Man-u-iLL

My name is Josue (Josh in English) Manuel Velez, I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised in Connecticut. I grew from a problem child to a troublesome teen and music has been my main form of expression since age my pre-teens. Back in the year 2000 I was convicted of assault in the 1st degree and sentenced to 8 years suspended after 1 with 5 years probation. I spent a year incarcerated, spending 23 out each day in a cell at age 18. During that time I started taking my music more serious. Instead of just writing raps to impress peers or crush chypha’s, I started writing songs. I also was giving the name Man-u-iLL from a clever cellmate who asked my middle name as we were thinking of possible alias’s I could use. I told him, “Manuel” and almost immediately he said, “I got it… “Man-u-iLL!” I’ve been known as that ever since. I was released 2001, second night home I was jumped and left with a few minor and a couple more serious lacerations on my face and head, I was 19 at the time. As I was still running the street I linked up with some talented producers and started recording. I released an 80 minute mix-tape in “2004? titled “Who’s Man-u-iLL” shortly thereafter I was sentenced to 4 out of the 7 years I had hanging over my head, that was at age 22. Basically I got my probation violated out of spite, because I wouldn’t help the prosecutor ruin a friend’s life. I paid the price for my actions and spent about 3 and a 1/2 years traveling Connecticut’s prison system. During in which time I bettered myself in every way possible especially physically, spiritually, and lyrically. Age 25 I made it to a half way house and every chance I got my hardheaded self would sneak off to go record.

I finally made it all the way home March 2007 at age 26. I was on the Go from there, performing all over the tri-state every chance I get. Whether it has been a showcase I had to pay for, a function I was invited to, a community event, I was been doing it… The response I was getting was unlike most, and I probably would have been in a better position if not for another run in with the law that costed me 3 ½ more months of my life in 2010. I know its ridiculous… But I take full responsibility for my actions, except my consequences and know hadn’t not for being in my own for all these past years, I would be well on my way to achieving my dreams.

My music and me are welcomed from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Beyond. Though my buzz is nowhere near were it could or should be, I touch hearts and stimulate brains. I move the crowd, but my aim is for the heart and brain, their legs follow. I’ve opened up for a few big names, I was retired on Connecticut’s 93.7 unsigned showdown “2007?, I’ve placed in almost every competition I’ve been in, I’ve created a buzz for myself mainly locally but have touched areas from east to west on a small scale, and I’m currently running my own business, iLL iNK Graphic & Printing Services. I’m one man and I’m working with what I got right now. I’m very fortunate to have a friends and family that love and support what I do. Since my Release in 2007 I have put a 3 projects, the last one being “Who’s Man-u-iLL PT2 (You Should Already Know)” which was hosted by The legendary Diaz Brothers Tony Touch & Doo Wop. I have made some quality connections but haven’t met anybody who has it in their power to help me take my career to the next level. I’m doing almost everything myself so my moves are naturally limited. I’m not doing badly but I know I can be doing some much better if the right opportunities are presented. I’m looking for stability and I’m trying to make the most of me and my music. I know big things are possible, I know my goals are attainable, I know I have too much work harder, but things are easier said then done. I just need the financial support; professional direction and the rest will fall into place.

I’m currently running my business and trying to take it to the next level as well, The music has tooken a back seat to the business but they actually go hand in hand being that I provide the physical marketing and promotional tools that I need as an artist. Not to mention the branding of the word iLL in Man-u-iLL and iLL iNK. I’m slowly but surely making progress’ making the most of the little I got. I know I have the potential to be placed among the elite; all I need is chance and opportunity. At times this gets discouraging and I feel hopeless but things don’t happen overnight and anything worth having is worth the blood sweat and tears, Struggle Is Necessary.