With sights on a revolution, Skypp is back with his brand of Sophisticated Street Music. Following his most recent Top 15 iTunes charting project, Skypp’s highly anticipated new album KING OF INDIANA has been released on all major platforms. The album contains 20 original songs and vignettes, including “Divine Rights of Kings,” with features from Grammy-winning hip hop artist, songwriter, and activist Rhymefest (Kanye West, John Legend), Allison Victoria, Chuck Mason, and I had this amazing chance to catch up with the artist and discuss his upcoming plans, the process behind his songwriting and his inspirations.
You’ve established yourself as a phenomenal rapper, what inspired you to become a rapper?
Having an outlet to speak about my life was probably the biggest defining factor in me being a rapper. It felt good to write down my thoughts and feelings and to see how creative I could be with it. Basketball was my first dream and it caught my attention. But music caught my heart.
How has streaming platforms such as SoundCloud helped you?
I had a freestyle series called #SkyppSaturdays that was my introduction to the world. That series was featured exclusively on SoundCloud. That was the only platform that really made sense for my vision. So, it’s safe to say that the platform of SoundCloud helped jumpstart my career!
How has rap changed throughout generations?
I feel like the only things that change in the rap game is the sound. The messages are somewhat the same. It’s still street-oriented for the most part. It’s also extremely popular now. It wasn’t so popular in its early days. Rap basically runs the music world now.
You’ve come up with amazing rhymes, take us through your songwriting process?
I write everything on the spot. I love the pressure and it brings out the best in me. I don’t like to hear the music beforehand either. Everything has to be fresh for my creative juices to flow smoothly. The lyrics come to me randomly. Sometimes it’s a verse, sometimes it’s a chorus and sometimes it’s a melody. Regardless, the song is usually done in about 45 minutes, tops.
How much of an impact does rap have on people and can it be a catalyst for change?
This is a huge debate in the hip-hop community. I feel that rap music impacts people, especially the youth, tremendously. It’s basically our soundtrack to life. Rap music raised some of us. Energy is also real. If I listen to a bunch of music about hustling, I’m gonna want to hustle. That’s exactly what I went and did by the way, (Laughs). Now I listen to a lot of soulful music, especially gospel. It helps to keep me balanced and positive
What is the core message you would like to promote through your music ?
To be comfortable in your skin. This world comes with a lot of influence and peer pressure. There are so many people out there living other people’s lives because they’re not content with their own. Acceptance is a disease. I promote self-love and confidence.
How has social media platforms helped you promote your music ?
Social media will put you in front of the world if you’re able to crack the code. It’s a big help and cheat code, honestly. The only place where you can promote a product and get rapid response. Social media is vital!
How does it feel knowing that your music truly inspires your fans and can truly make an impact on them?
It’s kind of surreal. To the point where I don’t even realize sometimes. I totally forget who I am at times. It’s hard to grasp when it’s you doing it. Nonetheless, I’m grateful that there are people out there who take heed to my attempts of inspiring the world.
You’ve been an outstanding live performer. Do you miss the atmosphere and the vibe when it comes to performing live for huge crowds?
I did miss it a lot. I was lucky enough to be invited to perform at a March Madness event in Indianapolis recently. Only my second show since the pandemic started. My last one was almost a year ago. Man, it was a blast. I can’t wait until tours start back. I’ll be on one, for sure!
If you had a choice to collaborate with any rapper, which rapper would you choose and why ?
I’d have to go with the homie Nipsey Hussle (R.I.P). He was just everything you could want in a rapper, in my opinion. If I had to pick a living artist, it would be J.Cole. He’s my favorite rapper nowadays and one of my favorites of all time.
Do you have any upcoming projects for us to be excited about ?
I’ll be releasing Side B to my album “King of Indiana” soon. In the meantime, you’re definitely going to want to check out the “King of Indiana” album. It’s an experience! Not your average rap album, a complete experience!
