Hip-Hop has always created space for fresh and cool vibes. SKYXXX makes fun and entertaining music for today’s audience without forgetting the struggle that preceded his current success.
First of all, congratulations on the success of your new video. Tell us about the creative process behind Madhouse.
The visual is basically how I came up with the song. I shot it outside my boy’s house. It was kind of an in-the-moment thing… I sat down with the director and gave him my idea and he made it come to life. He picked the team and he made it come together really well.
The coloring and direction was very dope and creative. As far as the project, what would you love for your fans to gain from it?
Shit, do what you want to do. By any means, go hard for your creative side and never give up on it. Just push because there is no limit to it. If you have a creative goal, just keep fucking going after that shit.
Who are the some of the artist that you may have inspired you to pursue a career in rap?
I grew up listening to The Fugees. That was the first bit of rap I heard. From then on, there was Mobb Deep, Jay-Z, and stuff like that. I wouldn’t say that I’ve been inspired by anyone but there are several artists from the hip-hop world that I do like. If I had to say a name, it would stop after The Fugees.
The Fugees are considered by many to be the greatest group of all time.
What would you say that you bring to the game that sets you apart from other artists out right now?
I think I bring a little bit of something different. I bring personality… I am real. I am different in the sense that I’m not trying to be different like everybody else.
It definitely comes across in the music you create. How do you decide which beats make it or work for you?
I used to be the kind of guy that if you sent me ten beats and I liked seven of them, I would rap to all seven of them. I would end up with too many records. I learned to narrow it down and focus on making hit songs. Even if I initially liked seven, I have to pick the one or two that I really liked the most. That’s how I pick beats now… I’m only going to go with the one or two I really really like.
In your bio, you are quoted speaking on the importance of sharing your story and how you are when you feel good. Break that down for us.
It’s like when you have money in pocket. You’re chilling… People are usually stressed out at work all week and when they get paid on Friday, they want to chill, go to a bar, or whatever they do. That’s what I mean by feeling good. I can create from a place where I want to talk about the things the I’ve been through – the experiences. Or, I can come from a place where I am having fun with the music. Those are the two sides that I have, the side where I am feeling good while having fun and the struggle I’ve seen firsthand.
Another thing that stands out about you is the way you approach life; you say want everyone to know it’s okay to have fun but not to lose sight of their destination. Explain.
It’s okay to have fun but you still have to be careful of what you do. We have a lot of the younger artists dying from drugs and stuff like that. They are just trying to have fun… But, always have an objective. As artists, we can be the hardest people to convince to get our shit together. That’s why you should always have a reason or purpose to focus on and don’t lose sight of it. Basically, what I am speaking about is if you want to go out and have a drink with your homies – go out and do that shit, but don’t be irresponsible. Don’t be that guy who doesn’t think about how he’s going to get back from there. You should already have had a plan before you left.
That’s great advice that you definitely don’t hear from a lot of new artists these days. You used to be member of a group called Swamp Posse, but now you’re a solo act. How did it feel to step out on your own?
I never stepped out. I’m still Swamp Posse. I am the one who created that group. Me along with some of the other members went our own ways and we’re doing different things. It all worked out for the best for everybody because without each other, none of us would be where we’re at now. All of the other homies that were part of that crew are doing good as well.
BE’N ORIGINAL
