ILL DOOTS | photo by Jacob Brewer | via facebook.com/ILLDOOTS

It’s been a productive couple years for Philly hip-hop collective ILL DOOTS, between theater productions, art shows and regular rap gigs, and their creative momentum hasn’t slowed. Their latest project, a self-titled album, will be released on July 27th via Ropeadope Records.

The single streaming now, “Sheep” combines wonky, bebop keyboards and grooving bassline, a smooth saxophones melody sailing overtop. Elle Morris’ impressive vocals could really only be compared to Aretha Franklin, and she trades the repeated chorus — a critique of constant connectivity — with the other members as they ad-lib in a funky cross between rap and spoken word.

ILL DOOTS continues to embrace unpredictability and create fresh sounds, and they bring their live show to Boot & Saddle July 28th. Moe information can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.