Ill Skillz is a highly sought-after group of young motivational speakers and hip-hop performers from the Greater Toronto Area. Since its inception in 2002, Ill Skillz has presented its exciting and award winning show to hundreds of thousands in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, the Arctic, and the U.S.

"The Talk" addresses teenage stressors that include, but are not limited to: drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, racism, and education. “The Talk” also discusses Unlocking Your Dreams, goal setting, and creating back up plans. This is made all the more meaningful as it is presented in a sincere and entertaining manner to young people by their peers.

Ill Skillz is a multi-cultural group of young people whose love of entertaining and inspiring others motivates them to perform. The message they deliver and the show they present reflect their cultures as well as their youth.

Ill Skillz continues to make a difference today. We consistently and passionately engage youth through a winning combination of education and entertainment—EDUTAINMENT.

The Story

The story began at Dante Alighieri Academy in 2002. In a bid to distance themselves from drugs and gang activity, high school students Carlos Taguba and Philip Sagra formed a Hip-Hop dance group. The duo had amassed ten more members in just one week. They dubbed themselves "Ill Skillz".

The group’s goal evolved when a teacher from their school’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing department approached Ill Skillz. That teacher was Mr. Ed Hogan. Mr. Hogan spoke to Carlos about one of his deaf students. According to Mr. Hogan, this student was struggling academically and socially. The deaf student needed a positive peer group to get him a sense of belonging. Betting on Ill Skillz to be that group, Mr. Hogan asked if his student could audition for the crew. Without hesitation, Carlos said "Yes"—the single and affirmative word that would set the Ill Skillz youth movement into motion.

Mr. Hogan’s wager proved to be beneficial. After joining Ill Skillz and performing at various schools and small venues in and around Toronto, the student's confidence level increased and his grades improved drastically. Through his involvement as an Ill Skillz member, the student turned jubilant and became more outgoing. He finished school successfully, and it was later commented by a social worker and his mother that his involvement with Ill Skillz made all the difference.

This experience gave Mr. Hogan the idea that will revolutionize the approach through which young people are motivated. Mr. Hogan wanted to share his deaf student's story with everyone. However, he also understood that many young people could become apprehensive when the message was delivered by an adult. Mr. Hogan also hoped that young people who are apprehensive about a message delivered by adults would be more engaged by a youth delivered message. Baring this idea in mind, he made a proposal to Carlos. He said, “How would you like to travel all across North America…dancing and speaking to your peers?” Carlos replied, "I’d love to do that". And after months of ‘grooming’ under Mr. Hogan’s tutelage, the group was ready…

Ill Skillz’ first tour across Atlantic Canada and Maine, U.S.A became a hit with teachers and students alike. Since then, Ill Skillz has taken its award winning show to hundreds of thousands across North America. And with their newspaper, radio, magazine and television interviews, literally millions have seen or heard Ill Skillz.