2011

Hello, all!

Over the summer I was a guest at the 2nd annual ComiCONN where I painted a series of canvases live for all in attendance. I am now making these 4 individual canvases available to the first 4 people who make a pledge of $80.00 each.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This reward is really only for CT residents since the canvases are too large to ship, I will have to hand deliver them. However if you are out of state and really interested in one of the canvases email me directly at illus@americanmule.com and we can figure out the extra shipping costs. Do not pledge for these paintings if you are not in CT and we haven't agreed on an extra shipping fee- otherwise it will be your loss. Sorry. :-)

Pick from #1 through 4 of your choosing. There is only 1 of each and once they are gone that is it. Wouldn't one of these look awesome hanging in your house? Check the rewards section for more details.

Peace!

Illus

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Funding Successful

This project successfully raised its funding goal on November 23, 2011.

Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more

15 Backers

Pledge $10.00 and get an autographed limited edition copy of my brand new cd- FAMILY FIRST.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $22 or more Pledge $22 or more

4 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 5 remaining)

Pledge $22 and get a copy of the brand new album- Family First and a copy of KRS One and Bumpy Knuckles- ROYALTY CHECK. As many of you know, I do a lot of freelance work for other musicians in the industry, designing and illustrating album art. This past year I had the honor of designing the art for the KRS-One and Bumpy Knuckles album- Royalty Check. I have a few extra unopened personal copies I am making available to the first 5 believers who pledge $22.00.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more

11 Backers

All of the above plus your name in the "Thank You" section of the cd packaging and an autographed copy of my limited edition "MASK" maxi-single.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more

5 Backers • Limited Reward (5 of 10 remaining)

All of the above plus an autographed limited edition Iron Man print, illustrated by me (of course) as seen in the "update" section. The print is 11 x 17 and perfect for framing. These prints are only available with this reward. They will not be issued with any of the above rewards.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more

2 Backers • Limited Reward (8 of 10 remaining)

All of the above plus an autographed limited edition "Zombie Fett" print, illustrated by me (of course) as seen in the "update" section and the perfect gift for any Star Wars and Zombie fan. The print is 11 x 17 and perfect for framing. These prints are only available with this reward. They will not be issued with any of the above rewards.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

NUDE IN NEW YORK ORIGINAL PAINTING. Pledge $50 to own this original one of a kind watercolor painting for the Nude in New York postcard. You will also get... All of the above plus an Executive Producer credit in the cd packaging and copies of my two previous cds- Feel Good Music and For Adam.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more

5 Backers

All of the above plus an Executive Producer credit in the cd packaging and copies of my two previous cds- Feel Good Music and For Adam.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more

1 Backer

All of the above plus two extra copies of the new limited edition cd- Family First, for you to give as gifts to friends or loved ones with good taste in music and an autographed copy of the official Public Enemy graphic novel collection that I co-wrote with Chuck D and illustrated.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

This is for Connecticut Residents ONLY (Unless you want to pay extra for shipping!) I am not sure what shipping will cost- it's a pretty large painting. All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus... Ladies and Monsters #1 This original painting is 1 of a series of 4 paintings done live at the 2nd annual ComiCONN by me. It is acrylic on canvas and measures 30 x 40. Check the updates section for a visual. Because of the high cost of shipping I will actually hand deliver this to you if you are a CT resident. Otherwise, if you are out of state and would still like this please contact me at illus@americanmule.com to work out the details and extra costs. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

This is for Connecticut Residents ONLY (Unless you want to pay extra for shipping!) I am not sure what shipping will cost- it's a pretty large painting. All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus... Ladies and Monsters #2 This original painting is 1 of a series of 4 paintings done live at the 2nd annual ComiCONN by me. It is acrylic on canvas and measures 30 x 40. Check the updates section for a visual. Because of the high cost of shipping I will actually hand deliver this to you if you are a CT resident. Otherwise, if you are out of state and would still like this please contact me at illus@americanmule.com to work out the details and extra costs. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

This is for Connecticut Residents ONLY (Unless you want to pay extra for shipping!) I am not sure what shipping will cost- it's a pretty large painting. All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus... Ladies and Monsters #3 This original painting is 1 of a series of 4 paintings done live at the 2nd annual ComiCONN by me. It is acrylic on canvas and measures 30 x 40. Check the updates section for a visual. Because of the high cost of shipping I will actually hand deliver this to you if you are a CT resident. Otherwise, if you are out of state and would still like this please contact me at illus@americanmule.com to work out the details and extra costs. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $80 or more Pledge $80 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

This is for Connecticut Residents ONLY (Unless you want to pay extra for shipping!) I am not sure what shipping will cost- it's a pretty large painting. All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus... Ladies and Monsters #4 This original painting is 1 of a series of 4 paintings done live at the 2nd annual ComiCONN by me. It is acrylic on canvas and measures 30 x 40. Check the updates section for a visual. Because of the high cost of shipping I will actually hand deliver this to you if you are a CT resident. Otherwise, if you are out of state and would still like this please contact me at illus@americanmule.com to work out the details and extra costs. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

"Tupac" Reward. All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus the original "Tupac" painting. This is a one of a kind original work of art. This is a true collector's item suitable for framing. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

