Celebrating 7 Years of iLLANOiZE Radio: A Night of Memories, Music & Community

Written By: I’Ja Marie

​October 19th marked a truly special moment—iLLANOiZE Radio’s 7th anniversary! The celebration was a beautiful reminder of how far the platform has come and how much further it will go. Hosted by the unstoppable trio—Bekoe, PrettyRiot, and Illinois Jones—the night was filled with powerful stories, genuine connections, and, of course, Chicago’s finest creative energy.

It was amazing to hear Bekoe, PrettyRiot, and Illinois Jones reminisce about their journey. They shared the real, raw beginnings of how they met and how iLLANOiZE went from an idea to the pulse of Chicago’s underground scene. Their passion for supporting the city's talent has grown into something much bigger than a radio show. It's become a true movement—a platform that has inspired and empowered artists across the city. To hear their stories and witness the impact they've made firsthand was nothing short of inspiring. It reminded me that when you see a need, you don’t wait for someone else to fill it—you step up and create that space yourself.

​iLLANOiZE x studioSHAPES

​This year's anniversary celebration was made even more special by a unique collaboration with studioSHAPES, who partnered with iLLANOiZE to bring an extra layer of creativity and community to the event. Together, they created an experience that highlighted not only the past seven years of iLLANOiZE but also the bright future ahead for Chicago's creatives.

​The celebration didn’t stop at just reflecting on the past; it was all about embracing what’s next. The anniversary event, Auxtales, held on October 19th, was an unforgettable night of music, culture, and community. Attendees were treated to live music submissions from rising artists, handpicked by iLLANOiZE, making for an exciting showcase of Chicago’s next wave of talent. It was a huge opportunity for artists to have their music broadcast to a live audience, and the energy in the room was unmatched.

​The night also featured drinks by Copajn Vodka, delicious food from Isanis Catering, and, of course, the iconic iLLSTYLE Freestyle Cypher that capped off the evening in true iLLANOiZE fashion. It was a perfect mix of art, culture, and celebration, with the cypher bringing together some of the city's most talented emcees for an electrifying close to the night.

​What struck me the most throughout the event was the sense of community. iLLANOiZE isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about building relationships, creating spaces for artists to grow, and making sure everyone feels seen and heard. The work they’ve done for Chicago’s artists and creatives is invaluable, and this 7th-anniversary celebration was a powerful reminder of just how much they've accomplished.

October 19th was more than a party—it was a testament to the growth of iLLANOiZE and the future of Chicago's creative scene. Here’s to seven incredible years and many more to come!

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