Lil Will
Band Story
Lil Will: From Midwest Hustler to Hip-Hop Visionary
Willie James Ray III, known to fans as Lil?Will, grew up with a mic in one hand and a camera in the other. Born on October 9, 1991, in Centreville, Illinois, and raised in Cahokia, he came of age where ambition meets adversity. It’s there, in the heart of the Midwest, that he built his empire brick by brick—one verse, one beat, one visual at a time.
His breakthrough came in 2016 with the EP The World Is Mines, a bold statement of intent that caught fire across local scenes thanks to raw, reflective singles like “Heaven or Hell” and “Day 1s.” From there, Lil?Will’s catalog only grew sharper, deeper, and more personal. Albums like Free World and Eskimo Lifestyle showcased a storyteller capable of blending street wisdom with visionary production, featuring collaborators like Echo, Kevo, and Timo.
But Lil?Will wasn’t just making music—he was crafting a legacy. As founder and CEO of Dream Team Empire, he expanded his reach into fashion, filmmaking, and mentorship, transforming his brand into a movement. Through Dream Team Empire Films, he’s directed, edited, and produced music videos and short films that carry the same grit and soul as his lyrics.
A self-taught audio engineer and full-stack creative, Lil?Will dropped Prod By Lil?Will in 2023, producing every beat and even featuring his children—Rayinna Ray and Willie IV—as a symbolic passing of the torch. His latest work, Mastery, released in 2024, is a testament to an artist who’s not just evolving but elevating with every drop.
With over 400 songs, 6 albums, and millions of views and streams, Lil?Will stands as a blueprint for independent artists who want to own their story—unfiltered, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
Willie James Ray III, known to fans as Lil?Will, grew up with a mic in one hand and a camera in the other. Born on October 9, 1991, in Centreville, Illinois, and raised in Cahokia, he came of age where ambition meets adversity. It’s there, in the heart of the Midwest, that he built his empire brick by brick—one verse, one beat, one visual at a time.
His breakthrough came in 2016 with the EP The World Is Mines, a bold statement of intent that caught fire across local scenes thanks to raw, reflective singles like “Heaven or Hell” and “Day 1s.” From there, Lil?Will’s catalog only grew sharper, deeper, and more personal. Albums like Free World and Eskimo Lifestyle showcased a storyteller capable of blending street wisdom with visionary production, featuring collaborators like Echo, Kevo, and Timo.
But Lil?Will wasn’t just making music—he was crafting a legacy. As founder and CEO of Dream Team Empire, he expanded his reach into fashion, filmmaking, and mentorship, transforming his brand into a movement. Through Dream Team Empire Films, he’s directed, edited, and produced music videos and short films that carry the same grit and soul as his lyrics.
A self-taught audio engineer and full-stack creative, Lil?Will dropped Prod By Lil?Will in 2023, producing every beat and even featuring his children—Rayinna Ray and Willie IV—as a symbolic passing of the torch. His latest work, Mastery, released in 2024, is a testament to an artist who’s not just evolving but elevating with every drop.
With over 400 songs, 6 albums, and millions of views and streams, Lil?Will stands as a blueprint for independent artists who want to own their story—unfiltered, unapologetic, and unforgettable.
Band Members
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Illinois (IL)
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