1 Backer SOLD OUT (0 of 1 remaining)

All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus the original back cover art for PUBLIC ENEMY #3. This artwork is black and white and measures 22x17. This is a one of a kind original published work of art featuring Public Enemy rocking out on stage. This is a true collector's item suitable for framing. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more

3 Backers

All of the above plus an original one of a kind black and white illustration by me, autographed to you. A true collector's item suitable for framing. You will also get an extremely limited physical cd of my FEEL GOOD REMIXES album by DJ Johnny Juice. This has never been released on cd and this will be the first and only time it is available.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more

1 Backer SOLD OUT (0 of 1 remaining)

All of the above (minus the original art from the $100 Reward) plus this original tribute painting of Jam Master Jay featuring Scott La Rock, Tupac, Biggie and Big L, available to the first person that pledges $125.00. This one of a kind work of art by me was originally published in the first issue of Demented Magazine. This is a true collector's item and would look great framed and hanging on your wall. The painting is watercolor and oil and measures roughly 11 x 8.5.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more

0 Backers

All of the above plus an original one of a kind color illustration by me, autographed to you. A true collector's item suitable for framing.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

All of the above PLUS the original pencil drawing for ILL BILL's "BONES on BLACK" Uncle Howie T-shirt that I illustrated for the man himself. You can view the printed image here- http://www.merchdirect.com/ILLBILL/Tshirts/Bones_on_Black?productid=13214 The original is illustrated in pencil on 8.5 x 11 paper and would look awesome framed. The ultimate gift for any ILL BILL and Uncle Howie fan.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

All of the above (minus the limited edition original art rewards) PLUS the original pencil drawing for ILL BILL's "PIN UP on BLACK " Uncle Howie T-shirt that I illustrated for the man himself. You can view the printed image here- http://www.merchdirect.com/ILLBILL/Tshirts/Pin_Up_on_Black?productid=13215 The original is illustrated in pencil on 8.5 x 11 paper and would look awesome framed. The ultimate gift for any ILL BILL and Uncle Howie fan.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more

0 Backers • Limited Reward (1 of 1 remaining)

All of the above (minus the limited edition original art rewards) PLUS the original pencil illustrations used for the J-Live Undivided Attention ep. These are actually 3 separate drawings- each portrait on 8.5 x 11 paper and they will be framed all together as one piece. This is a one of a kind original and the perfect reward for fans of original art and J-Live. Check the updates to see what these look like.

Estimated Delivery: Dec 2011

Project By

For adam cover.large

Adam Wallenta

Connected as Adam Illus Wallenta (1032 friends)

Illus is one of Hip-hop's best kept secrets- an underground emcee and artist hailing from Connecticut, Illus has toured the globe and worked with some of the greatest emcees of all time including Chuck D, Dilated Peoples, Blackalicious, R.A. the Rugged Man, and more. A professional art teacher and world-famous illustrator, Illus is responsible for the official Public Enemy comic book series and has designed and illustrated album art and merchandise for KRS and BDP, Bumpy Knuckles and Statik Selektah (Lyrical Workout), J-Live, Ill Bill, Apathy, Public Enemy and more.

In 2010 ILLUS released Feel Good Music, a 7-song opus that displays the passion, soul and heart of the artist with a true feel-good HIPHOP vibe. ILLUS is not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve as he raps about his love for his wife, family and friends as well as the microphone and the culture that inspired the man. FEEL GOOD MUSIC is more than just nostalgia or a dedication to all of the great HIPHOP pioneers, it is a true modern day classic that captures the essence of all that is good about HIPHOP music and brings it to light in the modern age. Produced exclusively by J.J. Brown (Louis Logic, Apathy and more), Chuck D from Public Enemy called Feel Good Music “One of the best albums of 2010”.

In 2011, ILLUS released For Adam, a ten-track collection of songs that epitomize the very best of what HipHop has to offer as an art form and culture- positive, hardcore, passionate, meaningful lyrics and beats that penetrate the mind and soul and leave the audience feeling inspired. For Adam also features an incredible collection of talented artists ranging from legends like Freddie Foxxx and Craig G to game-changers like Homeboy Sandman and Eternia and musical sensations Paul Dateh and Erin Barra and is exclusively produced by JJ Brown.
For Adam is an extremely personal project for Illus, one which pays homage to the late Adam Walsh who was murdered in 1981 and whose father John Walsh went on to help create the long-running television program, America's Most Wanted. The album reflects on the darkness of murder, kidnapping, child abuse, addiction, and slavery, while celebrating the strength to overcome the struggles and obstacles of life and live it to the fullest despite the odds. It is a testament to what Hip-hop stands for, the ability to rise up out of the shadows of despair and turn "nothing" into "something"; uniting people from all walks of life and inspiring peace, love, unity and having fun. For Adam was successfully funded through Kickstarter.

In 2011, ILLUS also released The Mask ep and Feel Good Remixes. Produced by DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy, the critically acclaimed Feel Good Music is transformed into an incredible new sound and experience that can be listened to over and over again alongside the original as if it was a completely different album.

  1. adamwallenta.com
  2. illusmedia.com
  3. youtube.com
  4. americanmule.com
  5. itunes.apple.com