Baby Illinois Turns Pain Into Purpose on New Album Dreams of Dying

Columbus, Ohio artist Baby Illinois doesn’t make music for numbers, algorithms, or empty trends. He makes it because he has to. For him, music has always been about channeling real emotion into sound — the kind of emotion that only comes from lived experience. On his latest album, Dreams of Dying, Baby Illinois delivers his most honest and focused work to date, proving that vulnerability can be both powerful and inspiring.

His beliefs towards his music

Proudly calling himself an artist, Baby Illinois believes that every creator brings something unique to the table — not because of genre or style, but because no two people see the world the same way. His music is shaped by pain only he has known, heartbreak only he has felt, and dreams that belong solely to him. That individuality shows in his willingness to explore different sounds, collaborate freely, and work relentlessly. Music isn’t something he visits occasionally; it’s something he lives with. Most nights find him creating new songs or revisiting old ones, driven by passion and a deep love for the process.

How his 10 track album “Dreams of Dying” represents his mindset and hustle towards his career

Released on December 12, Dreams of Dying is a 10-track album with no features, allowing Baby Illinois to stand fully on his own voice. The project is raw, reflective, and intentional, showcasing an artist who isn’t afraid to sit with difficult emotions and turn them into something meaningful. The absence of guest appearances keeps the spotlight where it belongs — on the music itself and the stories being told.

goals and accomplishments

While many artists measure success through streams and statistics, Baby Illinois finds his greatest fulfillment elsewhere. One of his most meaningful career highlights has been inspiring others to create. Whether it’s a text from his sister Marley saying a release motivated her to make art, or messages from fellow artists he looks up to, those moments validate his purpose. To him, that kind of impact lasts longer than any chart position.

Trials and tribulations

Like many independent artists, Baby Illinois has faced the challenge of feeling unseen — pouring his heart into music and sometimes hearing silence in return. That rejection can be painful, but it’s also shaped his perspective. He’s learned to return to his “why”: if his music can impact or inspire even one person, then the work is worth it. That belief keeps him grounded and moving forward.

What’s next

Looking ahead, Baby Illinois is focused on growth without compromise. Over the next few years, he aims to find his audience more intentionally, build toward 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and connect with fans on a personal level. Beyond music, he envisions launching an artist collective that starts locally and expands outward, paired with a collaborative clothing brand rooted in creativity and community.

At the core of everything, though, the mission remains unchanged. Since day one, it’s always been about the music — and Dreams of Dying is the clearest reflection yet of an artist who creates not for attention, but for meaning.