Before his solo career, Illy was a member of Crooked Eye, but opted to leave the group. in 2011. Illy released his first album, Long Story Short in 2009. Long Story Short reached No. 24 on the ARIA Top 40 Urban Albums chart and the lead single, "Pictures", was placed on national rotation on Triple J. In April 2010, Illy embarked on his first national headlining tour, playing 12 dates nationally. In September the same year, Illy toured nationally alongside Australian rappers 360 and Skryptcha for "The Three Up Tour". Illy featured on the track "Take It from Me" on producer M-Phazes' 2010 debut album Good Gracious. In 2010, Illy released the singles "The Chase" and "Cigarettes" and in October 2010, released his second studio album The Chase. The Chase peaked at number 25 on the ARIA Charts. The album's third single, "It Can Wait" became Illy's first charting single on the Australian Singles Chart, peaking at number fifty-eight. In February 2011, Illy embarked on his 14-date nationwide "The Chase Tour", with special guest M-Phazes. In October 2011, "It Can Wait" was certified Gold by ARIA after selling 35,000 copies. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2011The Chase was nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Urban Album.
2012–15: ''Bring It Back'' and ''Cinematic''
In May 2012, Illy released "Heard It All", the lead single from his third studio album. In September 2012, Illy released his third album, Bring It Back, which peaked at number 15 on the ARIA Charts. Illy described the album as a "passion project" and a "tribute" to the Australian hip hop scene. A 24-date nationwide tour supported the release, with Australian hip-hop producer Chasm and Skryptcha as support acts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2013, Bring It Back won Illy his first ARIA Music Award, winning ARIA Award for Best Urban Album. In September 2013, Illy left Obese Records to set up his own label, ONETWO records, and signed South Australianhip hop artistAllday. In November 2013, Illy released his fourth studio album, Cinematic. The album debuted at number 4 on the ARIA Charts. In March 2014, the album's fourth single "Tightrope" became Illy's first top 20 single, peaking at number 18.
2016–present: ''Two Degrees'' and sixth studio album
In July 2016, Illy released "Papercuts", featuring Vera Blue, which peaked at number 2 on the ARIA charts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2016, the song was nominated for four awards. In October 2016, Illy released "Catch 22" featuring Anne-Marie, which peaked at number 11 on the ARIA charts. In November 2016, Illy released his fifth studio album, Two Degrees which debuted at No. 1 on the ARIA charts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2017, the album was nominated for three awards. "You Say When" and "Oh My" were released as singles in 2017. Illy toured the album and won ARIA Award for Best Australian Live Act at the ARIA Music Awards of 2017. On 24 May 2019, Illy released "Then What"; his first new release in 2 years. Singles "Codes" and "Lean on Me" followed in 2019. On 13 February 2020, Illy released "Last Laugh" On 22 May 2020, Australian radio station Triple J premiered a new song by Illy titled "Parmas In June", created as part of a COVID-19 self-isolation musical challenge nicknamed Quarantune.
The Australasian Performing Right Association Awards of 2017 are an annual awards ceremony to award outstanding achievements in contemporary songwriting, composing and publishing. Illy has won three awards from eight nominations.
ARIA Awards
The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987. Illy has won two trophies from fifteen nominations.
