The rapper, aka Alasdair Murray, is running 20 minutes behind schedule and cannot call through at the agreed time.

Two phone calls and a quick email follow-up later, and Illy is finally on the line.

"I'm running around like a f---ing maniac," he said.

"You have no idea."

With four albums, one of which is a new release, Illy is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon and will play in Wagga on Friday night.

With a law degree under his belt, a fiery sense of justice and a revived musical confidence, Illy is a man reaching for the stars.

His new release, Cinematic, was the third-highest-selling Australian urban album for 2013.

Having toured on the back of this album for most of this year, Illy believes he has seen it all - the best, and the worst, of Australia's diverse communities. 

Last month the rapper had to cut a performance short after he was glassed on-stage by an audience member.

"There has been so many stories and mostly they have been great," he said.

"We've been non-stop all year and because Tightrope did so well you can tell when most people know just the one song or all the music.

"It's been really great to watch."

Tightrope has been all over the airwaves but the singer is hoping the fresher mix One For The City gains traction.

"I love this album so much," he said.

"In my opinion, it's the best piece of music I've ever worked on.

"I had three albums worth of confidence behind me and I've modelled what is in my head. It's a little less strictly hip hop, and I've dabbled more with pop and it's worked."

Illy's background is with the law and attained a law degree in his younger years while he was working his way from pub to pub trying to get noticed.

Interestingly, enrolling in a law college was a major coup for him having spectacularly "screwed up year 12". 

Illy insists he maintains his interest in the law but now it's not for him. While he said his immediate future in terms of production is still unclear, falling off the radar is not a possibility.

"Touring the States is definitely on the cards, but Australia is my main focus at the moment," he said.

"The law is a great back-up plan but at this point I'm not looking to that."

And why should he? He is a successful musician in his own right. After all, a suit and tie probably wouldn't mix well with Illy.

What: Illy Cinematic tour

When: Friday, 9.30pm

Where: Romano's Hotel

Tickets: Free entry