Applications are open again

NEXT CHAPTER. YOUR PROJECT.

New ideas. Every medium. We’re welcoming makers, creators and talents ready to develop their vision.

Introduce your project
Gritty New York street corner at dusk — wet asphalt, graffiti wall, steam and a gold boombox on the stoop

ILLMATIC
MEDIA

A foundation for makers, creators, artists and talents — across all media. From film, music and podcasts to design, digital content and new creative formats.

AI tools · Contemporary brand design · 25 years of digital media experience

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT →

25 YEARS OF DIGITAL MEDIA EXPERIENCE·FOUNDATION SINCE 2010·INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE·CREATIVITY · DESIGN · TECHNOLOGY

About Illmatic Media

Illmatic Media is a foundation founded by Eddy de Heij, supporting makers, creators, artists and talents across all media. Our roots are in Hip Hop; our outlook is open, international and forward-looking.

Creativity does not fit into one category. We welcome films, podcasts, music, photography, design, digital platforms and emerging media — within Hip Hop culture and beyond.

We bring 25 years of digital media experience together with contemporary brand design, practical AI tools and marketing expertise. The aim is simple: help strong ideas become relevant, well-crafted work that reaches people.

We also build on the mindset your work needs — focus, discipline and the long-term view that carries a project through. Do not underestimate that part.

Read the full story →

from the stoop to the corner office

The boardroom is a cypher

I'll be straight with you: I'm a business man. Not because a lecture hall raised me — because VPRO's Villa 65 on Dutch radio and Yo! MTV Raps did.

Illmatic, Enta da Stage, Hard to Earn. The lyrics of 90s boom bap taught me hustle, hunger and patience. The world is yours — Nas said it, and I built on it. Those lessons took me from washing dishes to boardrooms, and they never once let me down.

Here's the secret they don't put on a resume: some of the hip hop heads of the 90s became today's CEOs. The kid who memorized every verse learned discipline. The kid who wrote rhymes learned to sell a story. The kid who traded tapes learned to negotiate. We never left the culture when we got the corner office — we brought it with us.

Now it's my turn to give back — in knowledge, experience, budget and network. Not as a handout: as a seat at the table.

knowledgeexperiencebudgetnetwork

That's why Illmatic Media stands where it stands: so the next person with a notebook knows the boardroom is a cypher too.

Eddy de Heij — www.eddydeheij.com for more background info.

KRS-One backstage with the crewNasGZAKRS-ONEDJ PremierWu-Tang ClanMethod ManGang StarrBobbitoLil FamePremoScratchExtince backstageDJ Premier with the crewXzibit backstageIce-T backstage with the crewHard to Earn sleeve signed by DJ Premier, 2010GZA & DJ PremierDiego in a Gang Starr teeJeru the Damaja backstageShowbiz with the crewBackstage in ParisRoyce da 5'9" backstageMasta Ace backstageEddy with Smif-N-Wessun backstageGZA backstageBrother Ali backstageChainsawEddy de HeijDjiedjieDeamsDJ Premier & EddySway backstage
WHAT WE DO

Support for makers, creators & talents

Creative strategy, contemporary design and emerging technology. We combine international business experience with a clear understanding of culture, audiences and digital media.

01

Digital Media

Websites, social content, photography, video, films, music, podcasts and interactive experiences. We help makers, creators, artists and talents turn ideas into a strong presence across all media.

02

Brand Design

Contemporary visual identities, design systems and digital-first storytelling. From a new identity to a refreshed brand, we help your work look distinctive, relevant and consistent across every channel.

03

AI Tools & Workflows

Practical AI tools for creative development, content production and smarter workflows. We help you explore new possibilities while keeping human ideas, judgement and your own voice at the centre.

04

Creation & Production

Creative direction, design, editing and production support for sound, screen and digital experiences. We bring the knowledge, network and resources to help your next project take shape.

05

Marketing & Reach

Launch planning, positioning, press and digital media campaigns. We connect your project with the right audience, whether you are building a creative platform, releasing a film or growing a brand.

06

Experience & Network

25 years of digital media experience, shared through mentoring, workshops and practical guidance. Access to an international business and creative network, with support shaped around your project.

07

Mindset & Direction

Talent starts a project; mindset finishes it. We work on the attitude your work demands: focus, discipline, self-belief and the long-term view. Do not underestimate that part — it decides whether good ideas actually reach an audience.

New from Deams — Annihilator (Remix)

Amsterdam OG, Dutch Hip Hop pioneer, and a friend since Deams Music started in 2011.

His new one teams him with producer CHU and Dope D.O.D. — dark, stripped-back boom bap, the way it should be. DJ Premier, Guru, Ice-T, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Chuck D and Jeru the Damaja are already on the résumé; this keeps the line going.

Watch Deams on YouTube →
DEAMS & CHU – ANNIHILATOR (Remix) ft. Dope D.O.D.

Ask the Spotlight

Type an artist's name or a question. The site writes you a personalized spotlight from its own wall of respect and foundation story.