Chicago emcee ILL Gordon has built a reputation on consistency. Not hype. Not gimmicks. Not chasing whatever trend is floating across timelines for a week. On "Full Plate," his collaborative album with producer Custom Made, that discipline turns into one of the more complete underground Hip-Hop releases of the year.
From the opening moments of the project, the chemistry between the emcee and producer is obvious. Custom Made crafts layered production that moves between soulful textures, heavy drums, smoky late-night moods, and stripped-down boom-bap foundations without losing cohesion. Meanwhile, ILL Gordon attacks each record with the confidence of an artist who knows exactly who he is creatively.
The title "Full Plate" fits the album perfectly. This is not a lightweight release designed for quick playlist consumption. It feels intentional, packed with sharp writing, lived-in perspectives, and records that reward repeat listens. The album balances technical lyricism with grounded storytelling, allowing Gordon to sound reflective on one track and razor-sharp on the next.
Records like "High" featuring Le’Aire Xciv immediately establish the project’s tone with focused rhymes and chemistry that feels natural rather than forced. "Seeds" with JoeyChildz adds another layer to the album’s collaborative energy, while "On The Guys" featuring Andreaus Haley taps into a colder, street-centered atmosphere without sacrificing lyrical depth.
Listen to Spit Fire Radio: www.spitfireradio.com
One of the strengths of "Full Plate" is how well the guest appearances are integrated into the project. Akua Taylor brings emotional balance and texture to tracks like "Open Minded" and "Brand New," while GRIFFEN’s appearance on "House of Chen" helps create one of the album’s most dynamic moments. Instead of sounding like disconnected feature placements, every guest contributes to the overall identity of the album.
Custom Made deserves major credit for the album’s pacing and sonic architecture. The production never overwhelms Gordon’s voice, but it constantly elevates the writing. Tracks breathe. Drums hit with purpose. Samples feel curated instead of overloaded. There is patience in the sequencing that gives the album a cinematic flow, especially as it moves into records like "Above All" and "I Wonder."
"Click Clacks" stands out as one of the project’s strongest moments because it captures the essence of what makes this collaboration work. The beat is gritty without sounding dated, and Gordon’s delivery feels sharp, composed, and completely locked into the rhythm.
There is also something refreshing about hearing an album that sounds rooted in craftsmanship. "Full Plate" is built by artists who clearly care about bars, structure, sequencing, and replay value. That attention to detail gives the project staying power. Instead of sounding assembled for algorithms, it sounds designed for listeners who still value full-length Hip-Hop albums as experiences.
ILL Gordon has always carried himself like an emcee dedicated to sharpening his pen, and "Full Plate" continues that trajectory. The album reinforces why he has remained respected throughout Chicago’s underground scene while continuing to evolve as an artist. Combined with Custom Made’s focused production, the result is a project that feels mature, layered, and deeply connected to Hip-Hop fundamentals.
"Full Plate" is available now through Bandcamp in digital, vinyl, and CD formats.
