Skillz

Skillz, also known as Mad Skillz, is an American rapper, songwriter, and DJ known for his lyrical talent, yearly ‘Rap Ups,’ and the web series ‘Hip Hop Confessions.’ After securing second place in a national freestyle competition in 1995, Skillz, then performing as Mad Skillz, earned a recording contract with Atlantic Records. His debut album, ‘From Where???’, released in 1996, featured the impactful single ‘The Nod Factor’ and carved a distinctive niche in the hip-hop landscape. While the album established his lyrical prowess within the hip-hop community, its title underscored a unique regional identity amidst the genre’s dominant centers. This foundational release laid crucial groundwork for his burgeoning career.

Skillz also created and hosts the web series ‘Hip Hop Confessions,’ which provides a platform for hip-hop artists and enthusiasts to share personal stories, further solidifying his cultural impact. Skillz’s influence extends beyond music into education and public recognition. He served as an artist-in-residence at the University of Richmond in both 2018 and 2020, where he taught ‘The Voice of Hip Hop in America.’ His profound contributions to the city of Richmond were formally recognized on February 13, 2019, when Mayor Levar Stoney declared ‘Mad Skillz Day.’ Recently, Skillz released the album ‘I’m The DJ & The Rapper’ in 2018, followed by ‘The Bop Gods’ in 2023, and ‘The Seven Number Ones’ in 2024. The latter has already garnered a Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, an achievement slated for recognition in 2025, underscoring his continued artistic innovation and impact.