Sam Cook

Pride of Detroit Illa J is back with a new single, "Sam Cook," the first track from his forthcoming album Home. Produced by Calvin Valentine, the song has a nostalgic lilt to it, recalling African-American crooners of yesteryear (not unlike the man pseudo-referenced in the title.) On the song's Soundcloud page, Illa J talks about his feelings for the new album, saying "Singing was always a big passion for me..I was always fascinated at all the acrobatic vocal runs some singers do with their voice. To me it's an athletic thing and I definitely see myself as a vocal athlete." Home drops in late June.