DETROIT’S NEWEST SUPERSTAR SKILLA BABY
BY LIAM GILLIN (HE/HIM)Humble, determined, and poetic: three words to accurately describe 24 year old rapper Skilla Baby. He has already had an incredible journey under his belt and it’s only the beginning. From performing at Little Caesars Arena to collaborating with Tee Grizzley, Skilla Baby has become a household name in the Detroit hip-hop scene.
The foundation of his music is not only his variety of music taste but also the importance of having his hometown style incorporated in his work. Artists such as Adele, Halsey and Lil Wayne take on his playlists. In the age of streaming where anyone can upload their songs in seconds to the world, it can be challenging to find local music scenes. For Skilla Baby, having the Detroit sound provide that foundation has been a crucial element to his success and gives him a unique identity.
Focusing on building a local fanbase is more than just creating music that defines the growth and struggle of where one comes from for Skilla Baby, it’s also about giving back to the community. Skilla has performed at arenas, festivals such as Rolling Loud and joined Lil Baby in this year’s Super Bowl Party performance. With all of that he takes the time to perform at high schools in the Detroit area with the goal of letting the youth know that if he can be successful then they have the capabilities to do anything they put their mind to as well.
Since the success of “Icky Vicky Vibes” and Controversy, Skilla Baby has described his experiences whether that may be positive or negative in his music as inspiration. His motivation to begin writing started as a result of having to memorize a Langston Hughes poem as a child. Poetry also has played a role in his rap music and lyrical growth. Skilla Baby describes poetry as more than just rhyming but also the symmetry, metaphor, and imagery behind it.
Skilla Baby is a rapper of growth and education as he understands the importance of learning what it means to be grounded, taking small steps to reach major goals, and researching his fan base. As he comprehends that a pillar to success as a rapper is figuring out how his music can grow along with his audience. It’s more than putting out songs and albums for Skilla Baby but discovering what works best and running with it.
Skilla Baby has an amazing year ahead of him as he has many upcoming projects along the way. Fans can anticipate more authenticity in his upcoming work and consistent drive to grow along with his audience in the future.