Ill Harmonics

Ill Harmonics, the hip-hop duo featuring keyboardist and bassist Blake Knight together with guitarist Playdough, first assembled in Dallas during their time in local church choirs. The pair gained early notice via an appearance on MTV's The Cut in late 1998, securing a deal with Uprok Records despite finishing outside the Top Ten. Knight had previously contributed to Paula Abdul's 1995 album Head Over Heels, while both members also collaborated with Freddie Bruno, Christian rap group BPM, and KJ-52. Their debut, An Octave Above the Original, Vol. 1, arrived in fall 2000.